Discover 361 - November 2024 by mrobertsdigital

Christmas in Cuero

Christmasinthe Park DrivingTour

Marvel at over250hand-craftedlight scenesas youdrive through Cuero’s belovedChristmasinthePark! Thisannual traditionbringsthejoyoftheseasontolife withstunningilluminationsand festivecheer. When:November27th -Januar y1st, 6:00 PM -10:00 PM nightly Where: CueroMunicipal Park Freeadmission -donationsappreciated

ChristmasinDowntown

December13th&14th

Strollthroughbeautifullydecoratedstorefronts,enjoy holidayshoppingwithlocalmerchants,ice sk ating, horsecarriagerides,Artesian Market,food vendors,live music,alargesnow globeandmore! Visit Cuerothis holidayseasonandexperiencethecharmofCuero’s historicdowntown,alldressedup fortheseason.

Makeit afamilytradition! Celebrate the wonderofthe holidays withusin Cuero. Shop,Dine,StayandExplore the BeautyofCuero!

As managing editor of The Advocate, this edition of Discover 361 is my first as a citizen of Victoria, and I am proud to say I helped our great staff put this one together.

It’s not my first fall spent in Texas as, gulp, decades ago in the 1990s, I spent two-plus years as the sports editor of the Echo-News in Alice. I can’t say I’m used to the weather here yet, but needless to say, it was still quite steamy at press time for each of the stories. As someone who spent more than 20 years in Florida, I realize it’s hard sometimes to get into the mood for the upcoming holidays when it’s 90 degrees and you’re sweating.

While it’s still warm outside, the stories in this edition of Discover 361, I believe, will warm our readers on the inside.

I wrote two pieces for the magazine’s November issue. The first is a piece on local celebrity Charles Kulow who, as many of you know, spent 45 years manning the presses at The Advocate. These days, Charles can be seen all over town in a voluntary capacity. After interviewing him, I wonder if there is any civic organization in which he doesn’t participate.

He also plays Santa during the holidays, although he doesn’t take any compensation for his portrayal of Ole Saint Nick. He is in high demand throughout the Christmas season, and I can see why. Charles is a very personable and likable man, and I’m sure he makes a great Santa for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

I also wrote a piece about a couple of the staples of the holiday season found in Victoria. One is Bethlehem Village at Grace Lutheran Church, an event the church has put on for 14 years. They now have a two-night, drive-thru event that more than 800 people enjoyed last December.

The second is the Christmas program and concert put on by Faith Family Church, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in Victory. But that’s not all that’s happening at Faith Family in the month of December. Read the story to find out exactly how you can enjoy what’s going on there while honoring the reason for the season–Jesus.

I also urge you to check out Madison O’Hara’s story on a “mixologist”–Dayana Alvarado Gamboa–who is developing a thriving business and has fashioned a great reputation around town. Find out why we around the office call her “The Cocktail Lady.”

Other stories that will interest you include James Herd’s piece on High Brehm, a local business with a decidedly Texas flavor for fashion. Christopher Green writes about Cuero’s Christmas in the Park, and Michael Milliorn explains how the Victoria area commemorates the holidays with its traditions.

You don’t want to miss this holiday issue of Discover 361, so be sure to check it out.

Shawn A. Akers Managing Editor

GENERAL MANAGER

Clarice Touhey

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Kyle Motal

MANAGING EDITOR

Shawn A. Akers

LOCAL EDITOR

James David Herd

DESIGNER

Kimberley Bailey WRITERS

Shawn A. Akers

Christopher Green

James David Herd

Michael Milliorn

Madison O’Hara

Ashley Rambo

Katie Steinhauer

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Rambo

Katie Steinhauer

Michael Milliorn

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY BY

James David Herd

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Carleigh Rae Photography

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Carleigh Rae Photography

You typically hear them before you see them, ringing their bells and standing next to a red kettle outside of the grocery store or convenience store. Every holiday season, the Salvation Army’s bell ringers invite you to donate. You might avert your eyes as you go into the store or you might scrounge up some pocket change to donate but do you know the history beyond the red kettle?

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle program was started by the organization’s founder, Captain Joseph McFee in 1891. After seeing poor individuals in San Francisco going hungry during the holiday season, he decided to provide a free Christmas dinner for them. There was only one problem—he needed money.

As McFee looked for a solution, he remembered a large, iron kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” from his sailor days. The kettle would sit at Stage Landing in Liverpool, England and passers-by would toss in a coin or two to help the poor.

McFee placed his own kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street with a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” It wasn’t long before McFee raised the money he needed to feed 1,000 of San Francisco’s poorest for the holidays.

