COUNTY LIFE
Celebrate Texas Independence at several special events across the state
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) state historic sites have arranged several free, family-friendly opportunities to celebrate the Texas Revolution of 1836.
On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates from across Texas gathered in Washington-on-the-Brazos to declare independence from Mexico and sign the official Texas Declaration of Independence. This act is only one of many legendary stories and heroes that span far beyond the Lone Star State.
March alongside costumed reenactors Feb. 25 and 26 during the annual Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site! All visitors can explore the Texas Army camp for free to see demonstrations and experience how Texas soldiers and their families lived in 1836. There will be live music, food, musket and cannon firings, living history presentations and so much more! Take a look at the full event schedule here.
March 1836 marks the anniversary of many iconic battles across the state that shaped the Texas spirit as it is today. Fannin Battleground State Historic Site is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fannin, Texas, just a few miles away from Goliad. Visitors can walk the grounds and view the impressive stone obelisk that honors the spot where Col. James W. Fannin surrendered to Mexican forces, taking a moment to remember the men who helped forge Texas’ destiny.
Join Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site on March 24 and 25 for their annual Goliad Massacre Living History Program. Experience reenactments of the events that took place leading up to the Texian departure from Presidio La Bahía, aka Ft. Defiance. The final battle of the day recreates the fighting on Coleto Creek and culminates with the Texian surrender and their march as prisoners back into the fort.
On April 1, Fire on the Brazos: The Fall of San Felipe de Austin will take visitors on an in-depth journey through the events in 1836 that led to the fall of San Felipe de Austin, the colony headquarters established by Stephen F. Austin in Mexican Texas. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can experience reenactments of the Runaway Scrape, when colonists were forced to abandon their own homes and businesses in Texas’ economic, social, and political center of the 1820s and 1830s.
And on April 22, the iconic Battle of San Jacinto will be commemorated with reenactments, food, games, and fun at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will interact with reenactors as they cook, check weapons, and engage in the typical daily routine of soldiers and civilians from nearly 200 years ago.
Select THC sites now offer free “passports” for visitors to follow in the journey to Texas’ independence, revolution, and republic-era state historic sites. Interested parties can collect stamps from participating sites’ admission desks or museum stores, and if you collect all of the stamps, a very special gift will be waiting for you at the museum store.
About the Texas Historical Commission
The THC manages 36 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, the Texas Main Street Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.
Bowie will begin dressing up downtown during the annual Hanging of the Greens starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16.
On Saturday morning volunteers will gather to hang lighted garland and wreaths on the nearly 100 lamp posts throughout downtown Bowie. These sparkling decorations will light up the area for the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival the weekend of Dec. 7, as well as throughout the holiday season.
Any citizen, family, student, civic group or club is invited to take part. Those with questions may call the BCDB office at 872-6246. Volunteers will meet at city hall across from the BCDB office at Pecan and Mason to receive their supplies. Please bring along a step ladder.
It’s going to be a “Candy Cane Christmas” in Bowie this year during the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival on Dec. 7.
Event host, the Bowie Community Development Board is planning a full weekend of activities to help launch the holiday season in Bowie.
The lighted parade is one of the weekend’s highlights and those wishing to enter should remember the deadline is Nov. 16.
Dec. 6
Festival weekend begins with Sip & Stroll With Me from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 6.
Throughout downtown participating merchants invite strollers to enjoy wine or other drinks, and other holiday munchies as they shop stores and meet retailers. There will be live music, a holiday photo booth, carriage rides and of course lots of shopping.
Wristbands may be purchased at any of the participating merchants for $15. Strollers will receive a wine glass with their wristband, but they also are welcome to use a previous glass. Proceeds go toward downtown beautification projects.
Dec. 7
Saturday offers a full array of family-fun activities to enjoy from pancakes to floats.
The City of Bowie Fire Department welcomes families to enjoy free Pancakes with Santa from 7 to 10 a.m. at the fire hall, 203 Walnut. Toy drive donations will be accepted and there will be photos with the Big Guy.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Montague County celebrated its veterans Monday during a program at the courthouse annex in Montague.
The young men of the Trail Life Troop 1309 of Bowie posted the colors offering the American and Texas flags, followed by the American Heritage Girls Troop 1031 also from Bowie who gave the pledge of allegiance. Thad Murphy gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
Jerry “Doc” Cody, Forestburg, was the guest speaker sharing a bit of his experience as a U.S. Army veteran. Cody is an active volunteer with the county veteran services office, which hosted Monday’s program.
After being drafted, he was inducted into the Army on June 13, 1967. After completing basic combat training, Cody went to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio where he trained as a combat medic.
After a 12-day leave he was sent to Vietnam where he served in the Central Highlands assigned to the 2/17th field artillery.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top photo – speaker Jerry Cody.
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