Tuesday, September 24, 2013

State Fair of Texas. Texas Reds Festival. Bison Festival. Dairy Daze. Bluegill Tournament. Geocaching 101. Palo Duro Canyon History. GreenFest. Geocache Bash! Another Geocaching 101. First Supreme Court.

 

For “Travel Tuesday”: No matter where you are in TX there is something to do this weekend.  The weather is finally cooling down, and now is the time to get outside and have some fun!  There will be a lot going on in TX for the next couple of months.

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State Fair of Texas

“One of Texas’ most popular annual events, the State Fair of Texas is set to get underway September 27, 2013. Held yearly at Dallas’ Fair Park since 1886, the State Fair has been the site for many historical and memorable moments – as well as lots of fun!

Corny Dogs were invented at the 1942 State Fair of Texas. In 1952, the Fair’s mascot, Big Tex, made his debut. And, countless big moments have occurred over the years at the Texas-Oklahoma football game, which is played during the Fair each year.

Per usual, the 2013 edition will feature a variety of impressive musical acts. Set to take the main stage during this year’s State Fair are Asleep at the Wheel, Blondie, David Lee Garza, Cory Morrow, Kacey Musgrove and more. All concerts are free with State Fair admission, so no additional tickets need to be purchased.

The carnival will also be in full bloom over the three-week span of the Fair. There will also be a Kids Corner, auto show, art exhibit, and, of course, a livestock show. And, Big Tex will return, fully refurbished following last year's fire.

Big Tex Memorial –1949-2012.

Of course, two of the more popular events will be the Starlight parade, set for 7:15 p.m. daily throughout the fair, and the Texas-OU football game, slated for October 12. There will be another college football game - Grambling vs. Prairie View A&M on Oct. 5, soccer matches, dog shows, craft shows, a 5k run, the aforementioned events and entertainment and more.”

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Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival,  Bryan TX

“The Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival is Bryan’s signature event that annually draws more than 20,000 people to experience “the good life, Texas style.”
The 7th Annual Texas Reds Festival will offer visitors the opportunity to sample wines from a variety of Texas wineries, dine on steak-inspired specials, and experience first hand how Historic Downtown Bryan merges art, design and music with a charming culture and lifestyle.  Come experience Texas Reds.

This year, the Texas Reds Festival will be dedicated to our firefighters. A charitable donation will be given in honor of Ricky Mantey, Jr. and Mitch Moran, and in memory of Greg Pickard and Eric Wallace, on behalf of each volunteer and sponsor. A percentage of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to the Firefighters Association to directly benefit these families.

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So, take time to stroll through the large selection of unique arts and crafts vendors, and bring the entire family to the popular Kid Zone, complete with grape stomping and activities for all ages. Also, don’t forget to taste the succulent creations from our championship cook-off teams who compete for grilling glory in the annual Steak Cook Off.

Enjoy live music from local artists throughout the day, and stay late into the evening to be a part of an impressive live music experience featuring country music legends Steve Wariner and John Conlee.

Admission to this year’s festival is completely free; however, festival-goers will need to purchase wristbands to enjoy two of Texas Reds’ premier pastimes – drinks and music.
$5 wristband for those 21 and over wishing to drink (beer and/or wine) $5 wristband for Saturday night main stage entertainment only.”

When: Friday, Sept. 27: 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28: 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Where: Bryan TX, Parking & Directions | Texas Reds Festival

Contact: Gwynne Shillings, Phone 979-209-5518, Fax 979.209.5003     See our Web Site

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Bison Festival

Saturday, September 28, 2013

“Come celebrate and support the Official Bison Herd of the State of Texas and their 1000-acre habitat! The Festival starts at 10 a.m. with arts, crafts, food vendors, and activities. The live music starts at 2 p.m. with Caleb Allemand & the 9 Volt Band, No Dry County, Brandon Adams & the Sad Bastards, Zac Wilkerson, Casey Berry & the Live Texas Mosquitoes, and closing out the show will be Texas’ own 9-time Grammy Award-winning, Asleep at the Wheel!

The event is being held to raise funds to help continue restoration of the Texas State Bison Herd historic range within Caprock Canyon State Park.

During the celebration, visitors will be able to donate directly to the Texas State Bison Herd Restoration project or purchase merchandise to support prairie restoration efforts. Donations can also be made online by visiting www.caprockpartnersfoundation.com or by calling (806) 455-1441.

$20 advance tickets are available through TicketRiver, or you can get them at the gate, on the day of the show, for $25. There is no seating, so bring chairs and blankets, if you like. Folding chairs will also be available for purchase at the event

The event is being held at the Quitaque Cotton Gin on FM 1065 Quitaque, Texas 79255 (1/4 mile south of Quitaque)” Download the flyer for the 2013 Bison Fest Event

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Dairy Daze

“Fun and learning about dairy products at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm.

