Local Highlights · Looking back
Summer 2026 in Rockwall: a look back
AskRockwall launched this fall, so we missed the summer. Here's a catch-up on what happened around Rockwall County from July through September, with links to the local reporting.
July 4
A Fourth of July for the 250th
Rockwall marked the nation's 250th Independence Day with a full day of celebrating. The city's plan opened with a downtown farmers market and a morning parade from the Rockwall County Library to Dobbs Elementary, then moved to Harry Myers Park for food trucks, live music, a parachute jump and fireworks at dusk. Free shuttles ran from off-site parking to keep the crowds moving.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsJuly
A toy drive that doesn't stop at Christmas
Rockwall Toys for Tots and Rockwall County Helping Hands made their partnership official. Toys for Tots is now the county's official toy drive, Helping Hands serves as the main distribution hub, and the two work together year-round. That includes the back-to-school push: they sponsored 525 backpacks for a school supply program that served 1,800 students last year.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsJuly
A Royse City student joins Texas FFA leadership
A Royse City student was elected to serve as a Texas FFA state officer for 2026-2027, joining the team that leads the organization across the state this year.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsSeptember
"The Immigrant" on the Playhouse stage
The Rockwall Community Playhouse scheduled a September run of "The Immigrant," from September 11 through 27, opening its fall season.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsSeptember 30
Del Webb arrives on the east side
PulteGroup broke ground on Del Webb Sonoma Verde in McLendon-Chisholm, the brand's first community on the east side of the Metroplex. It's another sign of how fast the Rockwall area keeps growing.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsMilestone
Helping Hands turns 50
Founded in 1976, Helping Hands has spent half a century providing medical care, emergency assistance and health screenings to Rockwall County families who need them. It marked the anniversary at its 15th annual Pink Party on October 1, a fundraiser for its health center hosted by Willis Fine Jewelry.
Source: Blue Ribbon News