the parade lifts Christmas spirits. Main Street Texarkana’s Executive Director, Ina McDowell, says, “This year’s 36th annual Christmas parade will be a bit different from years past. We wanted to make sure that it took place as it’s a traditional event that everyone looks forward to. Therefore, we want to make it happen for our community!” McDowell shares, “As Christmas floats line up on the parade route, there will be an open lane for spectators to drive through and view the parade. It’s called a ‘reverse parade,’ and several other towns will be doing this as well.” Among the most notable features of our city is the State Line Post Office and Federal Building. It’s rare because it is located in both states of Texas and Arkansas. Built in 1933, the walls were constructed of Arkansas limestone and the base is laid with Texas pink granite. It’s said to be the most photographed courthouse in the country, after the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. Daily, visitors and natives alike, can be seen snapping selfies and photos in front of this iconic sign with our famous courthouse serving as the backdrop. “Photographer’s Island,” as it is often referred to, is a truly unique landmark of our beautiful cities. The history of Texarkana includes several individuals from this community who went on to do great things. Arguably, the most notable is the late H. Ross Perot. He was born in Texarkana, Texas on June 27, 1930, and passed away last year on July 9, in Dallas, Texas. An American business mogul, Perot was not only a billionaire, but also a great philanthropist. As a very young man, he worked as a paperboy for the Texarkana Gazette . He attended Texas High School and was involved in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout. He later attended Texarkana College and eventually joined the Naval Academy, where he helped establish the honor system. In 1992, Perot ran as an Independent candidate in the Presidential election against George H. W. Bush (R) and Bill Clinton (D). Perot ultimately secured 19% of the vote, surpassing all third party candidates for the previous 80 years. He would run again in 1996, this time representing the Reform party. Perot had a genuine love for Texarkana and believed in giving back. He and his sister, Bette, in
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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