Summer Fun

Wake up REFRESHED and RECHARGED in the morning instead of more fatigued than when you went to bed!

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Adventure IS OUT THERE!

Transforming lives through adventurous Christ-centered experiences by planting seeds of faith, cultivating Christian leaders, and growing the kingdom of God.

Written by ROSS OWENS

We see the beauty of God’s creation in our adventures together

THE BEAUTY OF CAMP

The first event we read in Scripture is the creation account. It’s a story of God intentionally and creatively forming the world we are blessed to live in each day. It’s no wonder then that we can experience God so fully and find so much joy by spending time in His creation. That’s exactly what camp offers – time in the outdoors to grow in our love for God while being surrounded by encouraging community. It’s an opportunity to be transformed by God’s presence while walking alongside friends who encourage us in our daily lives.

We love the ministry that happens here at Camp Lone Star! Removing ourselves from the busyness of life and creating space to journey with God for a weekend or a whole week allows our hearts, minds, and lives to be transformed. This holds true all summer as campers from across the country travel to Camp Lone Star to experience real life in Christ!

A TRANSFORMATIONAL ADVENTURE

There’s something special about time at camp –perhaps it’s the creation we find ourselves in, the adventures we have with friends, or the valuable time spent in God’s Word. No matter what though, we know that camp is transformational! At Camp Lone Star, our mission is to see lives transformed through adventurous Christ-centered experiences and we want you to be a part of it. Small changes to our routines, activities, and context open our lives to the possibility of something new. We become more aware of our surroundings, our actions, and our need for growth. When our lives are open to change – anything can happen! That’s part of the adventure at camp!

But the adventure doesn’t end there. Simply residing at camp for any amount of time can be filled with adventurous activities. At Camp Lone Star, all campers are encouraged to try new things and challenge themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. This happens all across camp and all throughout their time here in various outdoor activities like wilderness hikes, challenge course activities, engaging community, and personal encounters with God! The adventures we have here at Camp Lone Star lead to transformation that lasts a lifetime!

Adventures on the challenge course is a part of everyone’s week.

Join in on the excitement this summer!

Various water activities help everyone stay cool in the Texas heat.

“Getting the opportunity to work at Camp Lone Star changed my life. What makes this place different from any other place, is that Camp Lone Star centers itself around Jesus. … Every single thing that we do at camp is designed to point people back to Jesus. That is why Camp Lone Star is such a life changing place.” – Major Smith, 2022 Summer Staffer

ABIDING WITH GOD

As our school year winds to a close and we venture towards summer we look forward to all that God has in store for our Camp family. This upcoming summer, campers will focus their hearts and minds on what it means to Abide. The word abide, as

used in Scripture, means to “remain or stay” – so to abide in Christ means to remain in Him. That will be the heart of our summer. John 15:4-5 says:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Our time spent in Bible study will draw us deeper in to our relationship with God and help us learn how to spend quality and intimate time with Him. We will discover the fruit of a life spent with Christ and how God can use us to bring blessings to those around us.

Everything at Camp Lone Star is centered on Christ.

COME JOIN US!

Camp Lone Star is passionate about our mission to plant seeds of faith, cultivate Christian leaders, and grow the Kingdom of God. We would love nothing more than for your camper to experience life change this summer and we believe that Camp can play a big role in making that a reality! From daily Bible studies with their cabin group to devotion times to start and end each day, your camper will spend their time at Camp saturated in God’s Word. Beyond that, a camper’s time at camp is a time away filled with adventure of all kinds – archery and tomahawks, challenge courses, Base Camp games, and exploring the wilderness. And don’t forget everyone’s favorite water activities: the slip ‘n’ slide, pool, and lake! All of this while surrounded by incredible groups of friends and counselors helping them to have the best week possible!

Whether your camper is 5 or 18 there is something for them at Camp Lone Star! We have weeklong, weekend, and day camp programs, opportunities to have the classic camp experience and others to stay up all night! Registration for all our summer programs is open now, but spots are filling up. Don’t miss out on the adventurous Christ-centered experiences you can have this summer! Scan the QR code or visit www. camplonestar.org to learn more and register soon!