Quickly, McFee’s kettles spread across the country. In 1897, 150,000 Christmas dinners were given to the needy across the nation. Now, the Salvation Army helps more than 4.5 million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, the Red Kettle program raised $27 million across the country. Victoria’s local Salvation Army and volunteers raised $60,000 last year. But where does that money go?

“83% of the money donated in the kettle goes back into the community,” Captain Kenny Jones with the Salvation Army says.

Money from the kettles fund the organization’s social service programs during the holidays such as the Angel Tree program, Forgotten Teen Santas, Thanksgiving fest, Christmas food parcels and Senior Santas. Last year, our local Salvation Army helped care for 500 senior citizens in the community in nursing facilities and at home.

“The red kettle raises awareness in the community for the need to fund social services provided by the Salvation Army,” Jones says.

The money raised by the Red Kettle program accounts for only a small percentage of the Salvation Army’s annual budget. Jones says most of the money they raise is gone by January. They struggle because after they get going with one program, they are already thinking of the next way they can help the community.

“The problems we see don’t just happen during the holidays, they still exist during the other 11 months of the year,” Jones says.

The Victoria Corps of the Salvation Army was started in 1958 and the red kettle program has been in town since. Each year the local Salvation Army selects 8 to 10 locations to place bell ringers and red kettles. They picked high traffic and profitable locations such as Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Sam’s Club and Walgreens. While Jones wants to expand the organization’s operations, they sometimes run short on volunteers. With almost 10 locations a day and two doors at some stores, Jones needs extra volunteers. That’s where 4 to 6 paid bell ringers help out each day.

“Each volunteer works half a day or four hours, the kids even less,” Jones says.

On average, 75 volunteers sign up annually to ring the bells during the holiday season. Students, police offices, clubs, organizations and businesses all volunteer their time to help raise money for the Salvation Army.

“It’s about more than just bells. The bells are a way to lead people to Jesus Christ. Every interaction at the kettle is an opportunity for us to do just that,” Jones says.

When the Salvation Army sets up the red kettles, they meet the public and in turn, the public gets to meet them and learn about the community programs they offer. This year, Jones hopes to bring more red kettles to downtown Victoria, especially on counter tops at businesses on Main Street.

This holiday season, the Salvation Army is in need of donations, now more than ever. Donations can be just your time volunteering, or a monetary donation, or taking home a name from the Angel Tree.

“Hopefully people understand the

true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about yourself, it’s about others and about experiencing true joy—joy that you can’t express or put into words,” Jones says. This holiday season, consider donating to the

Salvation Army. Give of yourself whether that’s your time or your money. Jones says donations are down everywhere this year and they need your help now more than ever to help make someone’s Christmas special.

STORY BY SHAWN A. AKERS | SAKERS@VICAD.COM

“No, I don’t really advertise that I play Santa. I just go out and do different events for people who might need someone to play Santa,” says the retired, 69-year-old Kulow. “I’m one of those people that kinda helps with things in Victoria. I volunteer with a number of groups and, if I’m available to help somebody out, then I try to do it. That’s basically the bottom line.”

Throughout the year, you might see Kulow working with several organizations within the community, including the Red Cross, the Community Emergency Response Teams, the Victoria Hurricane and Disaster Conference and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary. After 45 years of working the presses and serving as operations manager at The Advocate, Kulow also spends his time driving and delivering cars and paperwork for local auto dealerships.

His foray into playing the character of Santa came unexpectedly.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Kulow began playing Santa in 2010, when, after placing his mother and his cousin into Southbrook Manor and Nursing Rehabilitation Center in Edna, facility officials asked if he had any interest in playing Santa there during the holiday season.

Charles Kulow would like to make one thing perfectly clear. He is not a Santa for hire.

Instead, the well-known Victoria resident, a civic volunteer on many levels throughout the year, simply enjoys bringing joy to children, parents and special-needs adults by playing the character of Santa every Christmas season. He’s not looking for financial gain, and the only compensation he requires is to see the smiles and laughter that comes from his craft.

While he had never really thought about it, Kulow gladly took on the task, and his exploits have grown into community legend in Victoria.

“It all started about 14 or 15 years ago with my mom and my cousin, and the nursing home in Edna was trying to find a Santa because apparently, the Santa they were using backed out on them,” Kulow says. “So, I bought a cheap Santa suit and I went and played Santa for them. They have a big dining room and they bring in the residents that are still mobile. Family members brought in gifts and I handed them out and had photos

taken. Then we went to the rooms of the patients who weren’t mobile and we visited them and they enjoyed it. I thought, hey, I might be onto something here.”

Kulow kept coming back to the Edna facility for a number of years, but stopped when COVID struck. He hasn’t been back since, but says he would if he were asked.

