May 2014 Backroads Newsletter

PDF Copy of May 2014 Backroads Newsletter

PDF Copy of May 2014 Calendar

 

Howdy Friends & Partners,

There are lots of ways to celebrate and honor our troops this month: Warriors Weekend in Port Lavaca; Freedom Fest in Wharton; Crawfish Boil in Fulton; Boudifest & Armed Forces Tribute in Matagorda; Patriotic Music in Hallettsville; The Lee County Fair in Giddings will have an Armed Forces program.

Heritage is also celebrated this month at the Maifest in Brenham, Founders Day Festival in Emory, Slavnost Fest in LaGrange, Polka Festival in Ennis and Zest Fest in Taylor.

I'd also like to say a welcome to Centerville, TX our newest Rural Texas Partner! Yeehaw!

See you on the Trail

 


We are pleased to welcome our newest member of the Rural Texas Center, Centerville Texas.

Centreville  was the original spelling for this town and the name was chosen for the geographic location in the county. Leona was the first county seat until the county seat was moved to the center of the county and named Centreville (Leona had served as county seat until it was discovered it was not exactly in the center of the county). Buffalo served for a short time, which was also off-center.

Centreville started with a log cabin courthouse and a post office in 1850. It received its first brick courthouse in 1858 which burned down and was replaced in 1886. The town went through other hard times from 1870-1890, as the International-Great Northern Railroad bypassed them and their population remained below 600 til 1910.

In 1914 the name of the town officially changed to "Centerville."

Centerville July 4th Parade
Having overcome those early difficulties, the economic expectations for Leon County through the next ten years and beyond are strong.  Centerville attracts and retains businesses, maintains a small town peaceful lifestyle and quality of life and is near to Lake Limestone, Fort Boggy State Park, an existing economic development organization and some strong commercial activities, including Nucor Steel, Houston Light & Power Company's Generating Station, the Jewett Mine, the BOC plant, the area's agri-business and the area's small businesses.

 


Grand Opening of the Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary”

A Premier Birding and Nature Site in Aransas County

 
The long awaited opening for the Aransas Pathway’s Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m.  The opening will take place at Hwy 35 North (between Love’s Auto Repair and Copano Bay Cafe) in Fulton. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last fall for the project and after months of labor from so many volunteers, it is ready to become a showpiece for our community.

The project is called “Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary” in memory of the former owner, whose family made it possible for Aransas Pathways to obtain the property. According to Sandra Castro Richards, Linda’s sister, “Linda was a child psychologist who spent weekends here and her wish was to retire on the property. When Linda passed away, Mary Jo Castro, our mother, obtained the property.  The land was originally a bird sanctuary”, When the family was approached by Aransas Pathways to purchase the property, they felt it was fitting to honor her memory because of her love of nature.
The preservation and beautification of the site has also been a labor of love for so many volunteers who have spent countless hours to bring the project to fruition.

Accolades go out to the Aransas Pathways Birding Technical Committee Members: Debra Corpora, Ray Kirkwood, Ellen Reisinger, Jan Wimberley, Claudia Dorn and Craig McIntyre. Other Volunteers include: Steve Reisinger, Fred Lanoue, Brad James, Ann Smith, Todd Cutting, Patrick Hartigan, Irma Schreiner, Linda Frank, Richard Snyder, Laura Clark, Pam Larson, Harvette Green, Dawn Scranton, Ginger Easton Smith and Steve and Susan Turnipseed. These  people are volunteers who worked painstakingly planting and maintaining the property.

The Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary features extensive native plantings designed specifically to attract birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. It will be a home to many types of wildlife. The site includes three distinct habitats: a natural Live Oak Motte, coastal prairie remnant, and an ephemeral pond, which is full of Texas native plants and butterflies. Bird drips have been established to provide the dripping sound to bring in birds along with water for smaller birds. A covered pavilion sits on the slab at the front of the parking lot, with benches for viewing the site and a meandering pathway runs through the property. The site has already become a hot spot among birders. It is the opinion of some of the local birding experts, such as Debra Corpora, who states “It will become one of the premier birding attractions on the Texas coast and will draw nationwide interest.”

