<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Josefin+Sans:300,400,600,700|Open+Sans:300,400,600,700,800&display=swap" rel="stylesheet"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .experience-container {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 10000px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> background-color: #000000;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .image-background {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 100vh;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: relative;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .image-background img {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width:100%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-height: 100%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: fixed;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> top: 50%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 50%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> transform: translate(-50%, -50%);<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> transition: .6s opacity ease-in-out;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .image {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> opacity: 0;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .active {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> opacity: 1;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .scroll-container {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: absolute;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> z-index: 10;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> color: #fff;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: relative;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> width: 100vw;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 100vh;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> letter-spacing: 10px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 400;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-transform: uppercase;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 400px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: right;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> bottom: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: absolute;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-family: 'Josefin Sans', sans-serif;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> color: #ffffff;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: absolute;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: 25px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 200px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-transform: uppercase;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height:1.8;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 700;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> letter-spacing: 2px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> bottom: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: 10%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-family: 'Josefin Sans', sans-serif;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> width: 100vw;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: relative;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: center;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> padding-top: 400px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> padding-bottom: 200px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction p, .introduction h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 50%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> margin: 0 auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-family: 'Josefin Sans', sans-serif;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> color: #ffffff;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> margin-bottom: 20px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 300;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height: 1.5;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 18px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .section {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: relative;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 100vh;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> width: 100vw;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 300px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> background-color: rgba(255,255,255,.9);<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> padding: 30px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> color: #000;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: absolute;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> top: 50%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .right {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .left {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-family: 'Josefin Sans', sans-serif;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 20px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 800;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-transform: uppercase;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-family: 'Breve Text Book', sans-serif;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 16px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height: 1.5;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .th-footer {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> z-index: 10;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> background-color: #fff;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> width:100%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> #top-header {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> position: relative;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> @media (min-width: 450px) and (max-width: 850px) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> top: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 45px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 12px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: right;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> bottom: 25%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 350px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 25px !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width:90%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> margin-left: 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 80%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 300;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height: 1.5;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> margin: 10px 25% 10px 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> @media screen and (max-width: 450px) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .experience-container {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> height: 8000px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> top: 100px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 10px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 30px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .headline p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 12px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: right;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> bottom: 50px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 25px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 80%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .introduction p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 80%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-weight: 300;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> text-align: left;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height: 