Good morning, Justin!

Hey Justin friends — grab your pumpkin spice latte and settle in, because this week we’re mixing small-town charm with big ideas. As folks across the country explore “No Buy 2025” challenges (yes, people are posting bragging rights for not buying things), we’re doubling down on what really matters: neighbors, traditions, and hometown stories.

From the 52nd Annual Layne Wilkerson Fish Fry to the brand-new Justin Day celebration, there’s plenty to get excited about — no online shopping required.

Pumpkins, costumes, and candy—oh my! It’s that time of year when parking lots turn into pumpkin patches, trunks turn into treasure troves, and every weekend brings another reason to celebrate fall in and around Justin. Whether you’re in it for the sweet treats, festive games, or just a good excuse to dust off your favorite flannel, local Trunk or Treats and Fall Festivals are popping up all across the area.

Here’s where you can catch all the spooky (and not-so-spooky) fun this season!

Oct. 10-11: Fall into Flower Mound Festival, Hallo-Wing, Celebrate Roanoke,

Saginaw Train and Grain Festival

Oct. 16: The Academy: Timberbrook Fall-O-Ween

Oct. 18: Hilltop Truck Park Trunk-or-Treat

Oct. 25: Argyle Community Trunk or Treat, Trunk or Treat Haslet at Fellowship of the Parks

Oct. 26: Justin United Methodist Church

Oct. 28: Clara Love PTA Trunk or Treat

Oct. 30: Justin Elementary Trunk or Treat

Oct. 31: Trick or Treat on Oak St, 156 Produce Fall Festival

Celebrate the season with a trip to one of these nearby pumpkin patches! From farm fun to corn mazes, there’s something for everyone this fall.

Location: 10534 Eakin Cemetery Rd
Hours: Tues & Thurs 10 AM–5 PM | Sat 9 AM–5 PM

Cut your own pumpkin from 24 varieties ($0.99/lb), enjoy hayrides, and try treats like cider donuts, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, and frozen watermelon lemonade. There’s no entry fee, and kids will love the play areas.

Location: Aurora, TX
Festival Dates: September 26 – November 2, 2025
Hours: Fri 10 AM–3 PM | Sat 10 AM–8 PM | Sun 11 AM–6 PM

Make Ruby Creek your family fall tradition! Enjoy pony rides, barrel trains, hayrides to see longhorns, a two-story sand pile, corn pits, and a general store full of seasonal goods. Relax with live music, fall treats, and even fishing at the pond.

Admission: $12 per person (kids 24 months & under free)
Hayrides: $3 per person (first come, first served)
Parking: Free | Cash & credit accepted

Location: 3420 Hall Johnson Rd, Grapevine, TX
Season: October 3 – November 2, 2025
Hours: Wed–Thurs 3–8 PM | Fri 3–9 PM | Sat 10 AM–9 PM | Sun 1–8 PM
(Closed Mon–Tues; open Columbus Day, Oct. 13, 11 AM–8 PM)

Admission:

Location: 1926 Milam Rd E, Sanger, TX (I-35 & Exit 473)
Season Opening: October 4, 2025
Hours: Sat–Sun 10 AM–7 PM

Admission: Ages 13+ $15 | Ages 3–12 $12 (includes mini pumpkin while supplies last) | Ages 2 & under free

Activities include a petting zoo, hay maze, playground, sensory play, face painting, and family games. Concessions, pumpkins, hay bales, and cornstalks available.

Cooler days, same sweet treats! Beginning October 1, 2025, Papa’s Sunshine Sno Ball Co will be open for fall fun on:
Saturdays: 1–9 PM
Sundays: 1–8:30 PM

Stop by for your favorite sno balls and cozy fall flavors this season!

Fall is the perfect time to connect with neighbors and enjoy all that our community has to offer. Check out what’s happening around town and make some memories close to home this week!

Monday~ Oct 6

Tuesday~ Oct 7

Wednesday~ Oct 8

Thursday~ Oct 9

_{Upcoming:
10/13~ NISD and Argyle Student Holiday
10/17-19~ Southlake Oktoberfest
10/18~ 52nd Annual Layne Wilkerson Fish Fry and Justin Day Celebration
10/25~ Chalk the Park Contest in Flower Mound
10/25 - Cruisin’ in Justin
11/1~ Veteran’s Day Walk at Bishop Park}

Each year, the aroma of fried catfish and the sound of laughter fill the air at the Justin Fire Department’s annual Layne Wilkerson Fish Fry—a hometown tradition that has brought neighbors together for more than five decades.

The event honors the late Freddie Layne Wilkerson, a lifelong Justin resident whose 88 years on earth were marked by faith, family, friendship, and a deep commitment to community. Born in 1930, Layne grew up in Justin and Ponder, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Earles. Together they raised two daughters, Phyllis and Susan, and became woven into the fabric of Justin life.

Layne worked for 20 years at the Justin Seed Company before retiring in 1990. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he collected fishing lures, sang with the Trailblazer Choir at FBC Justin, and was a familiar face around town, always ready for a good conversation or a game of dominoes at his “office.” A man of unwavering faith, Layne served over 50 years as a deacon in the Baptist church, was a proud member of the Justin Masonic Lodge, and an honorary member of the Justin Volunteer Fire Department.

Layne’s connection to the fire department helped inspire one of Justin’s most beloved annual events—the Justin Fire Department Fish Fry, now celebrating its 52nd year. What began as a fundraiser to keep the volunteer department running has grown into a true community celebration of service and friendship.

In its early days, the fish fry helped sustain the fire department, raising thousands of dollars that went toward critical equipment, trucks, and safety gear. Even as city funding increased, the event continued—turning proceeds into capital improvements and keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive.

Layne’s name became permanently linked to the event after his passing in 2019. In his honor, the department continues to host the Layne Wilkerson Fish Fry, celebrating not only his life but the generations of men and women who have served Justin with heart and dedication.

Join the community for the 52nd Annual Layne Wilkerson Fish Fry, a cherished tradition celebrating good food, great friends, and a hometown legacy that continues to strengthen Justin. This year, the event will also feature a celebration of Justin Day, proposed by Jeremy Hill of the Justin Journal and promoted by Shelby St. Claire, honoring the city’s heritage while building on Layne’s enduring legacy.