For the opening ceremony of the site, The Castro family will be in attendance. The opening will end with available guided tours of the property. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
For more information contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445 http://www.rockport-fulton.org . For more information about Aransas Pathways call 361- 790-0194 (http://www.aransaspathways.com/).

 

Brenham Maifest

The Maifestival is an ongoing attraction for the entire weekend which highlights our proud German heritage with historical demonstrations and displays. The Kinder Village is a great place for the kids to spend the day. Games, rides and crafts are featured in this area. Our antique carousel which dates back to the early 1900′s is a ride kids of all ages must take part in.

Have a craving for some festival food? The Maifest has some of the best around. From the traditional festival fares to authentic German cuisine, the Maifestival has them all. You can always enjoy the taste of Brenham with the Country Flavors “all you can eat” Blue Bell Ice Cream which is hand dipped by the Brenham Noon Lions Club! This year you can even try our very own “Maifest” flavor! It truly can’t be a German festival without a little German soda water! Come and try all the traditional brands as well numerous variations of German brews and wine.

Live German music can always be heard on the Maifestival grounds. From Alphorns to accordions, come and sit under the pavilion and take in the authentic German sounds. Lederhosen is optional; polkas and waltzes are mandatory!

The Maifestival is also a great place to get that unique Mother’s Day gift! Our quality arts and crafts vendors come from across the state to display their talents and special crafts. There truly is something for everybody at the Maifest!
 

Time: Fri 6pm till ?, Sat 10:30am till ?, Sun noon till ?
Day: May 2-4
Cost: FREE (except for coronation tickets and some children's activities at the festival)
Location: Festival is at Fireman's Park in Brenham, just a few blocks north of historic downtown;  Parade is in Downtown Brenham
More Info: Website

 

Blanco Car Show

26th Annual Blanco Classic Car Show


Join the folks in Blanco on Saturday, May 17th, along the grassy banks of the Blanco River at Blanco State Park for the Classic Car Show. The gates open at 8am. The awards ceremony will be held around 2pm.
For more information please call 830-833-5348 or email: bensonbody&paint@gvtc.com.

 

Bastrop Opera House Presentation
Who Killed Deputy Sheriff Isaac "Bose" Heffington?

A Trial from 1883 in Bastrop


Who Killed Deputy Sheriff Isaac "Bose" Heffington? The shooting that ignited the infamous McDade Christmas Eve lynchings on December 24, 1883. Bastrop County Bar Association presents The State of Texas v. Jeff Fitzpatrick, an 1883 murder trial in three historically accurate acts. Jeff Fitzpatrick was indicated for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Isaac "Bose" Heffington. The shooting occurred on December 1, 1883. But was Jeff Fitzpatrick really the killer? The evidence will be presented and you, the audience will be the jury. Admission Details: Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at BastropOperaHouse.com

Cocktails at 6:00PM
Dinner at 7:00PM
Performace at 8:00PM

 

Cars in Canton

Great Cars in Canton!


Lewis Auto Swap Meet - May 8-11
Held in First Monday Trade Days 4000, 4500 Pavilion Hwy 19. Vendor gates open 12:00 noon - Thursday before swap, grounds must be vacated by 9:00 am on Monday after swap. FREE ADMISSION/FREE PARKING. Cars, Trucks, Parts, Tools, etc. for sale. Pavilion vendor spaces - approx. 12 x 18 $40.00 each (Pavilion spaces include vehicle parking outside/behind space) Outside space available for vendors with non-automotive related items $30.00 Advanced reservations must be prepaid. Door prizes to be given away at 4:00 p.m. Saturday - Vendors Only, must be present to win. Swap Meet information and reservations: call 903-567-6762, email:LewisAutoSwap@yahoo.com Full RV hookups available $15.00 per night.

