TradersGuideofTexas.com

Cartoon by Manard Gibson, Mineola, Texas

BIG SANDY — Where will you watch the Super Bowl?

You could watch it in Big Sandy, Texas, along with hundreds of Lovie Smith fans in the building owned by the Church of God Big Sandy just west of town on Highway 80.

Since Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears, grew up in Big Sandy and was a high-school-football hero in the 1970s along with the rest of the varsity team from Big Sandy ISD, the Super Bowl this year is a big deal in this small town in East Texas.

Scheduled activities include a citywide pep rally in downtown Big Sandy Sunday, Feb. 4, at 4 p.m.

PHOTO: Lovie Smith signs an autograph for Audrey Shipp at a Chamber of Commerce banquet in June 2006. [Photo by Traders Guide of Texas]

Then, at 5 o’clock, you’re invited to the church building to eat chili and watch the game on a huge television screen.

“While we cannot predict how many people will actually attend, we are planning to make enough chili for 500 people,” said Dave Havir, pastor of the Church of God Big Sandy.

“Neil McIver and other members of our congregation are scheduled to make the chili.”

Members of the Chamber of Commerce will bring cheese, onions, jalapeños, crackers, chips and paper products. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, finger foods and soft drinks. Tea will be provided. Guests may also want to bring lawn chairs in case the church doesn’t have enough chairs to go around.

Alcoholic beverages will be a no-no in the building for the duration of the event. Local police officers will be on duty to help with any “unexpected challenges” that might arise, Mr. Havir said.

Although the food is free, Mr. Havir said the church will accept donations to help defray its cost.