Sagerton Hee Haw: 53 years and still laughing

SAGERTON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Since 1971, March has meant one thing to residents in the small Haskell County community of Sagerton: the return of the annual Hee Haw.

This three-day event offers food, fellowship, and a far-fetched stage variety show based on the 1969 television series of the same name. However, for locals, the Hee Haw means much more than simple entertainment.

“As far as the Hee Haw goes, the whole community gets involved…Everybody pretty well pitches in that wants to,” said Director Larry LeFerve.

“The cast members are all Sagerton community members. You have to kind of have ties to be in the cast. And then Larry writes the script and we do what he says. Here we go,” Organizer Karen Lehrmann added.

The Hee Haw has always been hosted at the Sagerton Community Center, a building that holds deep meaning and history for those who grew up in its halls. Constructed in 1929 following a fire in the previous building, the Sagerton Community Center has served as the local high school and elementary school and is now a gathering place for all manner of local events.

“We come together to laugh, have fun, lift each other up, or grieve together,” said Lehrmann.

“If there’s a need, we come together. We do have funeral meals when someone passes away, and you think you’re not gonna have that much food. I tell you, there is more food than what the family can eat. We could probably serve the whole community,” Hee Haw Public Relations Manager and Local Volunteer Cheryl Hertel said.

Whether hosting men’s billiards nights, women’s brunch, local civic meetings, or the famous Hee Haw, the center serves as the steadfast heart of the community. Funds from selling homemade pies, meals, and merchandise go to maintain the historic building and pay for improvements to keep it operational. Ticket sales are garnered for a scholarship fund given to local high school students who wish to attend college.

The 53rd Annual Sagerton Hee Haw kicks off on Thursday, March 27, for three nights of food and performances, wrapping up on Saturday, March 29. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Lehrmann at (940) 200-0035. More information can be found on the Sagerton Hee Haw Facebook page.