Gene Watson at Red River Valley Fair in September 2012 and September 2025

Gene Watson Boulevard

On Thursday 25 September 2025, Gene Watson recalled the former 6th Street NE in Paris, Texas becoming Gene Watson Boulevard, an event which took place on Tuesday 25 September 2012.

Gene Watson on Gene Watson Boulevard at Red River Valley Fair in Paris, Texas in September 2012
Gene Watson on Gene Watson Boulevard at Red River Valley Fair in Paris, Texas in September 2012

‘Thirteen years ago, on Tuesday 25 September 2012, I received the tremendous honour of having a street named after me in my hometown of Paris, Texas and I performed that evening at the Paris Red River Valley Fair.

Gene Watson received the tremendous honour of having a street named after him in his hometown of Paris, Texas on Tuesday 25 September 2012; friend, Robbie Gunn, and longtime family friend, the late Dave Millsap (Wednesday 16 July 1975 - Saturday 19 February 2022), coordinated the momentous occasion.
Gene Watson received the tremendous honour of having a street named after him in his hometown of Paris, Texas on Tuesday 25 September 2012; friend, Robbie Gunn, and longtime family friend, the late Dave Millsap (Wednesday 16 July 1975 – Saturday 19 February 2022), coordinated the momentous occasion.

A longtime family friend, the late Dave Millsap (Wednesday 16 July 1975 – Saturday 19 February 2022), and friend, Robbie Gunn, coordinated the momentous occasion.

Red River Valley Fair, 570 Rita Haynes Boulevard, Paris, TX 75460

On Thursday 25 September 2025, I performed at the Red River Valley Fair, and remembered the wonderful memories of that day in 2012.

I recall it was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky.

The Governor of Texas at that time, the honorable Rick Perry, had declared it ‘Gene Watson Day‘ in Texas.

I was also honored by the Paris Mayor, the Texas State Senate and US Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchins.

Gene Watson signs a Gene Watson Boulevard street sign at Red River Valley Fair in Paris, Texas in September 2012
Gene Watson signs a Gene Watson Boulevard street sign at Red River Valley Fair in Paris, Texas in September 2012

All that is a lot of attention for a shy kid from Paris, Texas who just liked to sing songs.

Thank you to all who made that such a special day for me.

Here are some photos from that historic day in 2012′

Source
Gene Watson on Facebook