Responding to an invitation from the National Park Service, the Ladonia City Council proclaimed Fossil Week in Ladonia to be the week of October 9 through October 15 at its September meeting. Organizations partnering with the city to hold the event, in addition to the National Park Service, include Bois d’ Arc Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist, Dallas Paleontological Society, and the Ladonia Chamber of Commerce.

The national event comes this year on October 12, a weekday, so the council chose to make the Ladonia event weeklong to allow weekend participation.  Ladonia Fossil Park, located at North Sulphur River north of Ladonia on Highway 34 is noted for Cretaceous Period and Ice Age fossils found in the beds and banks of the river.

Mayor Jan Cooper said residents are encouraged to explore their surroundings and learn more about fossils during Fossil Week.  Council member PK Kirkpatrick is chairing the observance.

A workshop is being planned for Saturday, October 15. The workshop is open to all who would volunteer time, serve as guides, direct hunters to the site or answer their questions, those who are educators or leaders and those who have a passion for fossil hunting. The workshop is being held at Fannindel School Cafeteria, and there is no charge.

Ladonia Fossil Park is open daily with no admission fee. More information may be obtained by calling City of Ladonia at 903-367-7011.