Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. made national headlines following a July 9 press conference, where he told reporters, “You’re in Kerrville, and we’re going to do it my way.”
The remark came days after catastrophic flooding swept through Kerr County in the early morning hours of July 4, as officials fielded intense questioning from the media.
“I regret losing my temper with the New York-based reporter,” Herring said. “The previous day, the entire press corps were screaming questions at the sheriff. I’d had enough. Still, a calm response would have been better.”
While the comment quickly drew national attention, it has since taken on a new life locally—now serving as the inspiration for a community fundraiser.
The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce will begin selling T-shirts featuring the mayor’s phrase starting Monday, Aug. 25, at its office at 1700 Sidney Baker St. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of Louise Hays Park, which was heavily damaged in the flooding.
“When we posted the picture of the chamber staff in the shirts with Mayor Herring’s quote on the chamber and personal Facebook pages, the response was overwhelming,” said Mindy Wendele, president and CEO of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. “We had so many requests for the shirts we decided to develop a plan to sell the shirts for a benefit.”
Chamber staff unveiled the shirts to Herring on Aug. 1.
“He had no idea we were doing the shirts and was very humbled about the project,” Wendele said.
A donation of $25 or more, payable by cash or check, is required to receive a shirt. If demand exceeds supply, the chamber plans to place additional orders.
“The original ‘The park built in a day’ (project) was spearheaded by the JayCees of Kerrville,” Wendele said. “The Kerrville Junior Chamber has long disbanded, but we thought it was a natural fit for our chamber foundation to do.”
“I’m happy my outburst might help, even in a small way, to restore the Kerrville park I love,” Herring said.
Louise Hays Park has long been a centerpiece of the Kerrville community. In 1950, philanthropist Robert S. Hays donated 35 acres of his family’s ranch to the city with two conditions: the park had to be named after his wife, Louise, and it had to be completed in a single day.
Residents rose to the challenge, raising $20,000 and bringing together volunteers, businesses and schools to complete construction on April 26, 1950.
Today, the park spans more than 63 acres and remains a popular gathering place, though many of its amenities were destroyed by floodwaters earlier this month.
For more information about the T-shirt fundraiser or the Louise Hays Park restoration project, call 830-896-1155 or email info@kerrvillechamber.biz.
The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
This article was originally published in the Aug. 23, 2025 edition of the Kerrville Daily Times.
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