Cruise Night in Canton, around the Square- May 13
Great Cars, Food, Music and Family Fun! Starts on Corner of Buffalo St., Tyler St. and around courthouse. Come out and see the feature vehicle every month. Hosted by: All-Star Ford, The Flooring Junction of Canton, and H & M Meat Company of Wills Point, Texas. For more information visit: www.rgcarshows.com *FEATURED CAR: MUSTANG.

 

Rolling Hills Challenge Bike Ride in Columbus

Rolling Hills Challenge Bike Ride in Columbus

Official Ride Sponsor, Black Creek Drilling, invites everyone to The Rolling Hills Challenge, hosted by the Columbus Lions Club.  The Challenge will begin at Beason's Park on the Colorado River in Columbus.  What many have claimed to be the best kept secret in Texas cycling, the 2014 Challenge offers cyclists some of the most picturesque yet challenging routes in South Central Texas!  Cyclists and their families are encouraged to "Discover Columbus" before and after the event by exploring the numerous historic sites, museums, homes, shops, restaurants and parks...and the Lions Club makes the best hamburgers for cyclists!!

Stop by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce located at 425 Spring Street or call 979-732-8385 for additional information and application.

This exciting Rolling Hills Bike Ride offers 25, 50, 62.5 and 100 mile routes!  www.columbuslionsclub.org

 

Tamale Festival in Diboll

Tamale Festival in Diboll

 

Location: Old Orchard Park

From: May 17, 2014 at 9:00am to: 5:00pm

Free community event, arts and crafts, tamale cook-off and eating contests, kids park, live music and much more. Vendor info available under the Services/Civic Center Tab or call 936-829-4888.

- See more at: http://www.cityofdiboll.com/calendar/event/116/#sthash.DpccN0xK.dpuf

The Tamale Festival will be held at Old Orchard Park on May 17, 2014 at 9:00am to: 5:00pm
Free community event, arts and crafts, tamale cook-off and eating contests, kids park, live music and much more. Vendor info available call 936-829-4888.

 

 

Calendar

Tamale Festival

Location: Old Orchard Park

From: May 17, 2014 at 9:00am to: 5:00pm

Free community event, arts and crafts, tamale cook-off and eating contests, kids park, live music and much more. Vendor info available under the Services/Civic Center Tab or call 936-829-4888.

- See more at: http://www.cityofdiboll.com/calendar/event/116/#sthash.DpccN0xK.dpuf

Calendar

Tamale Festival

Location: Old Orchard Park

From: May 17, 2014 at 9:00am to: 5:00pm

Free community event, arts and crafts, tamale cook-off and eating contests, kids park, live music and much more. Vendor info available under the Services/Civic Center Tab or call 936-829-4888.

- See more at: http://www.cityofdiboll.com/calendar/event/116/#sthash.DpccN0xK.dpuf

Rains County Founders Day Festival

Rains County Founders Day Festival in Emory


The Rains County Founders Day Festival on Saturday, May 3rd is a day full of family fun, entertainment and history.  These are only a few of the activities that take place throughout the day.

"Savor the Flavor" is hosted by the members of Lake Country Neighbors, a local volunteer organization.  Each year, they ask our local restaurants to set up a tasting at the Emory City Centre event center.  Each restaurant sets up a table with samples of their delicious offerings.  This allows exposure for our restaurants to the community and gives back to our volunteer organizations. For a small admission fee, you can stay and taste as much as you like from each restaurant represented.  Come and join us this year!

The grandest tradition of the Rains County Founders Day Festival is no doubt the annual Parade.  The parade includes the Rains High School Band, antique cars, decorated floats, decorated bicycles, and folks of all ages touring the route.  Not to mention, it's followed up by the Forever Ford car show - an all day display of beautiful antique cars. You won't want to miss the old time, down home atmosphere and fun for the whole family!

