Crowds Turn Out for 8th Annual Crossroads Hometown Festival in Hearne
Sundance Head, a former American Idol semi-finalist and winner of NBC’s The Voice, performs for a packed crowd at the Crossroads Hometown Festival on June 7.
Roy McCoy| Robertson County News
HEARNE — A sizzling Texas afternoon didn’t stop the fun as the 8th Annual Crossroads Hometown Festival brought a full day of music, shopping, and celebration to downtown Hearne on Saturday, June 7.
Running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., the festival featured a bustling lineup of food and craft vendors who lined the downtown streets. Booths offered everything from freeze-dried candy and hand-poured candles to children’s toys, custom shirts, cups, mugs, and more. Shoppers browsed and snacked throughout the day, supporting local artisans and small businesses.
Live music began at 5 p.m., drawing a large crowd eager to relax and enjoy the evening. Kicking off the performances was JT Reserve, whose mix of southern rock and country energized the crowd. Next up was Charlie McCabe, a rising singer-songwriter whose smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics kept the audience swaying.
The night’s headliner, Sundance Head, delivered a show-stopping performance that had people on their feet. A veteran of national television, Sundance first made waves as a semi-finalist on American Idol Season 6, and later went on to win The Voice Season 11 under the guidance of coach Blake Shelton. His gritty, soulful style and powerhouse vocals left a lasting impression, especially with songs like “Darlin’ Don’t Go.”
“This kind of event is what music is all about,” Sundance told the crowd. “Good people, real stories, and a community that shows up and supports each other. I’m grateful to be here tonight.”
“It was hot, but it was such a good time,” said Dana Altimore. “The music was amazing, and the vendors had so many cool things. It felt like the whole town came out.”
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year and thanked attendees, vendors, and performers for making the day such a success. The Crossroads Hometown Festival has become a summer tradition for Hearne, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together in the heart of town.
For more information about future festivals or becoming a vendor, contact the event team at crossroadshometownfestival@gmail.com or call 979-959-8150 or 979-402-1337.
2025 Best of the Best Voting Begins
in Robertson County
Staff Reports
news@robconews.com
Robertson County News
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HEARNE — Voting is officially open for the annual Robertson County Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Awards, with ballots included in this week’s edition of the Robertson County News.
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For more than 15 years, the Robertson County News has presented the Reader’s Choice awards, where readers vote for their favorite businesses and individuals across a wide range of categories. This year’s winners will be featured in a special section published on July 17, 2025, and honored at a banquet that same evening at St. Mary’s Banquet Hall in Hearne.
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“It is a very special night. Traditionally, 250 local business owners attend the awards banquet for a catered dinner, live entertainment and, of course, the awards,” said Publisher Dennis Phillips. “But this is not an award from the newspaper, that is what makes it so special. These awards can only be won by the votes of the readers of the Robertson County News, and nothing is more special than having your customers and supporters cast a vote for your business or a ‘person’ award like Best Government Official. These awards are earned by years of service, and that is what makes it all so special.”
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The ballot includes over 200 award categories, ranging from restaurants and service providers to educators and nonprofits.
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“It’s not typical that a person votes in every category and every line on the ballot,” Phillips noted. “I do, and I have every year, but I vote one time.”
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Only original newspaper ballots are accepted for voting. “We tried the online vote once and it was a fiasco, and I didn’t trust it. Having seen it abused in other counties, I no longer use the online ballot system,” Phillips added.
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Ballots must be submitted by Monday, July 7, 2025, and can be dropped off or mailed to the newspaper’s new office at 305 Cedar St., Hearne, TX 77859. Voters may submit as many ballots as they like, but each one must be an original printed form—no photocopies will be accepted. All ballots will be hand-counted by newspaper staff.
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Where to Find the Newspaper:
Hearne: Te-Jos Convenience Store, Lucky’s Food Mart, Brookshire Brothers, Mary’s El Alamo, Drink & Tobacco 2
Franklin: Duffy Drug, New Baden General Store, Mudd Creek General Store
Calvert: BIGS, Cowgirls Tavern
Bremond: All three convenience stores
Also available at: The Robertson County News office at 305 Cedar St., Hearne
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Official Rules:
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Ballots must be original forms from the Robertson County News.
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No photocopies will be accepted.
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There is no limit to the number of entries submitted.
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No personal information is required to vote.
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Voters must reside in Robertson County, Texas.
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Illegible ballots will not be counted.
The 2025 Best of the Best results will be published on July 17. More details about the banquet will follow in upcoming issues. If you have any further questions you can contact Dennis Phillips via EMAIL.