Find out just how important the family milk cow was on a 1915 era German Family farm.  Watch as the cow is milked at 9:30a.m., observe the milk separating procedure and learn what products could be produced from the milk from the family cow.  Try your hand at “milking” our non-kicking, non-moving cow which we have jokingly named “Half and Half”!!”

When:  Sep 28, 2013 from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

Contact Name: Iris Neffendorf   Contact Email: iris.neffendorf@tpwd.texas.gov  Contact Phone: (830) 644-2252

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Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament

“Join the fun in trying to catch the largest Bluegill or the heaviest stringers of sunfish.

A fun-filled day of trying to catch the biggest Bluegill here at our center and on Lake Athens.  The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish, but the event is really about adults and children having fun fishing together.  Call for details or to pre-register.”

When: Sep 28, 2013 from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM

Where: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Contact Name: James Booker, Contact Phone: (903) 670-2266

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Geocaching 101 Workshop

“Geocaching is a type of treasure hunt using a GPS unit to help you find hidden "caches" placed by people all over the world. We invite you and your family to join us in discovering hidden items while revealing exciting facts and stories about Texas State Parks.  Units will be provided – however, if you have your own device, please bring it.

Bring:  Water, snacks, GPS unit if you have one, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!

Meet @ Tom Mays Unit at the Nature Walk Trail.  Start Time:  9:00 a.m. Length: 2+ hours, Location: Nature Walk Trail.

At the Tom Mays Unit of the park - Driving Directions: From Westside on I-10, take exit 6 & travel east towards Mountains for 3.8 miles, Park entrance will be on the left, but you’ll actually pass it, make a u-turn then enter on the right.  From Eastside on Hwy 54, exit Transmountain Rd, travel west 7 miles over/thru the mountains, Park entrance will be on the right.”

When: Sep 28, 2013 from 09:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Where: Franklin Mountains State Park

Contact Name: Adrianna Weickhardt, Contact Email: adrianna.weickhardt@tpwd.texas.gov  Contact Phone: (915) 566-6441   Must have reservation to participate.

($8.00 – this is the entrance fee + activity fee) 

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Palo Duro Canyon History Day

“Juniper Day Use Area is the place to be to learn about the history of Palo Duro Canyon.  Indians, buffalo hunters, cowboys and cavalry all played a part in this  beautiful canyon.  Come learn about each of these groups.  Great family learning experience.”

When: Sep 28, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Where: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Contact Name: Bernice Blasingame, Contact Email: bernice.blasingame@tpwd.texas.gov Contact Phone: (806) 488-2227 x226

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2nd Annual GreenFest on the Greenbelt

“This family-friendly benefit event that will celebrate the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt through outdoor activities, live music and food.  Activities will include kayaking, biking, rock climbing, geocaching, live animal displays, campfire cooking and more!

Headlining the event on the main stage is Grammy Award winning band Brave Combo performing from 2-4 pm. Gates open at 12 pm, arrive early to get your seat!

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Greenbelt Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt. Specifically, the 2013 GreenFest seeks to raise funds for reopening the equestrian damaged by flooding by building a bridge.”

When: Sep 28, 2013 from 02:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Where: Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit

Contact Name: Kelly Lauderdale,  Contact Email:
kelly.lauderdale@tpwd.texas.gov  Contact Phone: 940-686-2148 ex. 258

Advance ticket sales $5.00 $7.00 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.  More information about this event…

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Geocache Bash!

“Discover the September Outdoor Activity of the Month: Geocaching!

Wrap up the month with our Geocache Bash! On this program, you'll discover the fun of Geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt in which participants use a hand-held GPS unit or a smartphone to find hidden caches. Refreshments will be provided!

Meet in front of the Boat Ramp Restrooms. Wear good walking shoes and sun protection. Bring drinking water, and a hand-held GPS unit or smartphone, if you have one (don't worry if not!).  All ages welcome!”

When: Sep 28, 2013 from 03:00 PM to 04:30 PM

Where: Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

Contact Name: Holly Reinhard,  Contact Email: holly.reinhard@tpwd.texas.gov Contact Phone: (956) 725-3826

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Geocaching 101

“What is Geocaching? Geocaching is a unique and fun high-tech treasure hunt that gets you and your family outdoors.

Are you interested in learning how to Geocache? Or maybe just how to use your GPS unit?  Abilene State Park will be hosting a geocaching clinic and will have GPS Units for loan.

The program is Free with paid entrance into the park or park pass.  Limited Units-Please RSVP your family to reserve a unit.”