Don't worry, we're not setting ducks on fire at the Flaming Duck Derby! This is one of those fun traditions the kids will love! Our local volunteer emergency responders (hence the name "flaming") jump into Sandy Creek in the Ruby McKeown Park in a fast paced race to the win! What are they racing, you ask? Ducks, of course! Each representative attempts to shew a live duck down the creek to the finish line in the fastest time to take a win for their team! It is truly a sight to see!

The live sound stage provides live entertainment all day long.  From a marionette puppet show, performed by The Friends of the Library, a local volunteer organization to performances by local talents, including Billie Jo Russell, a home grown country artist who recently auditioned for the NBC hit show, "The Voice."

 

Lee County Fair in Giddings

The Lee County Fair and Charcoal Challenge BBQ Cookoff in Giddings on
May 15-17


There's some fun to be had in Giddings this month! The Lee County Fair runs for three days. Thursday admission to the fair is free. The Mighty Thomas Carnival opens that night.

Friday is Senior Citizens Day and seniors get in for free from 10am-4pm. There will be Bingo, BBQ Lunch, Music, Square Dancing, Vendor Booths, and information booths. Texas Unlimited Band -TUB will kick off the Friday night party. Kevin Fowler will turn up the volume on the big pavilion around 11pm

Saturday they celebrate Armed Forces day with a parade in the morning, Competition Homemade Wine, Salsa & Pie, Arts & Crafts. Red Alert will be rocking the Biergarten Stage on Saturday afternoon from 2-6pm. The Original Triumphs play Saturday, May 17th 6:30pm-10:30pm on the main stage. Roger Creager headlines Saturday May 17th at 11:00pm on the main stage

 

Wildflower Trails in Henderson

East Texas/Rusk County Wildflower Trails in Henderson


April 15th- May 31st. Self guiding tour through historic Rusk County on three wildflower trails. The trail itineraries will provide a scenic view of the beautiful wildflowers and also informative views of Rusk county and it historic past.

For the self-driving map brochure contact the Tourism Department of the City of Henderson at 866-650-5529. You may also download the brochure at the city website at www.hendersontx.us then click on Tourism, then the wildflower brochure.

 


Watermelon Thump in Luling

Look Ahead: Watermelon Thump in Luling on June 26-29
 
Cotton Pickin' Theater in Point
Saturday Night Shindig at the Cotton Pickin Theater in Point


Join the Cotton Pickin Theater for a Branson style live entertainment with the award winning  “Shindig Band” every Saturday Night  (except on 4th Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. Admission is Regular Show: $7.00 and Special Show: $10.00 Each week features various guest vocalists and musicians performing traditional country and gospel songs.

Every 4th Saturday is the Rural American Musical Revue.

 

Warriors Weekend in Port Lavaca

Warriors Weekend in Port Lavaca


Warrior’s Weekend VIII will be held on Saturday 17 May, 2014.  Come by the Port O’Connor Community Center beginning on Thursday, May 8th until the event on Saturday to view a spectacular sand sculpture which will be in progress around the clock until the day of the event, by artist, Gloria Fric, who is donating her time and talents.

The troops will arrive Saturday morning around 9:00AM, by chartered buses from Brooke Army Medical Center, joining other wounded soldiers who arrived earlier from other military installations across the country.  After a grand welcome rally, they will immediately board their boats and begin fishing between 9 & 9:30AM.  

There will be a friendly competition with an official weigh-in and awards presented at a dinner that evening around 5:30PM, accompanied by music and addresses by military dignitaries and from our heroes themselves.  Join us in this, our fourth annual event, support our troops!

 

Beer Fest at Buffalo Creek near Sealy
Beer Fest at Buffalo Creek

Raise your glass at Beer Fest at Buffalo Creek, near Sealy on Saturday, May 17 with live music by the Cypress Creek Band, beer tastings from 5 different local Craft breweries, pig roast and a full menu of food.

