Diamond Don Event Center

05/21/2024

04/28/2024

Look what you can get at the corner restaurant! Pines Cafe at Lake O Pines. A lot of food and delicious! Highly recommend this cafe.

04/23/2024

Come out tomorrow and support Women of Jefferson Organization Salad Lunch. 11:00-1:00 at First Baptist Church, 523 N Polk, Jefferson, TX. Eat in or take out, until food is gone. You get five salads for $12. Here I am making the 1933 Study Club's Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad. The hardest part was peeling the d*mn eggs! Every man, woman and child needs to know their fractions to cook from recipes. I had to make the recipe x four. So what is 3/4 cup x 4? The proceeds of this event support scholarships for graduating high school, continuing college students and women advancing their career in the workplace. PLEASE SUPPORT. Francene "Moto Mama".

04/19/2024

TBT. Al Baker gave me this jacket at the end of the 1982 Baja 1000. Other than Roger DeCoster and Jack Blalock, do you know anyone that has one? Al autographed this great edition of 1982 Cycle New.s for me. For a great story on Al Baker and XR's, click here for February 1989 Cycle World article. https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1989/2/1/baja-commander #:~:text=AL%20BAKER%20KNOWS%20A%20THING,trophies%2C%20including%20four%20outright%20wins

02/22/2024

Jefferson Area Golfers - Please consider supporting this great event that raises funds for the Jefferson Carnegie Library. The Library has continually served Marion County since its inception in 1903. If you can't participate but would like to support the Library, you can mail them a check to Friends of Jefferson Carnegie Library, 301 W. Lafayette, Jefferson, TX 75657. Thanks for your support. Francene

09/20/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/706851364806169/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

09/14/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/702523641905608/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

September 14, 2023

Dear Business Owner, Managers and staff:

The 5th Annual Jefferson Antique Tractor Show will be held on September 16, 2023. We had a great event last year and are expecting 50-80 tractors this year. This event brings almost 1000 tourists to Jefferson. For tourist-related businesses, please read this entire letter as there is a call to action.

Friday, September 15, 2023 Schedule:

11:00 – 8:00 PM – exhibitor registration and set up, Austin Street

Saturday, September 16, 2023 Schedule:

7:00 – 10:00 AM exhibitor registration and set up, Austin Street

11:00 Tractor Slow Race, Walnut Street

1:00 PM Tractor Parade, see Green Line on map above for parade route

1:45 PM Awards Presentation

We do our best to accommodate early registration combined with street closures that allow Jefferson Businesses to have access for Friday parking for their visitors. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in noting the street closed barricades.

We will reopen the streets after the show ends, as soon as all of the tractors are loaded onto their trailers and have departed Jefferson. This is usually by 4:00 PM on Saturday. Once registration closes at 10:00 on Saturday morning, we will open any streets not filled with our participants.

For tourist-related businesses:

This event is free to the exhibitors and to the public. Annual Tractor Show expenses are $2000 for trophies, insurance and advertising. Special thank you to the Jefferson Businesses who supported this event. Expenses not covered by donations were underwritten last year by event promoters, Francene & Diamond Don Rainey. We have received generous contributions from business owners in the past and hope that you will open your pocketbook and send Diamond Don Motorsports a check to help offset expenses. Send $10, $50, $100, $500 – any amount will help. Our goal this year is $4000 to cover expenses for 2023 and for start-up money for 2024, to assure this event will continue next year. We will accept donations through Friday, September 22. We will acknowledge all of our sponsors on Facebook once donation period expires and will have a special thank you ad in the Jimplecute.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS GREAT EVENT. Let us hear from you!!!!! Make your check payable to Diamond Don Motorsports and mail to PO Box 240, Jefferson, TX 75657 – or put it in the mailbox at Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin. We can also send you a PayPal invoice.

With the excessive heat this year, we know that Jefferson businesses are suffering. If you cannot make a monetary donation, please consider giving a gift certificate or something from your store for our door prize drawing for tractor exhibitors. Melissa will be at registration table on the vacant lot by General Store on Friday, 11:00 – 8:00; and on Saturday from 7:00 – 1:45 PM. Door prize drawing will begin at 1:45.

If you have already donated, THANK YOU.

Thanks, everyone, for your support and a special Thank You to our volunteers that helped make this event successful.

Francene DePrez

(Mrs.) Diamond Don Rainey

Diamond Don Motorsports

903-445-9796

P O Box 240

Jefferson, TX 75657

[email protected]

www.DiamondDonEmpire.com

09/13/2023

Big THANK YOU to Hollis Shadden and Hollis Shadden Studios for your generous $500 sponsorship for the Jefferson Antique Tractor Show coming up this Saturday. Our goal is to raise $4000 which will underwrite 2023 and 2024 expenses. Guaranteeing that this great event will continue.

