Vendors, sponsors sought for April 25 Gatesville Square Benefit

By david_morris on Fri, 04/17/2026 - 12:18
  • The site of the March 16 fire across from the Coryell County Courthouse is fenced off. A fundraiser is set for April 25 to aid fire departments and employees of businesses affected by the fire.
    The site of the March 16 fire across from the Coryell County Courthouse is fenced off. A fundraiser is set for April 25 to aid fire departments and employees of businesses affected by the fire.

     

    By LYNETTE SOWELL

    Cove Leader-Press

     

    A benefit will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the historic square in downtown Gatesville, the Coryell County seat.

    On the evening of March 16, one-fourth of the historic square burned, and it was an all-hands-on-deck effort from every firefighting agency in the county to assist.

    After the fire, employees of the Gatesville Messenger, Leaird’s Furniture & Appliances, and Freedom Bail Bonds have faced the effects of that loss.

    Two local residents, Amber Tippitt and Rob Williams, started the initiative to help the employees as well as the volunteer firefighting agencies who used multiple resources when responding to the fire.

    Mission Gatesville, a local 501c3, has volunteered to be the fiscal sponsor for the fundraising.

    Special guest emcee is Zack Owen of Waco 100.

    Tippitt and other volunteers have stepped up and a lineup of live entertainment will be performing that day, to include Pearl Bluegrass, Josh Evetts Band, CCC Praise Team, Alice Perryman, Lonny Clyde, Natalie McCarley, Mike & Bailey Dickie, Rocky Pickett, Thiele Alvarado, Jerry Don Branch, Sharp Shooter, Every Rose.

    There will be food trucks on site, and vendors are being sought for the event, particularly those who sell handmade/artisan goods as well as those who can provide Kid Zone activities.

    Local businesses and organizations are also invited to participate.

    Contact Yvonne Williams, Vendor Coordinator, Williams at 254-721-3068 (text is best) or at Yvonnewill04@gmail.com. The vendor application can be accessed online at http://bit.ly/4cuzUk2.

    The deadline to apply for a vendor spot is April 20 at noon.

    There is no fee to become a vendor, however vendors are requested to give a donation from their proceeds such as, of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or more.

    Volunteers are welcome, particularly sports teams, 4H groups, church youth groups and school clubs who would like to host kids zone activities.

    Donations can also be taken to First National Bank Located At 3411 E Main St. Gatesville, and the account is the “Square Relief Benefit”.

    Those who can’t attend the Gatesville Square Relief Benefit will still be able to donate online at https://square.link/u/BVFrlBBU?src=sheet.

    According to event organizers, all funds will be distributed 50-50, half of the proceeds to the employees affected by the fire, and the other half to the responding fire departments in Coryell County.

    Auction items are being sought, and individuals and businesses alike are invited to donate an item, service, or experience. For auction donations or questions, please contact Denise Williams at Williams.denise21@yahoo.com.