1.5;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> margin-bottom: 10px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> max-width: 100%;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> padding: 25px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: 0px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox p {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 14px;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> line-height: 1.5;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .captionbox h1 {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> font-size: 20px !important;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .left {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .right {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> left: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> right: auto;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </style><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><div class="experience-container"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="scroll-container textblock"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="headline scene" id="landing" data-image="image-landing"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Peeking through the pines</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>A visual journey into East Texas leads to a deeper understanding of the enigmatic region<br>Photographs by Dave Shafer</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="introduction scene" id="leadin" data-image=""><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>A certain mystery</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>shrouds East Texas. With no major metroplexes and few flashy attractions, it’s often overlooked by those traveling through the state. But if photographer Dave Shafer learned one thing from exploring the region during the past year, it’s that East Texans like it that way. “I’m not sure I want to show you how good this place is,” a woman in Palestine told him.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Over the years, Dallas-based Shafer has photographed East Texas subjects for many publications, including Texas Highways. But this was his first opportunity to wander freely and soak in the sights, traditions, and flavors that define the Piney Woods—a chance to slowly uncover what others ignore or overlook.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“I’ve been there enough to know it’s different than everywhere else in Texas,” Shafer says. “It feels a little slower, like the volume’s turned down a bit. I know I’m going someplace special that has its own drum beat.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>He started off with beloved staples: the Texas State Railroad that runs between Palestine and Rusk, Caddo Lake, and the Tomato Festival in Jacksonville. Meandering down countless backroads led Shafer to more unknown locales—he visited 22 towns in total—like Malakoff, Timpson, and Corrigan. “I wanted to give myself plenty of room for serendipity and conversations,” he says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>And despite the tongue-in-cheek response from the woman in Palestine, people were mostly happy to talk. Shafer says he discovered a lot through the simple question, “What’s East Texas for you?”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>The photographs featured here—a small selection of the 11,000 Shafer took—aim to share some of those answers. “There’s a lot more here than what people know,” Shafer says. </p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>But we’ll keep that between us. </p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>—Kimya Kavehkar</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p style="margin-top:20px;font-style: italic;">Opening photo: A businessman enjoys a handcrafted cocktail and newspaper at Nine Flags Bar & Grill in Nacogdoches' Fredonia Hotel. “It may be one of the oldest towns in Texas, which many historic buildings pay tribute to, but the downtown area feels very much in the present,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="palestine" data-image="image-1"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Palestine</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Nuns climb the steps of Sacred Heart Catholic Church—built in 1893—for Wednesday evening mass.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="palestine-2" data-image="image-2"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p> “I got to spend the day with this 101-year-old survivor of the industrial age,” Shafer says of this Texas State Railroad train. “I rode in the cab with the engineer and firefighter. The engine makes a great noise as it rumbles and rattles down the tracks.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="kilgore-1" data-image="image-3"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Kilgore</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Karsen Conser is captain of the Kilgore College drill team, the Rangerettes.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="kilgore-2" data-image="image-4"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“I had the privilege of spending a Saturday in October with these impressive ladies,” Shafer says. “The talent, pride, and discipline on display will give you goosebumps.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="jacksonville-1" data-image="image-5"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Jacksonville</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>A Jacksonville High School tuba player readies himself before the marching band's half-time performance.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="jacksonville-2" data-image="image-7"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Todd Dillon attends Tomato Fest in June. “Jacksonville supplies Texas’ tomatoes,” Shafer explains. “The town celebrates this with a car show, mascots, and, of course, a tomato-eating contest.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="jacksonville-3" data-image="image-6"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>At the 100-year-old Texas Basket Factory, an employee organizes the baskets as they enter the drying ovens.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="nacog" data-image="image-8"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Nacogdoches</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>In the old schoolhouse at Millard’s Crossing—a reconstructed historic village—a copy of Sanders Third Reader, an early American textbook, rests on an ink-stained desk.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="huntsville" data-image="image-9"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Huntsville</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Although Church’s BBQ (an extension of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church) closed its doors in November, it fed the community for 53 years. Cynthia Archie (pictured) kept true to the recipes of Annie Mae Ward, the church member who started the barbecue restaurant.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="malakoff" data-image="image-10"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Malakoff</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Cooper Busch owns Dry Creek Taxidermy. “His business that he runs with his son is not only the place to bring your prized trophy deer, but also where the local retired men gather to discuss the important issues of the day,” Shafer relates. </p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="timpson" data-image="image-11"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Timpson</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Judy Samford is a member of the group RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). The skillful quilters make and sell works to benefit organizations like the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department and the food bank. </p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="center-1" data-image="image-12"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Center</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Workers at Wiggins Farm pick and throw watermelons—one of Texas’ largest agricultural products.