 

Wharton Freedom Fest
Freedom Fest in Wharton

The Wharton Freedom Fest is a Pre Memorial Day Celebration on May 17 from 10am-10pm at Monterey Square. Events include Laser Light Show, Crawfish, Zydeco, Open Car Show, Tailgate Cook-off, Vendors, Street Dance, Live music noon to 10pm.

 

Reviews are good for the Village Bakery in West!
Drop by next time you're in town to sample a kolache, klobasniki™, strudel, and buchta as well as a variety of pies, breads and cookies.
113 E Oak St., West, TX

 

Airport Fly In in Smithville
Airport Fly-In in Smithville on May 10. The Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport plays host to pilots and their guests that fly in for a day of fun and shopping Smithville-style! Free Admission. View the variety of planes and helicopter from a local emergency team landing, and be surprised by what might fly over.  See the remote controlled planes demonstration, and pick up goodies.

 

Slavnost May Fest in LaGrange
Slavnost May Fest in LaGrange on May 18 at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. There will be a Tribute to the Immigrants of 1906-1910, lunch, music by Kovanda's Czech Band and a classic car show.

 

Crawfish Boil in Fulton
Crawfish Boil to Support Our Troops in Fulton on May 25 from 11am to 4pm at Paws and Taws Convention Center. Corpus Christi Veteran’s Band @ 12:30. Drawing for a free fishing trip for Veterans and active military. Silent and Chinese Auctions. Hotdogs, drinks and beer available.  Plate of crawfish and fixings $20 at the door. Join us and pay tribute to those insuring our freedom.  Help us send care boxes to those deployed now.

 

Tough Mudder in Rockdale
Tough Mudder in Rockdale (Apache Pass) on May 3-4. Sprawled out over nearly 1,000 acres of tumultuous Texas terrain, this course is designed to put teamwork to the test, there’ll be no lone stars in this Tough Mudder.

 

Golf Tournament in Livingston
Annual Golf Tournament in Livingston on May 17 at Livingston Golf Club. 8am Shotgun Start
Four Person Scrambler; Mixed Teams Available

 

Lexington Homecoming
Lexington Homecoming on May 1-4, downtown. There's the CPRA Rodeo with Two Exciting Performances Featuring Bull Riding, Saddle and Bareback Bronc Riding. A BBQ cookoff and the Lee County Go Texas Cookoff. Street Dance, parade, arts & crafts.

On May 10th enjoy Lexington Market Days.

 

Trash to Treasure in Jewett
Trash to Treasure Sale in Jewett on May 10 from 8 am to 4 pm at the Civic Center.  Trash to Treasure is an indoor garage sale.

 

Fishy Stuff in Jefferson
You can fish up a good time in Jefferson.
Paddlefish Festival on May 8-9
This is the time to celebrate these unique fish that have been reintroduced to the waterways in and around Jefferson. Archery Demo, Mobile Dairy Classroom, Nature Park Guided Tour, Historic Train Ride, Bayou Boat Tour.

Gray-Potters Point Bream Tournament on May 10
Open Division (All Ages), Entry Fee: $20.00.
1st Place - Rod & Reel/Tackle Box/Tackle, 2nd - Rod & Reel/Tackle Box, 3rd - Rod & Reel

 

Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association Steak Dinner
Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association Steak Dinner on May 3rd.

 

Honey Grove Yard Sales
Look ahead: Hwy 287/82 Yard Sale in Honey Grove on June 6-7

 

Matagorda Boudi Fest
Matagorda Boudifest & Armed Forces Tribute on May 17 at the Poco Playa Restaurant. Fun (Poker Run, Auctions, Horseshoes); Food (Gumbo cookoff, Hotwing Challenge, Crawfish Plates) and Entertainment with Alzane'n Texas Trail Band, Stephen Chadwick, & Ponti Bones and the Squeeze Tones.