That initial event sparked a burgeoning hobby for Kulow. In the years that followed, he began to develop a strong reputation around the city and as word spread, he came into high demand to play Santa.

As time passed, Kulow says he bought better suits, or “more professionallooking stuff.” Sponsored by The Advocate, he began working gigs at the Leo J. Welder Performing Arts Center, the first of which he says drew a line of “50 or 60 kids.”

Kulow also fills private requests, including one from a family that simply wanted their granddaughter to have Santa deliver a gift to her personally on Christmas morning.

“That was something that made me feel really good and it only took about an hour of my time,” Kulow says. “It’s just something I really enjoy doing when I can do it.”

Many other parts of “the job” bring a smile to Kulow’s face every year, including working with local police

BLUE SANTA

In Decembers past, Kulow has partnered his Santa character with the Victoria Police Department. In doing so, he switches colors of his suit to blue to signify his connection with the police.

Kulow says it’s a program the police department started a number of

years ago to help families in difficult situations, financially or otherwise.

“It helps children that are of lowincome families. They might be single families, or just a mom with children,” Kulow says. “It’s a pretty big program and I’m only too glad to help them out. They will go out to Target and people will make monetary donations or go in and buy a toy for the kids. And the kids always want to get a picture with Santa. All of those toys are taken to locations and, when they are wrapped, they’ll go out to a place like the community center and distribute them. A lot of those come from giving trees, and it’s a very worthy cause.”

Kulow says he doesn’t ask for payment for any appearance, especially the Blue Santa program because there aren’t a lot of police officers that “can fit a Santa suit.”

In 2023, Kulow says he worked with foster children as a Blue Santa. He says it was one of his most cherished events. In any given December, Kulow says he will play Santa at five or six different Blue Christmas events.

Years of playing Santa have given Kulow many memories of his own. Some of the best ones for Kulow are working with special needs adults and some children who might be labeled as “troubled.”

“Some of these kids would come up and give you a big ole hug,” Kulow says. “We would sit the kids on a blanket and

they would tell me what they wanted. There was this one little boy in line who turned around and spit at another child. I stopped what I was doing and told him if he didn’t apologize, he would get nothing but coal in his Christmas stocking. So, he turned around and apologized. That was great.”

Most of those children, Kulow says, although some are shy, keep coming back and “want to be around Santa.” Some who are skeptical about Santa have pulled at his beard, and he simply plays out the part.

And sometimes children are hesitant to sit in his lap, which Kulow says is quite alright with him.

BROTHER-IN-LAW

Unlike Kulow, his brother-in-law, Danny Thornton, from Richmond, Texas, is a Santa-for-hire. Kulow says Thornton, at minimum, receives $125 for his labors, including a commercial gig with a hardware gift store in Richmond every Saturday in December.

“He does a lot of private events,” Kulow says. “A couple of years ago, he did one at someone’s house where they actually brought in a couple of reindeer to help out, much to his surprise.”

Kulow says he will continue to play Santa for as long as there is a demand for his services.

“Again, it’s just something I enjoy doing and I want to keep doing it,” Kulow says. “I don’t need any payment or thanks for it. It keeps me busy and brings a lot of joy for people. That’s payment enough for me.”

Kulow’s brother-in-law, Danny Thornton

•

When event mixologist Dayana Alvarado Gamboa bartends, she isn’t just making cocktails, she’s crafting them. Every drink she serves, she pours with pride.

“A good bartender knows how to not only create and pour great drinks but they can also offer some advice on what kinds of cocktails are popular or unique,” Gamboa says.

In 2022, Gamboa had an idea. She wanted to be an entrepreneur and have her very own business. She was going to buy a horse trailer, fit up and have her business take off from there. When her now husband and her ended up getting pregnant, her dreams were temporarily put on hold as she navigated being a first time mom. A year and half later in November of 2023, starting Cocktails by Dayana was back in the cards and she went for it. After taking her headshots and posting her business on Facebook, she says her clientele just took off.

“I wanted to branch out and finally do my own little thing because of the love I have for mixology and my desire to be an entrepreneur,” Gamboa says.

Currently, she serves and works events in Victoria County and surrounding areas. While she’s willing to travel anywhere for business, her main goal is to network here in Victoria.

“I want my town to know me and my work. I’m so thankful this community has been more than welcoming. I have only heard good things about me and I’m hoping that’s all I ever hear,” Gamboa says.

Now on the one year anniversary of her business, she’s done a range of events from birthday parties to company Christmas parties to cocktail classes.

“When you are hosting an event, you should want your drinks to not only look good but taste good too. You should feel pride in the menu that was created just for your event,” Gamboa says.

