Miracle Mindset

 Celebrate Independence Day with Vernon’s 4th of July Celebration! As the summer heat begins to rise, so does the anticipation for one of the most beloved events in Vernon, Texas: the 4th of July Celebration at the Santa Rosa Rodeo Grounds! Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare for an evening filled with excitement, delicious food, and stunning fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  Way back in the 1970s, I lived in the small town of Vernon, Texas. At that time, Vernon was a vibrant place with numerous stores and restaurants. The town hosted an annual rodeo called the Santa Rosa Roundup , and for fun, there was a miniature golf course, and there was the small Plaza Theater to see a movie.

Photos and Story by: Ken Hulsey It’s interesting how certain places from our past stick in our memory. Recently, I have been reminiscing about my time in the northern Texas farming town of Vernon from 1974 to 1978. One landmark that stands out in my mind is the Gibson's department store located just off the Highway 287 frontage road. Like many retail and five-and-dime stores of its time (pre-Walmart and Target for you younger folks), Gibson's offered a little bit of everything—clothes, hardware, household goods, and toys.

 Join the Celebration: 80th Annual Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo in Vernon, Texas Rodeo enthusiasts and Texas residents alike, mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience this May! From May 13-16, 2026, Vernon, Texas, will come alive with the spirit of the Western tradition as it hosts the 80th Annual Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, commemorating eight decades of rodeo excitement, community spirit, and family fun.

Written By Ken Hulsey On April 10th and 11th, 1979, a confirmed 59 tornadoes ripped through Northern Texas, Oklahoma, and several nearby states. This mass outbreak of deadly storms was officially named the Red River Valley Tornado Outbreak, but for all who survived, it was known as "Terrible Tuesday." My family moved from Whittier, California , to the farming community of Vernon, Texas , in the summer of 1974. While we were familiar with earthquakes, we had no idea of the sheer terror that a tornado could inflict in an instant.

Lately, I’ve developed a strong interest in the history of Texas. For Christmas, my wife and daughter surprised me with two fantastic books about the state’s history. Right now, I’m reading one of them, a gift from my daughter, called "The Blood of Heroes" by James Donovan , and I’m really enjoying it. This book focuses on the Battle of the Alamo, a topic I’ve been curious about since childhood.   I can’t wait to share some of the fascinating things I’m discovering from my reading. But before diving into interesting facts about Texas history, I want to share a bit of my own connection to the state. Back in 1974, my father decided he was done with the busy life of Southern California, specifically Whittier, a suburb of Los Angeles. He moved our family to be closer to his brother J.G. and his family in Vernon, Texas. I was just six years old then. Since I was young, moving to a quieter farming town in North Texas wasn’t too hard for me.

One of my favorite stores from the past was the M.E. Moses Five and Dime Store on Main Street in Vernon, Texas . For those of you who are too young to remember, a "Five and Dime" store was an old-fashioned discount store where most items cost around five or ten cents. Of course, you would have to travel way back in time to find those kinds of bargains—much further back than my memories from the mid-1970s. Back then, the only thing you could buy for a dime was a piece of hard candy. A comic book cost thirty cents, and a gallon of gas was sixty cents. To put this into perspective, today a comic book is about four dollars, and depending on where you are in the country, gasoline can range from two to four dollars a gallon.

 Nestled in the heart of North Texas, Vernon is a charming town that truly embodies the spirit of the American West. As you drive along the scenic highways leading to Vernon, you'll be transported back in time to an era when cowboys roamed the plains and the frontier was alive with adventure. The moment you arrive in Vernon, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of its friendly residents, who take pride in their rich cultural heritage and love sharing it with visitors. Take a stroll down the historic Main Street district and you'll discover a vibrant collection of shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in beautifully restored buildings that showcase the town's architectural charm. From unique boutiques offering handcrafted goods to mouth-watering eateries serving up authentic Texas cuisine, there's something for everyone in Vernon's thriving downtown. But Vernon isn't just about its picturesque streets and welcoming atmosphere - it's also a town th...