09/05/2023

We have lots of room for dry camping with generators, so come to small town Jefferson TX for the nation’s largest vintage motocross racing. Park open now! Activities begin on Thursday morning. Cole Johnson doing a good job cutting the dust on the roads. For schedule and information, go to www.DiamondDon.com

07/24/2023

Want to get in some practice before the big 21st DDMX race? Come out for ride day, August 11-13, 2023. It will be a great time.

07/04/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/653947660096540/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

Come celebrate the 4th of July abroad the Jefferson Railway. Trains depart at 12:30 and 2:30. Depot opens at 11 am. Military ride free.

06/26/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/648177780673528/?sfnsn=mo

July 1-4, 2023

Historic Jefferson Railway

4th of July Weekend – gas powered locomotive.

Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)

Saturday, Sunday. Monday and Tuesday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30

The Historic Jefferson Railway will offer a special July 4th weekend as the history of Independence Day unfolds in the narrated day tours on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with trains departing at 12:30 and 2:30. Come see the Support Our Troops display that honors the United States Military. Active Military personnel ride free.

05/18/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/619867990171174/?sfnsn=mo

FYI.....There will be cannon fire on May 19th, 20th, and 21st during the day. There will also be cannon fire and fireworks on Saturday night.

05/15/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/618508130307160/?sfnsn=mo

May 20-21. 2023

Special Train Schedule for Jefferson’s Civil War Weekend

The Great Locomotive Chase – The Andrews Raid

CLICK HERE for tickets

Trains depart from downtown Jefferson depot.

Saturday Narrated Historical Train Day Tours, scouting probes & skirmishes: 11:00,12:30, and 2:30

Sunday Narrated Historical Train Day Tours, scouting probes & skirmishes: 12:30

Come ride the train and experience the story of The Andrews Raid, the Civil War’s most gripping railroad story. See the living history camps along the river, and the soldiers from the North and South in scouting probes & skirmishes, complete with cannons and gunboat. Keep your seat on the train as the battle rages around you.

Note: Normally, the train is pet-friendly. However, due to the gunfire noise at the battle site, we recommend that you don’t bring pets with you for this event.

05/15/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064439359801/posts/618508506973789/?sfnsn=mo

May 19, 2023

Civil War Living History, “Day of Learning”, complete with a gunboat and cannons

9:00 – 2:30 at Diamond Don RV Park

The Great Locomotive Chase/The Andrews Raid

Train departs from Diamond Don RV Park

Friday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30

Additional trains may be added depending on demand

04/21/2023

Rain/Refund Policy

In case of inclement weather situations or mechanical issues where the train DOES NOT RUN (late runs and delayed starting do not apply), passengers may receive the calculated refund value in the form of an exchange voucher valid for future Historic Jefferson Railway events OR passengers may receive the calculated refund value in the form of cash, check or credit to credit card depending on the form of payment that was used for the ticket(s) being refunded.

For refund of individual tickets, less a 10% refund service charge, cancellations must be made more than 3 days in advance. Within 3 days, you will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds the day of the event. No portion of the ticket convenience fee will be refunded.

Group tickets are non-refundable.

Cancellations will not be honored unless you speak directly with a depot ticket agent or receive a direct reply to an email. We will not accept cancellations via phone messages or email for which you have not received a confirmed reply. It is your responsibility to follow up to be sure that we have received your message.

03/31/2023

Come ride the Easter Egg Express, an antique narrow gauge gas-powered train, along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou, on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 12:30 and 2:30. Enjoy the excellent view of the wetlands, piney woods and wildlife along the river in the open-canopied observation cars.



The Historic Jefferson Railway will also offer a FREE Easter Egg Hunt for ticket holders under 10, after each train returns.



The train ride includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for feeding of the live alligators out basking in the sun for that great photo op.



As you roll through the history laden Piney Woods, you’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine and traverse the site of one of the oldest, historical towns in Texas, with historical ruins from the 1800’s. Learn about the unique ecology of the area and hear a tale or two about Bigfoot.



The train rolls right by the home of the Boggy Creek monster as depicted in the horror movie, “Boggy Creek”, filmed in Jefferson and Uncertain. The movie is loosely based on the old Big Foot or Sasquatch legends, says Brian T. Jaynes, director and producer.



Bring your RV or tent camp at Diamond Don RV Park, just a short one mile from Jefferson, on the Big Cypress Bayou, keeping you close to the action. Beautiful wooded sites with lots of wildlife. Many of the RV sites have views of the Big Cypress Bayou. Free WIFI, showers, rest rooms and dump station. Launch your kayak or canoe right from the park. Enjoy fishing off the banks of the river. www.DiamondDonRVPark.com



You can make reservations by text to 903-742-2041 or email to [email protected]. Your tickets are guaranteed once you receive confirmation.



Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time. It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations. Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants. Come shop, dine and stay. There is always a lot to do in Jefferson, Texas!



Historic Jefferson Railway is located at 400 E. Austin in Downtown Jefferson, Texas. For information on events, please visit www.JeffersonRailway.com or call 866-398-2038.