That’s why when she’s hired for an event, Gamboa goes from a consultation with her client to decide on what cocktails will be served. From mojitos to margaritas to beer and wine to champagne, the list goes on and on. Aesthetics are something that Gamboa has an eye for. Presentation plays a huge part in her business from the menu she creates to the way her drinks look.

“I’ve seen so many posts on social media about people being in the same | CONT.

Dayana Alvarado Gamboa

sort or business but no one is you. Everyone in their own way makes their business unique and special,” Gamboa says.

The way she stands out is by being consistent with social media posts, keeping up with new trends and skills, making sure all her ingredients are fresh and clean and by taking the time to set consultations. These are just some of the ways she prioritizes her business and her clients’ experience.

“I will lead you down a comfortable and easy path to help you curate your bar menu,” Gamboa says.

Gamboa is constantly looking for ways to expand her repertoire of recipes. From watching YouTube videos

POMEGRANATE MARGARITA

• 2oz Tequila

• 1oz Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

• 4oz Pomegranate juice

• Half a lime squeezed

In a shaker, add ice, all your ingredients, and shake for about 8 seconds then pour into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel, some pomegranates or anything of your choosing.

PEPPERMINT ESPRESSO MARTINI

• 3oz Kahlua

• 2oz Peppermint Schnapps

• 1oz Vodka

• 1oz Heavy Cream

• 1oz/shot Espresso, freshly brewed

In a shaker, add ice, all the ingredients, and shake for about 8 seconds, then pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

to reading mixology books to testing new things out at home. Her bartending job at La Terraza is one place where her love for mixology gets to grow.

“I’ve had great times bartending. I’ve gotten to know so many new people and have learned so much from them like new recipes, new ways to make your own syrups, new ways to make a cocktail,” Gamboa says.

Her love for bartending all started with Gamboa just wanting to learn more about making drinks. Originally she worked at the restaurant as a server before becoming a bartender. When the owners opened their location inside the Victoria Mall they asked her to help them bartend. That was only the beginning for Gamboa’s passion.

“I don’t have the best memory but for some reason, when it comes to bartending and making drinks, you tell me a recipe once and it’ll stick,” Gamboa says.

Gamboa has had to learn when to cut a person off from the bar and how to ensure everyone drinks responsibility, but those challenges pale in comparison to all the great people she has met along the way.

On the one year anniversary of Cocktails by Dayana, Gamboa hopes that her business continues to grow as much as her love for mixology has.

Board CertifiedinInternalMedicine

Aesthetic&Anti-AgingPhysician

FellowMemberoftheAmerican Ac ademyofAnti-AgingMedicine

LaserResurfacing Benefits:Reducesacnescars,wrinkles,sunspots,andimprovesskin texture fora smoother, rejuvenatedlook.

HowIt Works: Lasersuse controlledlightandheatat specific wave length to stimulate collagenproduction and repairskin,similar to howmusclesstrengthenafter workouts.

Ablativevs. Non-Ablative: Ablativelaserstargettheskin's toplayers formore dramatic resultsbut require longer recovery Non-ablativelasersaregentlerwithshorterdowntimebutneedmultiplesessions.

ExpertiseMatters: Ensure yourlicensedmedicalproviderisaqualifieddermatologistoraestheticdoc tor to avoid complications.

Skin Type Considerations:Darkerskin tones requirespecializedlasers to preventpigmentationissues,so workwithamedicallicensedprovider experiencedintreatingdiverseskin types.

Personalized Treatment: Consultwitha cosmeticdermatologistoranaestheticdoctor to choosetheright laser for yourskin concernsand recovery expectations.

Anotherlighttherapy, also referred to asintensepulsedlight(IPL)orbroad-basedlight (BBL),isawidely recognizednonablativetreatment. Thistherapy isdistinctfromlasersand resurfacingtreatments,instead offeringa rejuvenatingeffec t. By utilizingmultiple wavelengthsoflightsimultaneously,IPLachieves comparableoutcomes to lasersbutwithincreasedprecisionandgentleness. However, due to itsgentle nature,multiplesessionsare typically required fornoticeable results. To minimizepotential complications, itisadvisable to undergoIPLtreatmentwithan experiencedaestheticphysician.

Considering Laser TreatmentswithDarkSkin? Proceedwith Caution

The Fitzpatrickscale categorizesskininto six typesbasedonmelanin content. I recommend cautionwhen usinglasersondarkerskin tones(Fitzpatrick types4,5,and6)due to theriskof hyperpigmentation. While certainlasersmayposerisks fordarkerskin,safeoptions exist,includingerbiumlasersand alternativetreatmentslike radio-frequencyandmicroneedling. To minimizerisks,itiscrucial to consultan experiencedproviderfamiliarwiththeoptimallaser forspecificskin typesand awareofpotentialbenefits andrisks. By exercising caution,individualswithdarkskin tones cansafelyundergolasertreatments. Consultwithaseasoned cosmeticdermatologist to selecttheoptimallasertreatmenttailored to your needs.Expertswith ex tensive experienceoperating variouslasers can customizetreatments by leveraging multiple wavelengths,often combiningdifferentlasers forenhanced results.