When: Sep 29, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Abilene State Park 

Contact Name: Dawn Capps,  Contact Email:
Dawn.Capps@tpwd.texas.gov Contact Phone: (325) 572-3204

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And few more:

Sept 26 -Sept 29, 2013     Autumn Fest, Little Elm, TX - 704 West Eldorado Parkway

Carnival, Pretty Baby Contest, 5k run, 1 mile walk, live music, BBQ Cook-Off, Anything that Floats Race, Vendors, Fireworks Festival is 25 years old
Est # of food vendors- 20   Est # of non-food vendors- 64   Est. attendees-25000   214-901-6444

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Sept 27 -Sept 28, 2013   McKinney Oktoberfest, McKinney, TX - 111 N. Tennessee St.

Local Fraconia Beer, kids activity, Live German Entertainment and Much More! Festival is 5 years old
Est # of food vendors- 7   Est # of non-food vendors- 15  Est. attendees-27000   972-547-2660

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Sept 28, 2013   Chisholm Trail Steak Challenge, Decatur, TX - Joe Wheeler Park

Steak Cook-off, great food, wine tasting, 5K fun run and so much more! Free admission and free parking! Festival is 3 years old
Est # of food vendors- 20   Est # of non-food vendors- 20   Est. attendees-1000   214-683-1766

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Sept 28, 2013   Iola Fun Day, Iola, TX - 7264 Main Street

Live Music, Car Show, 5K Run, Kid Zone, Live and Silent Auctions, Raffle, Free Gift Drawings, and Parade Festival is 3 years old
Est # of food vendors- 10   Est # of non-food vendors- 25   Est. attendees-2000   979-820-3115 

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Fantastic Fest

“Held each year at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar in Austin, Fantastic Fest has become the largest genre film festival in the United States. Those in attendance are treated to a full slate of horror, sci-fi, and action movies throughout Fantastic Fest.  Fantastic Fest has quickly become of the country's most popular film festivals. Founded by Tim Leagues, Harry Knowles, Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and Tim McCanlies in 2005, Fantastic Fest now encompasses eight days, generally covering the last week of September and first week of October, although dates vary from year to year. This year: Sept 19 - 26, 2013.

Where:  Although portions of Fantastic Fest are held throughout Austin, the primary location is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 1120 South Lamar Blvd, Austin.  http://fantasticfest.com/

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On This Day:

The First Supreme Court, Sep 24, 1789:

“The Judiciary Act of 1789 is passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside as chief justice, and John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson to be associate justices. On September 26, all six appointments were confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The U.S. Supreme Court was established by Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution granted the Supreme Court ultimate jurisdiction over all laws, especially those in which their constitutionality was at issue. The high court was also designated to oversee cases concerning treaties of the United States, foreign diplomats, admiralty practice, and maritime jurisdiction. On February 1, 1790, the first session of the U.S. Supreme Court was held in New York City's Royal Exchange Building.

The U.S. Supreme Court grew into the most important judicial body in the world in terms of its central place in the American political order. According to the Constitution, the size of the court is set by Congress, and the number of justices varied during the 19th century before stabilizing in 1869 at nine. In times of constitutional crisis, the nation's highest court has always played a definitive role in resolving, for better or worse, the great issues of the time.”

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Yesterday:

Because of sniffling and coughing, I didn’t sleep well.  I knew that Jay wouldn’t be here, but then Ray came over from next door. He said that there was an extra amount of pollen in the air, and it was affecting him, too.  It wasn’t two minutes after he got here that Shay called with some emergency, so he had to go home to make some phone calls.  We were going to do some more painting inside the screen porch, so I swept up the pine needles that had blown in there while I was waiting, as the screen wire isn’t installed yet.

Then Ray came back, and said he needed to use this computer, something to do with a Social Security claim.  Ray had never asked to use it before, so I knew it had to be important.  Shay had his car, or he would have used the one at the local library.  He had to fill out a long form online, and so I busied myself putting away laundry, cleaning mirrors, TV screens, and jobs like that.

Ray wasn’t through until lunchtime, and when he had tried to click on ‘submit’ a couple of times and it wouldn’t work, he asked for my help.  I found out that he hadn’t answered all the questions.  You know how tricky these government computers are, they have already asked the same questions before, but want to see if the answers are the same.  Trying to trip you up, I suppose.

The medicine for this allergy, or whatever it is, has been making me sleepy, so I have been going to bed early the last couple of nights.  So then as Misty hadn’t gone for her ‘late night outs’, she wants to go out at 3.00 in the morning, just as I am finally getting to sleep.

As the weather has cooled down, the windows and doors have been open most of the time.  Except at night, when the house is closed up, I haven’t have to run the AC for two days.

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