03/31/2023

Due to the owners retirement we will only be running on select weekends.

Dates Times Prices

April 8,
Easter Egg Express
Includes Easter Egg Hunt, for under 10
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

May 6,
Pilgrimage Express
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

May 13,
Mother’s Day Express
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

May 19,
Civil War Days
(departs from RV Park)
10:30, 11:30, and 12:30
$10 (includes living history)

May 20,
Civil War Days
11:00, 12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; lap children free

May 21,
Civil War Days
12:30
$15, plus tax; lap children free

May 27,
Memorial Day Celebration
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

June 17,
Father’s Day Express
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

July 1, 2, 3, 4
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

September 2,
Labor Day Celebration
12:30 and 2:30
$15, plus tax; under 6 free

12/20/2022

Due to the forecast of extremely cold weather on December 24th, we are cancelling all trains. Online tickets have been refunded.

08/06/2022

Come enjoy a weekend of fun at Diamond Don RV Park & Event Center, next weekend, August 12-14, 2022. Dig out that old motorcycle and come ride on the infamous Diamond Don racetrack, which is only open two weekends a year! Only vintage bikes (2008 and older) and riders 18+ on the track.
This is a great opportunity to test out your bike and the track in preparation for 20th Annual Diamond Don AHRMA National Vintage Motocross, September 7-11, 2022. (See www.DiamondDon.com for more information on September event.) Don’t want to haul your trailer home and back again? Leave it at the RV Park.
Don’t ride? No worries - come out and enjoy the festivities in the RV Park and in downtown Jefferson.
The weekend starts off with a Tailgate Party Contest on Friday evening, judging starts at 7:00 PM. Pits will be judged on ambiance, menu and taste. $100 cash to winner, plus a surprise gift.
Ride day on the track will be from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday with a meet and greet dinner and music concert on Saturday evening 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Grey Daddies will be playing on the stage. They are a Shreveport variety band serving the Ark/La/Tex area since 2019 and play classic rock, blues and country. Diamond Don will put on his great fireworks show about 9:30 PM.
In downtown Jefferson on Saturday, Historic Jefferson Railway trains will depart the depot at 12:30 and 2:30 and includes a stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit to see feeding of 8 live gators.
Bring the family and your RV and stay the weekend. There is also lots of lodging in Jefferson, which is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time. It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations. Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants. Jefferson also offers boat rides, canoe & kayak rental, gemstone mining & panning, and other tours and attractions. Come shop, dine, stay and play. There is always a lot to do in Jefferson, Texas.
For more information, visit https://diamonddonempire.com/music-concerts/

07/01/2022

FYI... Although Jefferson is under a burn ban, all of the activities are still talking place INCLUDING the fireworks show on Monday night. So come celebrate with us. There are things to do all weekend. Train rides at 12:30 and 2:30 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Boat rides, lots of shopping and many, many fun things happening at Otstott Park on Monday to celebrate July 4th.

06/07/2022

June 18, 2022

Historic Jefferson Railway

Father’s Day Express– gas-powered locomotive

Includes stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding (weather permitting)

Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 12:30 and 2:30. Tickets are $12 plus tax, children under 6 ride free

Fathers receive a 10% discount when accompanied by their children.

05/21/2022

12/25/2021

Depot opens at 5pm. Trains depart at 6 and 7pm. Tickets are still available $12.00 plus tax and lap children ride free. Come ride along the Big Cypress river and hear about the Wonders of Christmas.

12/21/2021

Historic Jefferson Railway is your ticket to fun! A beautiful train ride along the Big Cypress Bayou in Jefferson, Texas.

11/30/2021

There is alot going on in Jefferson this weekend. Candlelight Tour of Homes kicks off its 39th year, visit The General Store for lots of goodies and a nice cup of hot chocolate. Visit the Lions Club park and take a walk through the Enchanted Forest and last, but definitely not least come ride the Christmas Express. You will hear the Wonder of Christmas and where else can you see a real Charlie Brown tree. Tickets are still available online at www.jeffersonrailway.com or by phone/text at 903-742-2041.

11/14/2021

We are now setting up for the Christmas Express. We will open up on Friday Nov 26th. Trains depart at 12:30, 2:30, 6pm and 7pm (Please note this is NOT the Rail of Lights Train. Scenes will be lit up, but there will not be lights all along the train tracks). We will run every Saturday beginning on Nov 27th through January 1st. We will not be running day trains on Christmas so our employess can enjoy Christmas with thier families. We will although be running our evening trains Christmas night. Depot opens at 11am. Tickets are available online www.jeffersonrailway.com. There is so much going on in Jefferson during the Christmas season, be sure to come visit.

10/01/2021

Who is ready for Halloween?? The Halloween Express opens this weekend. Trains run every Saturday in October at 2:30, 4:30, 7pm and 8pm. Depot opens at noon. Tickets are still available online at www.jeffersonrailway.com or by phone at 903-742-2041.