Researchedandwritten by Dr Nhi Le,MD

25 yearsinanti-agingand regenerativemedicine at TexasMedical Wellness Clinic

17 yearsin Cosmetic Dermatology at Fountainof YouthmedicalspaSkinand wellness expertinthe Crossroadsarea

Key Points to Know Before Getting LaserResurfacing- Dr.Nhi Le,MD

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HOLIDAY DINNER

Creating Memories

that Last a Lifetime

BY MICHAEL MILLIORN | MMILLIORN@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE MICHALOU ON PEXELS, DENNIS PATILLO AND LOUISE HULL PATILLO

The holiday season is defined by a wide range of traditions and memories but none bring about as transcendent a feeling as food. Holiday meals feature instantly recognizable foods that bring forward the nostalgic characteristics of seasons past the minute a spoonful hits the tongue.

With the shift in family dynamics spreading relatives further across the country, gathering everyone to enjoy a home-cooked holiday meal can be challenging. This is why many people embrace restaurants each holiday, Dennis Patillo, owner of The PumpHouse restaurant, says.

“It used to be the case that all the families would get together and somebody would cook a turkey and then other members of the families would bring a different side dish,” Patillo says. “Now [families are] spread out all over the country so the possibility of getting a whole family together again during the holiday is fairly remote. We're seeing more and more people [celebrating] Thanksgiving at a restaurant where they will fix turkey and dressing and all of the trimmings.”

The PumpHouse serves a celebratory meal for Thanksgiving during the week before and after the holiday. The season

special reinvents holiday classics and avoids following a set pattern. The restaurant closes on Thanksgiving day to give its employees the opportunity to celebrate how they’d like.

“I'm a big proponent of things like rock Cornish game hens for everybody and [making] a dressing, but maybe not your traditional cornbread dressing, something that's pumped up a little bit,” Patillo says.

When preparing a Thanksgiving meal, Patillo and his wife Louise Hull Pattilo, take extra care to ensure their turkey comes out looking and tasting perfect. The turkey is thoroughly brined and then smoked to give it a deep flavor palette.

Since the dark and white meat of a turkey cooks at a much different rate. When a whole turkey is cooked at once, the cooking difference greatly impacts the way one of the meats taste, Patillo says. In order to cook both meats to perfection, they must first be separated, then cooked appropriately and finally reassembled for presentation.

The PumpHouse has been with head chef Cliff Denton for 13 years, allowing him to spearhead the unique dishes served during the holiday season. Denton has produced wildly delicious

and experimental dishes such as sweet potato mash stuffed poblano peppers, Louise says.

Holiday food goes beyond its ability to engage the taste buds in exciting ways. It has a way of creating memories that persist year after year.

“I remember my sister putting a turkey in [the turkey roaster] and ruining it, ruining it,” Patillo says. “What they did make that was just incredible was the dressing that I grew up loving, and to this day, I make a riff on that. I don't ever put a bite in my mouth without remembering my sister, my mom and my dad and my aunt and uncle and cousins who used to come over and join us for Thanksgiving dinner.”

“My obsession would probably be the pumpkin pie because my mother made it, and always [with a] homemade crust,” Louise says. “As I became the cook, I used to make two and I would have one for my family.”

Holiday desserts hold a high place each holiday season and often sit in the forefront of foodies’ minds when they sit down to craft their menus. Louise Hull Patillo cooks a wide variety of unique desserts for the season, from pumpkin pie to frozen orange balls and apricot bread baked in a coffee can.

Families are joined by the memory filled meals they prepare each holiday season. The food from years past holds people together and none are as committed to crafting food that withstands the testament of time as chefs.

“The first time [Dennis] came to visit Victoria was during the holidays, and I cooked, and he kept saying, ‘I could do that. I could make that.’,” Louise says.

STORY

Every year, people and families from around the Crossroads and further take a journey to Cuero during the holidays. The destination: Cuero’s Christmas in the Park, which features hundreds of Christmas themed decorations and lights that are sure to bring joy and happiness to all those who make the trip.

This year will mark the 25th anniversary of Cuero’s Christmas in the Park and it is sure to light up the park and bring Christmas joy to the Crossroads. What started as a lighting of the gazebo has turned into a tradition for many families that come from hundreds of miles away just to take sight of the lights.