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="center-2" data-image="image-13"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Rio Theatre owner Mike Adkison changes the letters on the marquee. The moviehouse proclaims to have been “bringing Hollywood to Shelby County since 1926.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="canton" data-image="image-14"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Canton</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“Spending time at First Monday Trade Days can really bend your perception of time and space as you walk the many rows of vendors,” Shafer observes. “All the people seemed to blend together—then in the distance strode Denis from Bremond with his chicken, Sally, to see what was good.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="sulphur" data-image="image-15"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Sulphur Springs</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Chris Wiesinger finds and saves heirloom red spider lily bulbs, or <i>lycoris radiata</i>, and propagates them on his farm. “He has always loved to find old homesteads and gain access from the families to dig and save these East Texas icons,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="highway-19" data-image="image-16"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Highway 19</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Somewhere on State Highway 19 a sign lets you know Texas okra is available at a nearby vegetable stand.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="como" data-image="image-17"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Como</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“This old Chevrolet is tougher than the barn that has provided it shelter for decades,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="athens" data-image="image-18"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Athens</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Free Fishing Day at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in June brought out many grandfathers and grandsons, all vying to win various contests. “This youngster, on his way home, enjoyed seeing the fish in their environment at one of the display tanks,” Shafer shares.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="crockett" data-image="image-19"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Crockett</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Porter Hendrix, a fourth-generation fiddler, competes at the World Championship Fiddlers’ Festival for the first time. “Young and old make the trip to Crockett to perform and try to win a trophy and bragging rights,” Shafer explains. “But it’s really just a great excuse to see old friends, meet new ones, and jam endlessly.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="corrigan" data-image="image-20"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Corrigan</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>One of the Alto Yellowjackets ices his ankle during their 3A match-up with the Corrigan-Camden Bulldogs.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="tyler" data-image="image-21"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Tyler</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>April Pledger and her miniature Hereford calm each other before stepping into the show ring at the East Texas State Fair. “Seeing the dedication and care these families give their kids and the show animals, and the respect and responsibility these kids take on, is impressive,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="uncertain-1" data-image="image-22"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Uncertain</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“On this 22-degree morning in November, fog was coming off the water, and a fisherman was off to catch his limit of crappie on Caddo Lake,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="uncertain-2" data-image="image-23"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>Bobo watches over the minnow tanks and life preservers at Johnson’s Ranch Marina. Established in 1908, it is the oldest inland marina in Texas.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="naples-1" data-image="image-24"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox left"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <h1>Naples</h1><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“The smell of animals, earth, and leather on a steamy July evening in Naples lets you know that the Watermelon Festival & Rodeo is here,” Shafer says.</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="naples-2" data-image="image-25"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="naples-3" data-image="image-26"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="captionbox right"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <p>“This rural community puts on one of the best rodeos you’ll see with good kids, tough cowboys, and the Queens of the Rodeo.”</p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="section scene" id="naples-4" data-image="image-27"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <div class="image-background"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-landing" class="image" src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nine-flags-bar-and-grill-nacogdoches.jpg" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nine-flags-bar-and-grill-nacogdoches.jpg" alt="A man sits at Nine Flags Bar & Grill in Nacogdoches, TX"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-1" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sacred-heart-catholic-church-nacogdoches.jpg" alt="Nuns on the steps of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palestine, TX"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-2" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/palestine-texas-state-railroad.jpg" alt="A man works on a locomotive of the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, TX"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-3" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/karsen-conser-kilgore-college-rangerettes.jpg" alt="The captain of the Kilgore College drill team, the Rangerettes"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-4" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kilgore-college-drill-rangerettes.jpg" alt="Two members of the Kilgore College Rangerettes"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-5" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jacksonville-high-school-tuba-player.jpg" alt="A tuba player in the Jacksonville High School band"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-7" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jacksonville-texas-tomato-eating-contest.jpg" alt="A young man participating in the Jacksonville Tomato Fest tomato eating contest"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-6" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/texas-basket-factory-drying.jpg" alt="An employee organizes baskets as they enter the drying oven at the Texas Basket Factory in Jacksonville"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-8" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nacogdoches-millards-crossing.jpg" alt="A copy of Sanders Third Readaer, an early American textbook, on display at Millard's Crossing in Nacogdoches, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-9" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/churchs-bbq-new-zion-baptist-church-huntsville.jpg" alt="Church's BBQ of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches fed the community for 53 years."