Written by Randy Rogers
When the people of Dubach woke up one morning in 2024, they discovered a brand-new ballpark, a brand-new children’s park, a repaired Lewis Pavilion on James Lake that was now used as an outdoor music venue, a brand-new fountain, a one-mile nature (birding) trail, a new fishing and kayaking dock, and, last but not least, a brand-new boat ramp.
With Independence Day approaching, it seemed sense to hold a number of festivities on that day, including ribbon cuttings at the Children’s Park, the new ballpark, and the Lewis Pavilion. A softball match would kick off the event, followed by live music at the Pavilion and a nighttime fireworks display from the levee.
This event requires a moniker. We considered reviving Dubach Day, but ultimately decided that we wanted to highlight our small town’s rebirth rather than the past.
Now that the town’s amenities have been restored, people would come to Dubach to play ball, fish, canoe or kayak, observe birds, take the kids to the park, or simply relax on the pavilion, enjoy the fountain, and perhaps consider moving here.
The town of Dubach has changed from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Not many little towns are. Nearly every downtown establishment was occupied by merchants in those days. Our high school had basketball and baseball teams that won awards. Indeed, Dubach prospered mostly due to the fact that nearly all of the males and a few women worked for the nearby gas station.
We now make an effort to be honest and present Dubach as a charming, peaceful, secure small country town that is only 13 minutes away from our Big Southern Sister, Ruston, via a four-lane highway that travels at 65 mph.
We all went to town (Ruston) as kids to go to college, shop, eat, and purchase clothes. Therefore, not much has changed in that aspect.
We are gradually attempting to remove some of the eyesores that give a bad first image, and our houses aren’t as expensive as Ruston’s. After that is over, be careful!
This leads us to the upcoming Celebrate Dubach 2.0 event on Saturday, July 5. The softball tournament this year will take place on our renovated baseball field, which will also include brand-new LED lighting for the first time. There were food trucks everywhere. Additionally, we will be hosting a cross-country race using the ballpark and nature trail for the first time. Following that, there will be a fishing competition and live music that afternoon, including Nashville recording artist and platinum-selling songwriter Chancie Neal. Chancie and her band will continue to perform until the fireworks are lit, allowing us to all enjoy the birthday of our nation.
Hopefully, now you see why we decided to call it Celebrate Dubach.
It was only time to celebrate the efforts of the several volunteers and contributors who made this small-town miracle possible with a party. It’s time to try again now!
There’s even more exciting news! The former downtown Gem Theater was recently acquired by Eric Hanna of the Dubach Hannas, who intends to use it for catered business events and weekend movie screenings.
During Celebrate Dubach Saturday, Eric will open the Gem’s doors from 10:00 to noon so that a quick tour can take place before reconstruction begins. When you’re done, we hope you’ll bring your family to see a performance.
The Bach is back!
Rogers, Randy