“Camp Lone Star is a place where you have the opportunity to grow in God’s grace while surrounded by His creation. You will join in fellowship with strangers and leave as friends. This camp is filled with laughter, fun, games, songs, and worship. When you are here you are with family!”

“Camp Lone Star gave her a great, fun, positive experience where she learned some most important lessons about Jesus and Faith.” – Jennifer, Parent of 2022 Summer Camper

– Marilyn, Parent of 2022 Summer Camper

A great, new friendship is waiting for you at camp!

Camp creates incredible community.

Sliding into summer is the best!

day camp ages 5-13

Interested in coming to Camp during the day and sleeping at home? With Day Camp, campers are at Camp from 7:45 am – 5:15 pm, Monday through Friday. Each camper is grouped with other campers their own age and participate in all camp activities like song time, swimming, canoeing, archery, slip ‘n slide, Bible study, and much more.

alpha ages 8-12

Experience everything Camp has to offer in one amazing week. Alpha campers will work with the rest of their cabin group to plan out their days with fun adventures such as archery, canoeing, swimming, fort building, and much more. Our trained summer staff will be excited to share God’s Word each day through Bible Study time. Get ready for the best week of your life!

Omega ages 13-18

Whether it’s conquering heights on the rock-wall, floating the Colorado River, working as a team to build trust with one another, or the regular camp activities like swimming, archery, canoeing, you are sure to have the best experience during Omega! This week you and other teens will develop close bonds and create friendships that will last a lifetime. During this week you will also deepen your relationship with God and grow in your faith.

ART CAMP means GOOD TIMES

Laughter, learning, and good times are found at the Arts for Rural ARTS Summer Camps. ARTS has offered programs for youth in South Central Texas for 20 years and has filled the summer with wonderful, creative experiences.

Artistic Opportunities

ARTS offers enrichment classes to children in grades 1st through 12th, offering multiple forms of art including visual and performing camps. Sculpture, painting, drama, quilting, felting, photography, movie making and more are some of the camps offered this year at four different campuses.

This year, camps are offered in Fayetteville, Schulenburg, Giddings, and La Grange. For 18 years ARTS has been welcoming students to Art Camp. The camps are fee-based at $100 a camp, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm each week. (No camp July 4th week.) Scholarships are offered through a simple application process. Campers are enrolled in camps designed for their age group: Lower Elementary, grades, Upper Elementary, or Teen. In many of the camps, students will be provided experiences to media that will offer greater skill development.

Not only are these camps fun, the days are filled with great learning experiences in language: the ability to recognize and translate symbols, math: the ability to develop structure and simple analysis,

science: research, creative thinking, and exploration, teamwork, history and social studies: understanding the evolution of man through the arts and seeing the visual recording of history. All of the experiences provide a bigger picture of the world, stimulate thinking and inspire young minds. ARTS Summer Camp is packed with artistic content taught by some amazing instructors

Arts for Rural Texas will open its doors to the children on June 12th with camps that run for 1 week each. No previous artistic training is required and the scholarship application is on the website. If a child wants to come to Art Camp, we want to make that happen. For a full list of classes, locations and registration information, visit artsforruraltexas.org or call 979-378-2113.

Emerging Artists

The Emerging Artists Competition will be held again this year in August. The competition is open to youth in 6th through 12th grades. Financial awards are given in each grade level at the exhibition opening held on August 5th and held at the ARTS Ross Gallery in Fayetteville. All artwork is to be original in concept and design and should not be a copy of another piece of artwork. For more information visit artsforruraltexas.org or call 979-378-2113. Arts for Rural Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Flatonia Rail Museum is free admission and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Flatonia Rail Museum All Aboard For Fun!

Fun for all ages, historians, and especially for train enthusiasts the Flatonia Rail Museum showcases what is so important about a small town, its history.