><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-10" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/malakoff-dry-creek-taxidermy.jpg" alt="The owner of Dry Creek Taxiermy in Malakoff works on a deer head."><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-11" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/timpson-retired-senior-volunteer-program.jpg" alt="A quilter works on a project for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Timpson"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-12" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wiggins-farm-watermelon-harvest.jpg" alt="Workers at Wiggins Farm toss watermelons in Center, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-13" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/center-texas-rio-theater.jpg" alt="The owner of the Rio Theater in Center, Texas changes the message on the marquee."><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-14" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/canton-trade-days-texas-chicken.jpg" alt="A man poses with his chicken during Trade Days in Canton Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-15" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sulphur-springs-heirloom-lily-bulbs.jpg" alt="A man finds and saves spider lily bulbs on his farm in Sulphur Springs Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-16" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/texas-okra-highway-19.jpg" alt="A sign on Texas State Highway 19 lets you know okra is available nearby."><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-17" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/como-texas-chevrolet.jpg" alt="A Chevrolet parked in a run-down shelter in Como, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-18" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/texas-freshwater-fisheries-center.jpg" alt="A young man participates in Free Fishing Day at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-19" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/world-championship-fiddlers-festival-crockett.jpg" alt="A young man competes at the World Championship Fiddlers' Festival in Crockett, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-20" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/alto-yellow-jackets-corrigan-camden-football.jpg" alt="One of the Alto Yellowjackets is pictured during a football game against the Corrigan-Camden bulldogs"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-21" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/east-texas-state-fair-hereford.jpg" alt="A young woman talks to her miniature Hereford during the East Texas State Fair in Tyler"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-22" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/caddo-lake-fisherman.jpg" alt="A man fishes on Caddo Lake during a cold November morning in Uncertain, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-23" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/uncertain-johnsons-ranch-marina-caddo-lake.jpg" alt="Bobo the dog watches over minnow tanks at Johnson's Ranch Marina in Uncertain, Texas"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-24" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/naples-watermelon-festival-rodeo-cowbody.jpg" alt="A man in a cowboy hat sits on a fence to watch the events at the Naples Watermelon Festival and Rodeo"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-25" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/naples-watermelon-festival-rodeo-children.jpg" alt="Two young men cover their hearts during the Naples Watermelon Festival and Rodeo"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-26" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/naples-watermelon-festival-rodeo-horseback.jpg" alt="A woman rides a horse carrying the American flag during the Naples Watermelon Festival and Rodeo"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <img id="image-27" class="image" src="" data-src="https://texashighways.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/naples-watermelon-festival-rodeo-queen.jpg" alt="A young woman in a cowboy hat holds a flag during the Naples Watermelon Festival and Rodeo"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/ScrollMagic/2.0.7/ScrollMagic.min.js"></script><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><script><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->jQuery( document ).ready(function() {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var containerHeight = jQuery('.scroll-container').height();<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> containerHeight = containerHeight + 600;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery('.experience-container').css('height', containerHeight + 'px');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> // init controller<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var controller = new ScrollMagic.Controller();<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> // dynamically build scenes<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->jQuery('.scene').each(function(index, element) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var currentElem = element.getAttribute('id');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> currentElem = '#' + currentElem;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var currentImg = jQuery(element).data('image');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> currentImg = '#' + currentImg;<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> new ScrollMagic.Scene({triggerElement: currentElem, duration: '100%'})<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .setClassToggle(currentImg, "active") // add class toggle<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .on('leave', function(event) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> if (index == 1 && event.scrollDirection == 'REVERSE') {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery('#main-header').css('display','block');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery('#top-header').css('display','block');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> })<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .on('enter', function(e) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> if (index == 1) {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery('#main-header').css('display','none');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery('#top-header').css('display','none');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> if (currentImg !== '#') {<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var nextImg = jQuery(currentImg).next();<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> var lazysrc = nextImg.data('src');<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> jQuery(nextImg).attr('src', lazysrc);<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> }<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> })<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> .addTo(controller);<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> })<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->});<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></script>