Outgoing president Heidi Foist, left, is honored by board member and luncheon chair Linda Hess for her dedication and service to the Farmersville Historical Society. Sonia Duggan/The Farmersville Times

A sea of red, white and blue filled the room Saturday, April 11, as the Farmersville Historical Society hosted its annual Spring Luncheon, a patriotic celebration marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Held at Farmersville High School, the “American 250 Semiquincentennial” themed event brought together community members for an afternoon of history, music and civic reflection.

Clay Potter served as master of ceremonies, guiding attendees through a program that blended entertainment with a deeper look at the nation’s founding principles. Guests were treated to a meal featuring barbecue prepared by pitmasters Joe Foist and Steve Pittman, with sides served by Farmersville High School National Honor Society students. A celebratory birthday cake capped off the meal, with attendees joining in a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday America.”

Luncheon chair Linda Hess coordinated the event, which opened with a welcome from Historical Society president Heidi Foist. Mack Hurst delivered the invocation before vocalist Cindy Williams performed a medley of patriotic songs as guests dined.

Foist also presented Presidential Service Awards to board members Linda Hess, Beverly Lenoir and Winnetta Morrow, recognizing their dedication and “many, many” hours of service to the organization.

Attorney Rob Hess delivered the keynote address, reflecting on 250 years of American independence and the responsibilities of citizenship. He emphasized the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, noting the enduring principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

“This is a grand, grand house that we’ve been given by our forefathers, but it needs upkeep,” Hess said. “As citizens, that responsibility is ours for a brief but incredibly critical moment.”

He encouraged attendees to remain engaged in civic life, pointing to the continued evolution of the nation through constitutional amendments that expanded rights and opportunities. “Let’s hear the call of our ancestors and continue to do the work of citizens … that a government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth,” he said.

In addition to the program, attendees participated in a silent auction and a “Most Patriotic” costume contest. Denise Kelly, dressed as Lady Liberty, was named the female winner, while Steve Pittman earned top honors on the men’s side.

The luncheon concluded with a tribute to Foist, who is stepping down after serving as president for the past two years. Potter read a list of accomplishments prepared by Linda Hess, highlighting Foist’s wide-ranging contributions to the organization.

Among those achievements, Foist increased the Society’s Facebook following by more than 2,000, designed a website that generated more than $36,000 in sales and helped rebuild communication and trust among members and the broader community. She also expanded programming through events such as the annual Candlelight Tours at the Historic Bain-Honaker House and modernized operations by establishing regular board meetings, introducing Zoom access and securing internet and security upgrades for the museum.

Foist also wrote and secured two grants through the Collin County Historical Commission, supported the digitization of historical records and helped grow membership by more than 30 new members.

Following the tribute, Hess presented Foist with a large bouquet of flowers.

“What an asset Heidi has been,” Hess said. “We want to honor her for her dedication to the Farmersville Historical Society.”

The annual luncheon serves as a successful fundraiser for the organization. According to Foist, the Society raised $7,743 through the event, including $1,763 in day-of sales from silent auction items and publications. Funds will support the care and maintenance of the Historic Bain-Honaker House and future preservation efforts.

Foist said she is proud of the progress made during her tenure and optimistic about the organization’s future.

“I’m honored to have served as president of the Historical Society for the past two years,” Foist said. “During that time, I planted a lot of seeds to further the Society’s preservation efforts, and I’m excited to see its continued growth.”

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