JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) – Jacksonville boutique clothing store Flint Gypsies will host a Mahjong 101 game night Tuesday to raise funds for the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show.
The idea started when eight-year-old Sarah Slayton had to come up with a fundraising opportunity for the next junior livestock show as she planned to compete for junior livestock queen.
“We were trying to figure out something new and different where out friends, family and customers that we have at Flint Gypsies could help contribute but also have a lot of fun at the same time,” her mother and Flint Gypsies co-owner Heather Slayton explained.
But why mahjong?
“Traditional mahjong started out in China many centuries ago, but, in the last few years, American mahjong has just blown wide open here in the United States,” Flint Gypsies co-owner Heather Slayton explained. “The really quick gist of it is it’s a little bit like rummy.”
Going over the rules, Heather Slayton explained that American mahjong players often use annual hand cards, including the National Mahjong League card and the newly-released “Big Card,” to determine winning hands.
The junior livestock show’s contestants raise money throughout the year, with the contestant who raises the most funds crowned queen; though all money raised is pooled together to support scholarships and youth programs nationwide, Heather Slayton said.
Emily Slayton, last year’s queen and Sarah’s sister, has helped with fundraising and hopes to crown an incoming queen this year.
The fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Flint Gypsies, 115. E. Commerce in Jacksonville. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance through the boutique’s Facebook page.
All ticket sales and proceeds from mahjong tiles and accessories sold during the game night will be donated to the livestock show’s fundraising pool, Slayton said.
Flint Gypsies also plans a Mahjong and Mocktails Social Feb. 1 at the Farmhouse Retreat in Chandler. That event has a $50 admission and is open to players who already know the game.
For tickets and more information, visit Flint Gypsies on Facebook or contact the store.
Copyright 2026 KLTV. All rights reserved.