At one time, the railroads ruled the small South Central Texas community of Flatonia. Farmers, ranchers, and merchants all depended on trains to deliver the necessities of their livelihood. For the town’s citizens and those from surrounding communities, rail passenger transportation was their connection to the outside world.

Rail service came to Flatonia in 1874 when the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Company extended its tracks west of the Brazos River. In 1879, the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Company built the first rail passenger depot in the heart of downtown Flatonia.

Today, the history and influence of the railroad live on at the Flatonia Rail Museum located at 104 E. South Main St. in downtown Flatonia. Stop by and see amazing Flatonia railroad history from historical artifacts, model train displays, photos, and more. The Flatonia Rail Museum is dedicated to preserving and educating Flatonia’s rich railroad history. It is free admission and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m .- 12 p.m. and then from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The Flatonia Rail Park is located across the street from the Flatonia Rail Museum. One of the park’s features is the historic Switching Tower No. 3. Built in 1902 by the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway Company the switching tower was initially located

This is just one of the several detailed model train displays available for viewing at the Flatonia Train Museum.

at the interlocker, a junction of north, south, east, and west tracks. The interlocker is approximately one-quarter mile west of downtown Flatonia. The tower was moved from the interlocker in the mid-1990s to its current location at the corner of South Main Street and Penn. In addition to Tower No. 3, Southern Pacific Caboose No. 4743 is located in Flatonia Rail Park. The bay-window rail car was built in 1980 and has undergone moderate exterior and interior restoration in recent years. One other attraction in the Rail Park is the old jailhouse, which was built in 1890. One look inside the stark four walls of the dimly lit building leads one to believe that criminal misbehavior was not tolerated in Flatonia.

Now located at the interlocker and a connection to the Flatonia Rail Museum is the Tommy Shults Photo Pavilion. It is a relaxing environment for train watching. The elevated and covered pavilion sits in the approximate location of Flatonia’s second rail passenger depot, which operated from 1929 to 1976. The pavilion provides a panoramic view of trains traveling in all directions. It is open seven days a week and is free to the public.

The Switching Tower No. 3, Southern Pacific Caboose No. 4743, and the old jailhouse are all available for tours during regular business hours of the Flatonia Rail Museum. The museum also offers after-hour group tours with advanced notice and availability. You can call (517) 927-2727 for your next group tour.

So all aboard to the Flatonia Rail Museum for an adventure you won’t forget!

Flatonia Flatonia rail

rail

IT’S AN

For 32 years, the Lee County Sheriffs Posse has produced the Fury on the 4th Bull Riding and Free Style Bull Fighting. This event has drawn some of the best bull riders and bull fighters from all over the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

And that’s why people for over three decades have come from all over to watch this unique event.

In about 2 hours and 45 minutes you can watch 40 bull riders attempt to ride some of the best bulls, all from the great state of Texas.

The event includes six bull fighters, 15 mutton busters, a top-notch announcer, top pickup men, and three of the best bull fighter “protection men” around. Also set to appear this year is one of the top rodeo clown/barrelman in the world, Johnny Dudley.

You do not want to miss this show. The action happens Tuesday, July 4th, at 7pm. The gates open at 6 p.m. And don’t forget the bull riding dance after the show with Trail Boss Troy and the Blue Denim Band. For more information, call (979) 542-9277.

ABOUT JOHNNY DUDLEY

Professional rodeo clown and barrel man “Backflip” Johnny Dudley of Denton, TX is one of the top talents in pro rodeo. He is known for amazing feature acts, along with his quick

wit and off-the-cuff banter that keeps crowds laughing until their sides hurt. He has performed at rodeos from Florida to Alaska and just about everywhere in between. He has been chosen three times for the Turquoise Circuit Finals rodeo, six times for the PRCA’s All American Finals, nominated twice for PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, and was voted as the 2019 Coors Man in the Can. But, before becoming a rodeo clown, Johnny served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps and then went on to college where he graduated with a degree in International Business. Johnny is one of the most likeable people you will ever meet and greets everyone with a big Texas smile.

