For The People

It all began in January 1891. Louis Dumas founded Dumas Texas.

Many years have passed since then but you still get a Wild West feel when you take a cruise downtown. Yes, it is still a thing we do here, 1960’s be damned!

True to its roots, Dumas has many things you would expect for a town of its age.

Many charming rustic saloon buildings still line both sides of Main Street.

These businesses have held strong for many years. Not many coming or going in my 29 years of life.

2020.

Yikes, let's not go there. That year came and went with some change.

New, exciting business boomed in Downtown Dumas. There are many that I will be mentioning in the near future, so stay tuned in if you care. For today I want to start with Local restaurateur Laura Moore. Here is just one example of the town’s next generation that has stepped up and showed everyone what they’ve got. Her business ‘The Kokken’ is moving and grooving to the beat of its Danish inspired roots. Laura's mouthwatering meals are truly Danish meets Texas where the two worlds come together into a beautiful blend of flavor and aesthetic. Breathtaking meals that are sure to please even the pickiest eater, made with love, sass and tons of class. Speaking of class, Laura never lets any child go hungry. Throughout the year she supplied free lunches for those that would otherwise go without.

It is changes like these that I love to see strengthening our community.

This town, to me, could benefit from many changes. Especially those that bring us all together. It is people like these that we need to carry our town into a better tomorrow.

A new rolled ice cream shop in town Street Vibes, opened their doors earlier this year after a crazy summer selling delicious Snow cone boxes! They also make candies and have their own brand of chamoyada rim paste! Every trip inside this family of go-getters establishment is always pleasant. This business has the friendliest faces behind their plexiglass viewing windows. I walk inside and I’m always met with big smiles and friendly greetings. They have a variety of delicious snacks and handmade treats and candies that are sure to please a variety of taste buds. The atmosphere is light and friendly and you can even enjoy a free game of foosball while you wait.

It is most definitely a vibe to be there. The friendly spirit and can-do attitude of the manager's daughter is truly inspiring. I hope to see her running things one day!

Another place that always leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy is Lowes grocery store.

If you are from around here, I know what you may be thinking but let me explain.

I was born and raised here, because of that I have watched this town grow and blossom. I have always frequently visited Lowes and few things have changed, well besides a brand new door, courtesy of a beloved Dumas local and their red truck.

All jokes aside, I am glad you were okay and the new door was much needed!

When you walk in this store you are met with a sense of home. The staff members that have worked there for years never fail to make you feel welcome. Friendly cashiers and well stocked shelves are always present when I am there. The newest manager took initiative in many unfavorable circumstances this year. Often I found myself heading to Lowes because other stores around town couldn’t see the trouble heading this way. When Covid hit and the shelves ran barren Lowes did what they had to to stay stocked. The store is run by a lady with a good head on her shoulders and a good sense of what it takes to take care of your community. Sadly, Lowes lost some of their friendliest and dearest workers this year due to the pandemic. Their presence is missed each and every visit. People that care the most always leave a great mark on their community.

I am so grateful for the way these new businesses are shaping a better, closer environment for tomorrow. Our small town has always held a strong sense of pride and strived to be the change they want to see in the world. With so many helping hands going out around me I just can’t stay silent. It truly is a beautiful thing to see a community so open to change. A change I don’t want to stay quiet about.

So, thank you, if you are reading this. Thank you for shining your light. The little things you feel can't possibly be making an impact are doing just that. We see you. We feel you, and we are inspired by you! Keep doing more.