It takes months of planning and preparation to bring the display to life. Volunteers and city workers start putting up the lighted displays as early as October, meticulously

arranging everything from shimmering reindeer to a towering Christmas tree. The intricate displays, often handmade, range from traditional nativity scenes to whimsical recreations of classic Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Each installation is carefully placed along the park’s winding roads, offering a drive-through experience that visitors can enjoy from the warmth of their cars.

The lights stretch over more than 100 acres of Cuero Municipal Park, forming a glowing pathway that takes visitors on a journey through Christmas scenes from the simple and serene to the grand and spectacular. The display boasts over 300 different scenes, including a brightly lit Santa's Workshop, a | CONT. ON PG. 24

gingerbread village, and even a "Texas Christmas" section, which adds a Lone Star touch with cowboy Santas and armadillos in Santa hats.

This year, spectators can expect to see a Dallas Cowboys light along with a new 37 by 28 foot high American Flag light that casts a beautiful reflection onto the water that it stands over. Cuero’s Christmas in the Park wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing people who work diligently year round to ensure the lights go up. There are a number of different departments involved with the planning and execution of the event, including Cuero’s Parks and Recreation, the electric department, the water department, the street department, the fire department and the Stevenson Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Cuero’s Christmas in the Park is more than just an event; it is a place where people create and

share memories. An organizer with the event said there are two anecdotes that highlight what the lights can do for people; both involve love and a desire to embrace the holiday spirit.

In the first, a man took to his knee and proposed to his girlfriend at the end of the pier in the park. The second involved a vehicle that was swerving through the park.

When the vehicle was stopped by staff, the woman driving the vehicle showed them something they didn’t expect. It turns out she had been using FaceTime on her iPad to speak with her husband who was serving overseas in the military at the time. The woman and her husband were able to connect with each other and enjoy the holiday even though they were thousands of miles apart.

These two memories showcase how the lights in the park can truly bring people together. The event is free and is open every night starting Nov. 25 and finishing up at the end of December.

Right, Milliorn wears a Wrangler Maroon Print Pearl Snap Shirt, Cinch Jeans, a Tony Lama Black Diamond Concho Belt, and Tony Lama Full Quill Ostrich Boots.

As the march of time proceeds ever onward, two things become evident: One, while those in Texas aren’t privileged enough to enjoy a traditional winter, it will soon become too cold to wear anything but sweaters and jeans everywhere. Second, companies around The Crossroads will start scheduling holiday parties.

One might therefore ponder: What does corporate holiday attire look like across the region? Is it the usual business formal dress code you might envision for a more prestigious gala event? Or, is it closer to the typical business casual attire you might wear on an otherwise normal day at the office?

Kelly High, owner of High-Brehm Hats & Western, says the answer could be a bit more complicated.

“What I usually see is most people will try to step it up a notch for the business Christmas party,” High says. “If the usual attire is jeans and maybe a work shirt or a T-shirt or maybe even a polo shirt … you might see them wear a little dressier pant like a Wrangler Riata or a Levi Docker-type pant, and maybe put on their nicer, dressier boots which may be alligator or ostrich.”

In addition, High says, people might choose to press and wear a nice dress shirt as well as a cowboy hat if they have one. High says his experience has been that people want to “look a little better” than they would at work.

Roy High and Buddy Brehm, Kelly’s dad and uncle, founded High-Brehm in 1953, and the store sold only hats in its early days. In the 1960s, High-Brehm added western wear to its catalog, and a few decades later in 1986, Kelly bought his dad out.

He’s been running things ever since.

“I’ve been selling western wear full-time for 41

| CONT. ON PG. 28

Michaelis wears a Silver Belly Charlie One Horse Saddle Up Felt Hat, an Ariat Denim Leopard Yoke Blouse, Wrangler Premium Denim Jeans, a Brown Studded Justin Cowhide Belt, and a pair of Ariat Collins Cowhide Boots.

| CONT. FROM PG. 27

years, so it’s in my blood,” High says. “You can attribute me being in the business because of my dad and how he handled the whole situation. There’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it, and he did it in a way that really helped me.”

High says the holiday attire question can get a bit complicated only because there are so many different types of people who live in The Crossroads.

“It’s very common to go to a holiday party in The Crossroads and to see guys wearing cowboy hats; folks wearing shoes and slacks and suits,” High says. “I think that’s one thing [that’s] neat about a smaller town is you’re going to see a lot of different looks.”

In establishing the types of attire that might be worn here in the holiday season, one might be curious if a shift or an evolution can be felt. High says while western attire does change, but it changes slowly.

CONT. ON PG. 30

Michaelis wears a Chocolate Ariat Riata Sweatshirt, Brown Studded Justin Cowhide Belt, Wrangler Cash Denim Jeans, and a pair of Ariat Collins Cowhide Boots.