ABOUT THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE

The Lee County Sheriff’s Posse was founded in 1953 by volunteers of Lee County, Texas. LCSP held their first Rodeo in May 1958; the proceeds went to cover the cost of radios and equipment for the Sheriff’s Department. The LCSP forefathers set out to promote the sport of rodeo by preserving their western heritage.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Posse is a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving our western heritage, promoting the sport of rodeo and providing entertainment for the entire family. We utilize our facilities to support the local 4H, FFA and youth groups throughout Lee County and the surrounding area. Proceeds from our events go toward scholarships for Lee County High School graduates, financial support of local programs and continuously improving our arena facilities. We are proud to announce that in 2023 we will again be distributing over $15,000 to Lee County graduates in pursuit of higher education.

10 Summer Medical Care Tips to Keep Summertime Fun!

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration, especially during hot and humid days.

2. Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

3. Take precautions against insect bites: Wear insect repellent, protective clothing and avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

4. Be careful in the water: Follow safety guidelines, such as never swimming alone, and watch children closely. Use flotation devices if needed.

5. Practice good food safety: Keep perishable foods refrigerated, cook food thoroughly and wash your hands frequently to prevent foodborne illnesses.

6. Stay cool: Avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke by staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing and taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.

7. Be mindful of allergies: Pollen, mold, and other allergens can be more prevalent during the summer months. Take precau tions, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen hours and taking allergy medication as prescribed.

8. Exercise safely: Stay hydrated and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heat exhaustion. Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear.

9. Practice water safety: Stay away from strong currents and avoid diving into unfamiliar bodies of water. Make sure to follow safety guidelines when using boats or jet skis.

10. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with local weather forecasts and any health advisories issued by authorities, such as heat alerts or air quality warnings.

If you find yourself needing medical care this summer, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services provides exceptional family medical practice services to all ages in La Grange and Giddings! We are taking new patients, accept insurance and have a sliding discount plan available for qualifying individuals.

Parents, before summer comes to an end, be sure to plan for backto-school preparations, including sports physicals and routine check-ups! Summertime is a great time to schedule appointments with your providers to discuss any concerns and ensure all necessary immunizations are up to date. By taking these steps, your students can start the school year off on the right foot, with a focus on their health and well-

- being.

Your Summer Fun Awaits at The Texas Quilt Museum

Join us this Summer at The Texas Quilt Museum (TQM). Bring your friends and family to our wonderfully restored, 19th century building, home to amazing works of art in three separate galleries, covering more than 10,000 square feet. We are open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm. (Private tours are available by appointment…just give us a call!)

Deborah Bradley, Director of TQM, has a lot in store for local families, artists, and weary travelers for this upcoming summer season. Special events and activities include…

The ever popular, Storytime Saturdays will continue every Saturday at 3:00, with FREE museum admission for children and their families. Pull up a cushy quilt square and enjoy exciting stories read by a talented array of local readers.

Opening June 1st…The Children’s Discovery Exhibit, features fun activities, including puzzles, a “hands-on” sewing clinic, Oh, Say Can You Sew, an “I Spy” Family Scavenger Hunt and SEW much more!

“The Flower Garden Safari” adjacent to the museum, in our Grandmother’s Flower Garden will be in full bloom with flowers and activities for kids of all ages. Get your Flower Garden Safari Kit at the Front Desk for just $10 per child.

“Plant a Memory” - Kids will learn about the art of gardening through an interactive, hands-on presentation. They will create their own miniature terrarium garden to bring home. (Dates TBA - $10.00 per child)

Kids Needle Felting Embroidery Camp, June 26-30 with Chris Kosler, this collaborative effort is with ARTS for Rural Texas. Includes all supplies and instruction for a week-long class. Offering a fun and exciting way to embroider and other fun adventures! To register swing by TQM or online at ArtsForRuralTexas.org. ($100.00 per child / class size is limited)

Kids Quilt Camp, July 24 – 28 with Jeanette Brown, this collaborative effort is with ARTS for Rural Texas. Includes all supplies and instruction for a week-long class. Offering a fun and exciting way to learn the legacy of quilting…and other fun adventures! To register swing by TQM or online at ArtsForRuralTexas.org. ($100.00 per child / class size is limited)

Snow Cones on the Square…enjoy a sweet, icy treat near the Gazebo in Historic downtown La Grange. More details come.