 

Chisolm Trail Rodeo and Parade in Nocona
Look Ahead: Chisholm Trail Rodeo & Parade in Nocona on June 6-7. Mutton bustin', grand entry riders, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team and break away roping, barrel racing, and bull riding all make for an exciting and fun event.

 

Hallettsville Cultural Events Center
At the Hallettsville Cultural Events Center theatrical, musical, cultural events, art exhibitions and book and author luncheons are offered weekly free of charge.
May 17th – Patriotic Musical Afternoon from 1-4
May 25th – Musical Afternoon from 1 – 4
May 31st – Ice cream social with 1800’s music. 1-4

 

Ennis Polka Festival
Ennis Polka Festival on May 23-25. You will experience our traditions, religious customs, dancing, tastes, sights, sounds, and "a little bit of the Czech Lands" throughout historic downtown and at our three spacious air conditioned halls. Enjoy a weekend of polka dancing, Czech foods, and 14 sensational LIVE polka bands including Grammy Award winning Brave Combo. Join us!

 

Village Antiques Show in Comfort
Village Antiques Show in Comfort on May 3-4. Sat. 10am-5pm. Sun. 10am-5pm. "Puts country back into country shows." Admission $5 - Children 12 & Under Free.
Good for return visits. Rain or shine.

 

Brazosport Planetarium in CLute
The Beauty, Life and Death of Stars in Clute at the Brazosport Planetarium on May 6, 13, 16, 20 & 27. Experience the life and death of stars in a story narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.

 

Taylor Zest Fest
Taylor Zest Fest on May 3rd from 10am-5pm at Taylor's historic downtown district. Kid's fest, arts & crafts and entertainment featuring local and area talent to celebrate the community's diversity. Cultural and heritage music and song will be showcased throughout the day and into the early evening.

 

Dewberry Festival in Cameron
Dewberry Festival in Cameron
on May 17th at Wilson-Ledbetter Park. Activities include: Bicycle Decorating Contest and Parade; Pet Parade; Arts & Crafts Booths; Classic Car Show; Food Booths; live Entertainment; Horseshoe Tournament; Youth Fishing Tournament, and Free Dewberry Cobbler and Ice Cream.

 

White Horse Tavern in Burton
Who's rockin the White HorseTavern in Burton this month?

May 1, 8, 15,22,29  Kountry Chick Karaoke
May 9  Randy Pavlock
May 10-Clayton Adams
May 16-Robbie Wooten
May 17-Anthony Moreno
May 23 Neil Kulhanak, Allison & Rick Weiss
May 24-Blues Country Band
May 30-Randy Pavlock
May 31-Clayton Adams 4-7pm & Cody Sparks Band 8:30-12:30
 
Butterfield Stage Festival in Bridgeport
Butterfield Stage Festival in Bridgeport on May 10 from 10am-5pm at Harwood Park. BBQ & Rib cookoff, gunfights, live performances, vendors, carnival and 5K walk.
 
"Asleep at the Wheel" in Bowie
"Asleep at the Wheel" comes to Bowie on May 17th at the Community Center. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Call for tickets. 940-872-3785
 

Bluegrass Concert & Jam Session in Bellville
Bluegrass Concert & Jam Session in Bellville at Coushatte Recreation Ranch in Bellville. A concession stand is provided serving popcorn, sandwiches, soft drinks, etc. Jamming starts at 5 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. No Alcohol Allowed & No Electric Instruments.
 

Community Wide Garage Sale in Elgin
Community Wide Garage Sale in Elgin on May 3rd. For information on how to get on the map, contact the Elgin Courier at 512-285-3333
Also see the Blanco Community Garage Sale on May 3rd at the Courthouse.

 

 

Madisonville Mushroom Poster Contest

Madisonville Mushroom Poster Contest. Deadline is July 1st.

 

 

  
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