This past weekend, downtown Nacogdoches once again came alive for the Old Town Rig Down. What began as a shared love of show trucks has grown into one of the community’s most meaningful annual events — a celebration that brings people together while making a real difference in the lives of local families and organizations.

Organized by the Massey Rose Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, the Old Town Rig Down was created out of a passion for show trucks and a genuine desire to give back. Since its inaugural show in 2022, the foundation has remained focused on creating a lasting impact in Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities. What sets this event apart is its clear purpose: 100% of the net proceeds are donated back to the community.

The foundation’s board of directors, made up of dedicated volunteers, carefully identifies and interviews local charities each year. Their goal is simple but powerful — to support the organizations that will create the greatest impact for the people who live here. That intentional approach has allowed the Old Town Rig Down to become more than just a truck show. It has become a trusted source of support for local nonprofits and a reflection of the generosity that defines East Texas.

In 2025 alone, the Massey Rose Foundation donated more than $110,000 to organizations including:

• The Helping House
• Christ Episcopal
• Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful Fund
• Nacogdoches Hero Foundation
• Glory Gang
• Nacogdoches Education Foundation

This kind of support matters. These organizations serve families in need, support education, care for the community, and help keep Nacogdoches a place where people look out for one another. When an event like the Old Town Rig Down raises significant funds and directs them back into the community, the impact reaches far beyond a single weekend.

The event is also important because of what it represents. In a time when it can be easy to feel disconnected, gatherings like this remind us of the strength of local community. They bring residents and visitors together in a shared space, create opportunities for connection, and reinforce the idea that giving back is part of who we are as a town.

The setting makes it even more special. Downtown Nacogdoches, with its red brick streets, locally owned shops, and beautifully preserved historic buildings, provides the perfect backdrop. Both tourists and locals gather not only for the impressive trucks on display, but also for the restaurants, atmosphere, and sense of place that make our downtown unique. Events like this help keep that energy alive and continue to showcase why so many people are drawn to Nacogdoches.

At Living Texas Realty Group, we are proud to be part of a community that values both tradition and generosity. We see firsthand how strong local connections, meaningful events, and a shared commitment to giving back help make this area such a special place to live. The Old Town Rig Down is a clear example of that spirit in action.

We’re grateful to the Massey Rose Foundation, the volunteers, the participants, and everyone who supported this year’s event. Moments like these are a reminder of why so many of us are proud to call East Texas home — and why we’re committed to helping others find a place where they can Love Where They Live.

Living Texas Realty Group
Helping you Love Where You Live.