Come and see May 11-August 26, 2023, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Winners & Western Quilts, a tribute collection of Mary-Ann Vaca Lambert, an incredible Doll Exhibit and amazing Rodeo Art from our area student artists! Make plans to visit often, as we have a brand-new exhibit every four months!

Hope to see you sewn, Deborah Blanchette Bradley Texas Quilt Museum, Director

Weimar Gedenke!

The annual Gedenke Festival in Weimar, Texas is set to take place from May 11th through the 13th, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Not only will the festival feature an impressive lineup of musical talent, but it will also commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Weimar, a milestone that is sure to make this year’s celebration all the more special. And remember, admission is always free!

The Gedenke Festival has become a beloved tradition in Weimar, drawing crowds from all over Texas and beyond. This year’s musical lineup is sure to be a major draw, with headliner Jon Wolfe leading the charge. Wolfe is one of the rising stars of the country music scene, known for his soulful voice and catchy songs. He’ll be joined on stage by Casey Chesnutt, Emotions, Lost Cause Band, Broken Alibi, and Black Cat Choir, all of whom are sure to put on a great show.

Of course, the Gedenke Festival is about more than just music. The event kicks off on Thursday, May 11th with an open house at the Historical Society Museum of Weimar. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history of Weimar and the surrounding area, and to get a sense of the community spirit that makes this town such a special place.

Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of other activities to keep festival-goers entertained. Children’s activities will be available, ensuring that there’s something for every

member of the family to enjoy. Vendors will be on hand selling all sorts of goodies, from arts and crafts to delicious food. Speaking of food, there will be a BBQ contest, as well as a Biergarten, so visitors can indulge in some tasty treats while they take in the sights and sounds of the festival.

One of the highlights of the Gedenke Festival is always the parade, which will take place on Saturday, May 13th. This year’s parade promises to be especially memorable, with floats, bands, and other entries celebrating Weimar’s rich history and vibrant present. There will also be a car show for automobile enthusiasts to enjoy, as well as a salsa, margarita, and bloody Mary competition for those who like to add a little spice to their festival experience.

All in all, the Gedenke Festival promises to be an unforgettable event, both for the people of Weimar and for visitors from far and wide. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this festival has become such an important part of the community’s identity. Whether you’re a music fan, a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, the Gedenke Festival is sure to deliver. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to celebrate everything that makes Weimar great. To learn more, you can find all of the details on the web at www.WeimarChamber.com/Gedenke or contact the Weimar Area Chamber of Commerce at 979-725-9511

2023 LOCAL Vacation Bible Schools

Calvary Baptist Church - Bastrop

Sports Camp - June 5-9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

3005 Loop 150 E., Bastrop, TX. 78602

Registration - Crista@cbcfamily.net

Crosspoint Community Church

VBS - June 4-8, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

1010 N. Von Minden St., La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-5953

www.crosspointchurchtx.org

sec@crosspointchurch.org

First Baptist La Grange

Sports Camp - June 25-29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

5000 State Hwy. 71 West, La Grange TX 78945 (979) 242-5000

www.fbclagrange.net

tammy@fbclagrange.net

First Presbyterian Church of La Grange

VBS - June 26, 27, and 28, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

205 S. Franklin St., La Grange TX 78945 (979) 968-9424

Registration: fpclagrange@outlook.com

Flatonia Methodist Church

July 10-14, evenings

403 E. North Main, Flatonia, TX 78941 | (713) 825-6032

www.flatoniaumc.org

Holy Cross Lutheran

June 12-14, 5:30-8:00

FM 1482, Warda | (979) 242-3333

www.holycrosswarda.com

Holy Rosary Catholic/St. Peter & Paul Catholic

June 26-30, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

936 FM 2436, La Grange, TX 78945 | (979) 247-4441

hostynch@cvctx.com

La Grange Church of Christ

VBS - June 12-14, 6:00 p.m.