O’Hara wears an Ariat Homestyle Ranch Blouse, a Black Studded Justin Belt, Wrangler Premium Boot Cut Jeans, and a pair of Ariat Black 16” Tall Cowhide Boots.

Akers

a George Strait Navy Plaid

| CONT. FROM PG. 28

“George Strait is kind of the standard that a lot of people use for their Western attire,” High says. “A lot of folks will ask [themselves] ‘Would George wear this?’ George is very conservative; he’s very traditional, kind of a blue jean, cowboy boots, pressed shirt, cowboy hat kind of guy.”

High says the look—at least here in Victoria—stays pretty consistent with that conservative style, even as a new style can be detected in younger stars such as Jelly Roll.

“Sometimes there’ll be a little swing as far as plaids, or prints, or solids, but for the most part, things stay pretty constant,” High says. “We’ll see some shifts like with hats, maybe how the shape is done. So, in the past few years, we’ve seen a shift to a little bit wider brims on the hats and a little bit wider square fronts to the shape of the brim. That has changed over time.”

As time rolls on and, as the briefest touch of winter graces our cheeks here in The Crossroads, one can rest easy knowing that, when residents begin scheduling their holiday parties, the last thing they want to be concerned with is what they will be wearing to these holly, jolly get-togethers.

wears

Shirt, a Tony Lama Alligator Belt and a pair of Ariat M4 Denim Jeans.

Milliorn wears a Black Bar None Stetson Felt Hat, a Green Print Cinch Shirt, and Cinch Jeans.

O’Hara wears a Lainey Wilson Charlie One Horse Lucky Me Black Hat, an Ariat Leopard Print Jacket, Ariat Denim Jeans, a Black Studded Justin Belt, and a pair of Ariat Black 16” Tall Cowhide Boots.

Voicesfromthe Past:The MakingofAransas County

Thisstatic exhibitwilllead youthroughthehistor yofAransasCountyinpanelsand interactiveactivity..Majorplayersinthebuildingofthe county areprofiledthroughout. Ar tifactsillustratethestories relatedinthe well-illustratedpanels.Themesofthe panelsinclude AmbitiousSettlers, Shipsand Captains,Downtown,UpsandDowns, Bountiful Baysand AShared Paradise. Theexhibitisamajorattractionhighlightingthe Sesquicentennialthatwillserveasanoverviewoflocalhistory foryearsto come.

801 ECedarSt Rockport,Tx 78382 achistorycenter@gmail.coom

The caring and experienced professionals at Thecaringandexperiencedprofessionalsat VictoriaMortuary&CremationServices are VictoriaMortuar remationServicesare hereto supportyou through thisdifficult time. heretosupportyouthroughthisdifficulttime. Weofferarangeofpersonalizedservicesto suit We offer arangeofpersonalizedservicestosuit yourfamily’s wishes andrequirements. You can yourfamily’swishesandrequirements. Youcan counton usto countonustohelpyouplanhelpyouplanapersonal,lasting apersonal,lasting tributetoyourlovedone. Andwe’ll carefully tributetoyourlovedone.Andwe’llcarefully guideyou through the manydecisions that must guideyouthroughthemanydecisionsthatmust be madeduring this challenging time. bemadeduringthischallengingtime.

FREDERICKSBURG

FILLED WITH HISTORY AND WONDER

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE STEINHAUER | KSTEINHAUER@VICAD.COM

With over 250,000 square miles to choose from, Texas-bound tourists or travelers have many options when it comes to places to enjoy the long days and beautiful views of the lone star state. Directly west from Austin just a few miles, Fredericksburg serves as the rich historical landing for some of the first German immigrants located within Gillespie County.

Hosting the infamous Enchanted Rock Natural Area State Park and the National Museum of the Pacific War to the limitless wine country tours and beautiful views of the hill country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this germanic-rooted historic town.

BRIEF HISTORY

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants under the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants

in Texas, John O. Meusebach originally chose the location for its rich topography and proximity to the Pedernales River in between two creeks. By 1850, census records stated the town’s population had reached 754 residents; the county as a whole held 1,235 residents.

Local tribes of Comanche Indians were placated with a peace treaty that allowed townsfolk to farm the land in return for tribe members to be allowed in town. Additionally, the peace treaty stipulated that in times of hunger, Fredericksburg would provide the tribes with grain in exchange for game, honey, and bear fat. This treaty led to enormous prosperity and peace for the residents of Fredericksburg and saw great growth for the community within its first two years.

