On Wednesday, September 25, just off of Loop 171 on a property that can only be described as extravagant with a touch of southern flair against a rolling plains backdrop, the next generation of Pampa Harvesters played catch as their parents and coaches mingled and socialized with one another.
With one loud whistle, the kids came running toward the barn, red-faced and sweating from their rigorous play.
They all lined up while this current generation of Harvester football players served them fresh burgers, grilled by the property owner himself with friends.
The older generation of Harvesters, many of whom volunteered their time to help with the event, joined in; the barn acting as a gathering place where the past, present and future sat together to reminisce, revel in current victories, and plan for potential endeavors.
This special get together is only the first of what will be considered many of Parkway Motor’s community events to show their support of Pampa’s youth.
But that’s not to say Parkway hasn’t been front and center with their generosity this year, as their sizable donation towards the Zach Thomas Stadium project last month is still the talk of the town.
Desmond Stirgus, the General Manager of Parkway, wanted to further show his support and appreciation for the community by hosting an event geared toward Pampa’s youngest Harvesters-the 806 Football teams.
“This is an appreciation to the community presented by Parkway,” Coach “Tiny” Williams, who coaches 5th and 6th, said. “They are sponsoring the 806 program as well as the Harvesters. They want to give love back to the kids and thank all of the coaches that have been volunteering because this brings back memories for some of them too. Desmond decided to have a get-together and show love to the kids, the coaches, the parents, and the community.”
Desmond was unsure of where to start, but his worry didn’t last long as many Pampa folks reached out to offer support. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and working for many years down in Houston, Desmond is no stranger to the concept of Southern hospitality, but until you’ve lived in the Texas panhandle, you know that ours is like no other.
“It’s just amazing to see the whole community come together for the kids,” Desmond said. “The hospitality I get here is second to none. I worked in Houston for 20 years, and it’s so different up here. This is my second full month in this town and I’m just amazed at how everybody came together and this right here proves it.”
“The Panhandle is different than any place you’ll ever go,” Tiny chimed in.
Among those mentioned that helped put the event together were Jason Bagwell for providing the beautiful venue and grilling the burgers on the cooker that Hunting/Titan provided, Chicken Express for providing coolers of sweet tea for the thirsty athletes-in-the-making, Pampa ISD and all of the parents and coaches who volunteered their time to make this event a major success.
With the support of the community by his side, Desmond is excited for future projects and events, the next being a turkey drive and a coat drive during these last few cold months of the year.
We thank you all for being a part of what makes this community like no other, and to Desmond, who has now gotten to witness and experience what makes this arguably the best part of Texas, welcome home.