646 State Highway 71 E, La Grange | (979) 968-5676

Registration - scott@lagrangecoc.com

Martin Luther Lutheran Church

VBS - June 11-15, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m.

211 Luther Ln., Carmine | (979) 278-3388

www.mllcarmine.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran

VBS - June 4-8, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., PK - 6th Grade

800 N. Franklin St., La Grange | (979) 968-3938

www.mtcalvary-lcms.org

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

VBS - June 12-15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., PK3 - 4th Grade

539 E. Pearl St., La Grange, TX 78945 (Parish Center)

(979) 968-3430 X6

vbs@sacredheart-lg.org

Saint Michael’s Lutheran Church

VBS - June 25-29, 5:30 p.m.

700 Frio St. Winchester, TX 78945 | (979) 242-3444

secretary@st.michaelswinchester.org

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church

Day Camp June 25-June 30, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

110 W. Walnut, La Grange, TX 78945 | (979) 968-5657

www.stpaullg.org

St. Rose of Lima Parish

VBS - June 19-22, Times TBD

1010 Lyons Ave., Schulenburg | (979) 743-3117

www.strosecatholic.org

United Evangelical Lutheran Church

August 1-3, 5:00-8:00 p.m., K-5th Grade

Swiss Alp 2038 FM 3171, Schulenburg, TX 78956

(979) 247-4151

lemae@cvctx.com

The Countdown to Magnolia

Have you heard the buzz around town? NO??? Well, you are in for a treat! There is a star-studded music lineup for the Magnolia Days Festival and Columbus’s 200th Birthday Celebration in beautiful, historic downtown Columbus on May 18-20.

Kicking off the festivities on Thursday, May 18, everyone is invited to a German Style Dinner on the Courthouse square from 6-8 pm. The menu will consist of Zigeunerschnitzel, homemade sausage, Chef’s potatoes, purple cabbage, mixed salad, and Black Forest cake for dessert catered by Chef Raoul Catering. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Columbus Chamber. Purchase tickets by May 10. Tickets will not be sold at the event. The beer garden will be open to purchase your favorite adult beverage and The Lost Cause Band will entertain the crowd with some foot-stomping polka music.

On Friday evening, May 19, local musician, Darrel Appelt, will take the stage at 6:00 pm. Darrel will be followed by Southbound 955 at 7:30 pm, and back by popular demand are The Spazmatics taking

the stage at 9:30 who will keep you entertained not only with their “Ultimate 80s New Wave Tribute” but with their flamboyant dress and way too cool dance steps from the decade you will never forget.

Free music abounds during the day on Saturday, May 20, starting with The Bandits at 12:00 pm. They will take the stage again at 1:30 pm following the Magnolia Belles presentation on the Courthouse lawn. Come to the square for some toe-tapping polka music by Czech Melody Masters at 3:00 pm and dance in the streets to the music of Hackemack’s Hofbrauhaus Combo at 4:30 pm. Hailing from New Braunfels, Midnight River Choir will entertain the crowd with their American/Texas Groove band sound at 6:30 pm. Jon Stork, a Texas artist, will take the stage with his “RockyTonk” flare and soulful sound at 8:00 pm.

Together for more than 17 years, the Randy Rogers Band (RRB) will be on stage at 9:30 pm to culminate the Magnolia Days Festival and Columbus’ Bicentennial Celebration. RRB calls San Marcos home

Days Festival Has Begun

Written by JANET HOLLMANN | EVENTS DIRECTOR

and will bring its Country Music sound to town for what promises to be the biggest Magnolia Days Festival Columbus has ever seen.

