From Staff Reports
One of the highlights in Corsicana each year is Derrick Days. Yet in 2000, it was near death. “Mr. Derrick Days,” as Brad Haynie was affectionately known, brought Derrick Days back to life!
Brad and his father have a history of helping to preserve the history of Corsicana and Navarro County through their contributions of equipment, manpower, and organizing efforts. They moved an oil derrick to Petroleum Park and Brad moved the Cypress Powell Oil Field Fail to the park. He also helped erect the derrick on I-45 at Fifth Avenue.
Derrick Days began in l976 established by many community leaders and spearheaded by Gioia Kenney. However, the event suffered decline under poor leadership. Brad stepped in and saved Derrick Days. According to Melinda Veldman: ”He returned the positive and proper aspects to Derrick Days – Celebration of our oil heritage, lively competitions, true arts and crafts, and our best community entertainment.”
You could see Brad and Lori riding around town pumping not oil. but blood in all aspects of the event.
As Debbie Wilson stated, “When you need someone to tackle a big job that involves revitalizing Derrick Days, when you want tourism brought to Corsicana, when you want family fun and entertainment brought to Corsicana, the only person with the drive and ambition to get this job done is Brad Haynie!”
Brad not only has been the chair and organizer for Derrick Days for many years, he also has been a long-time supporter of the Navarro County Historic Society and Pioneer Village. He has been president of Corsicana Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, Corsicana Palace Theater Board, Warehouse Living Arts Center Board, Corsicana Main Street board, Volunteer of the Year, Navarro County Planning and Zoning Commission, Corsicana Preservation Foundation, and Corsicana Education Foundation Board.
Brad has been a true giver to his community and definitely deserves the Community Service Award. The James Blair DAR Chapter proudly presents this certificate and pin to Brad Haynie, “Mr. Derrick Days.”
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