In the food village, you will find everything from barbecue, crawfish, eggrolls, hamburgers, and Mexican food to a wide variety of sweets & drinks. There is something to satisfy everyone’s palate. The Watering Hole will be serving up ice-cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and wine from several wineries will be available for purchase as well. Hound Song Brewing Company will also be on-site serving their award-winning craft brew. Shop our merchandise vendor area for great local art, crafts, jewelry, natural soaps & bath salts, home décor, clothing, local honey, and even gourmet French macarons. You are sure to find something that you just “can’t live without.”

The Kid Zone is going to be packed with fun activities for the entire family. Bounce houses, inflatable interactive games, a petting zoo,

pony rides, a trackless train, wagon rides, balloon pop game, ring toss and many more will be available for a small ticket price. Be sure to have your camera ready for the kiddos’ pictures with Cinderella and Ariel or one of the four characters that will be on the square. You can even pose for a photo op with a real swashbuckling pirate.

Don’t forget to walk down Milam Street to the Car Show and Art Show and grab a ride on the shuttle for a guided tour of historic properties in downtown Columbus.

Mark your calendars, dust off your dancing shoes, ramp up your appetite, gather up your family and friends, and come out to a “stomping good time” at Magnolia Days Festival & Columbus’ 200th Birthday Celebration. See you there, on the square May 18-20!

Movie Nights on the square

Written by CALEB PARKS

With summer comes long nights filled with family memories. Be it swimming at the Pool or watching the 4th of July Parade, just about everyone can remember summer memories from their childhood with vivid detail. To help create these memories and provide to the community, La Grange Main Street is once again hosting its Summer Movie Nights on the Square!

On June 2nd, we’ll kick things off with the summer adventure of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. On June 9th, our feature film will be the hilarious “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” And finally, on June 16th, we’ll watch the classic, “Finding Nemo.” Please come out and join us for these films!

We’ll start each evening at 7 pm with some live music, refreshments, and activities all provided by our fabulous Community Sponsors, before starting the movie around 8:30 once the sun has gone down. Among the things you can expect are Sno-Cones, Ice Cream, Candy, Drinks, Games, and more! There is no charge for this event, all you need to bring is a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Let’s kick the summer off right!

July 4th with the Round Top Rifle Association

Written by RONNY SACKS

The year was 1851, Round Top was still surrounded by Anglo plantations, and the Society for the protection of German emigrants to Texas had purchased a league of land just a few miles east of Round Top. German Emigration was coming through the area on the way to New Braunfels/ Fredericksburg. Many weary from the arduous journey from Germany found it very suitable for farming and settled here.

The Anglos thought it wise to celebrate our nation‘s birthday, and staged a celebration commemorating the 4th of July on what is today‘s Round Top‘s square. The celebration continued, even through the dark years of the Civil War. No one knows how that transpired, but luckily it continued. In 1882, upon the completion of the Round Top Schuetzenverein‘s newly built dance hall and adjacent facilities, the now known as Round Top Rifle Assn. assumed the sponsorship of the 4th of July festivities.

This year will mark the 173rd time the Round Top community, under the sponsorship of the Round Top Rifle Association, will celebrate our nation‘s

birthday, with the same fervor as the first celebration.

Beginning at 10 am on the town square, all will be welcomed by local dignitaries under the leadership of County Judge Dan Mueller and Round Top Rifle Association president Michael Sacks. Following the patriotic addresses, the Round Top Cannoneers will sound the Civil War cannon, to signal the start of one of Fayette County‘s largest parades.

The parade will lead all to the historic Round Top Rifle Association‘s grounds, where a delicious meal of BBQ chicken, sausage and all the trimmings for dine-in, to-go or drive thru await the festive attendees. Music entertainment will be by Cool Freddie E and the Crew, and for the 53rd time, the Round Top Brass Band will provide patriotic music as well as marches, polkas and waltzes. Cold refreshments are available all day.

We invite everyone to come and enjoy this unique event, to celebrate our great nation‘s birthday. This celebration is ALWAYS on the 4th of July, regardless of the day of the week! Visit Roundtoprifle.com or their facebook page for more information.

Activities

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