Between 1846 and 1847, the first road to Austin was laid, the first privatelyowned general store opened, and the Nimitz family, famous for Chester W. Nimitz and his role in World War II, opened the Nimitz Hotel, which is still standing today and sits across main street from the National Museum of the Pacific War. The Nimitz Hotel has housed a number of families and travelers since its opening, most notably President Rutherford B. Hayes, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and had a reputation for comfort, elegance, and convenience to all who booked.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR

While it is odd that a museum commemorating battles fought in the Pacific Ocean and in foreign islands is situated so far inland, the prominence of Admiral Nimitz and his heroic contributions to World War II and his men cannot be understated. From jumping overboard to save a fellow seamen from the icy waters below their submarine, the USS Skipjack, to commanding more than two million men and women, 5,000 ships and 20,000 planes, Admiral Nimitz was the perfect man to center the Museum around.

December 7, 1941 was the day the U.S. entered the conflict after the infamous bombing of Pearl Harbor. Nimitz was serving as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation when the Japanese attacked, and from 28 flag officers, all of whom were senior to Nimitz, President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose the Texas-native to oversee the Pearl Harbor retaliation. He ordered Nimitz to “get the hell out to Pearl Harbor and don’t come back until the war is won.”

On December 31, Nimitz took command of the Pacific Fleet aboard the USS Grayling and was promoted to Admiral on the very same day.

Nimitz was a humble and kind leader to his sailors, who loved and respected him for his ability to restore and maintain morale in the Pacific Fleet. It was through his thoughtful leadership that an aggressive team was formed that made tough decisions in the Battle of Midway, which turned the tide of the war in favor of the United States.

Nimitz retired from the Navy and came home to Texas to accept his long overdue diploma from Tivy High

School in Kerrville, and the city of Fredericksburg held a parade in his honor.

The museum commemorates Nimitz’ life and contributions and features in-depth background information and artifacts from the second World War within its three buildings. In addition, the museum features tours, interactive displays and testimonies from survivors and soldiers, as well as pieces and parts of the infrastructure and vehicles that led to the surrender of the Japanese.

ENCHANTED ROCK NATURE TRAIL AND STATE PARK

Among the rolling hills and gravitydefying cliffs that dot the landscape in and around Fredericksburg lies an out-of-the-way state park that allows hikers and casual nature lovers to walk, hike, camp, and stargaze among its 11 miles of hiking trails and campsites. The namesake, a massive pink dome that rises above Central Texas, has been enticing people and visitors for thousands of years.

Sitting on the border of Gillespie and Llano counties, Enchanted Rock is about 18 miles north of Fredericksburg and was deemed a state natural area in October 1978. It is a Natural National Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places as an Archeological District due to its more than 400 archeological sites, which are all protected. 120 of them are designated State Archaeological Landmarks. It is estimated over 250,000 people trek to the park each year to experience the magic and legend of Enchanted Rock for themselves and is one of the most visited parks in the state park system.

Captain John Coffee (Jack) Hays was a legendary Texas Ranger and surveyor and in 1841 was attacked by Indians along with his group of men while on a survey mission near Enchanted Rock. He climbed the rock solo and holed up in a depression at the summit. There, he managed to fight off the attackers for over three hours until his companions were able to come to his aid.

For 12,000 years, Enchanted Rock has welcomed campers, explorers, and many stories and legends that endure today. The fascination of this mystical place has not escaped

modern times with the spectacular phenomenon sometimes witnessed and experienced from seasoned hikers.

One legend detailws how the Tonkawa Indians thought that ghost fires flickered on top of the dome and the odd creaking and groaning coming from the dome frightened them. Geologists today attribute this to temperature changes within the rock which causes the sediment to shift, giving the old rock creaks and groans. The ghost fires are thought to be reflections on clear nights after rain from collected water or wet feldspar.

Another story tells of an Indian maiden who saw her tribe killed by their enemy and after she threw herself off the summit, it is believed her

spirit still haunts the rock to this day. Another story details a young Spanish soldier who rescued his love just as Comanches were about to burn her at the base of the rock.

If spooky haunts and thousandyear stories aren’t enticing enough, the Enchanted Rock has dozens of individual trails ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours, and depending on the level of hiker, offers smaller down to earth trails as well as long winded inclined hikes. However it is to be enjoyed, Enchanted Rock promises to deliver on the natural appreciation of history and nature.

WINE COUNTRY, SHOPPING, AND EATS

More famous in some circles than World War II or haunted rock legends, the wine tours are second-to-none in Central Texas. With more than 30 wine tour companies, offering looks into more than 60 wineries and winetasting rooms, visitors can learn more about the original settlers and their preference for the native mustang grape. Dotted around the territory or within an hour or two drive are multiple avenues to satiate even the more diehard wine-lovers.

If wine isn’t your cup of tea, Fredericksburg houses the best and most authentic German fine dining options. From Auslander and its oldfashioned, germanic mashed potatoes to the Airport Diner, styled after 1940s diners of old and overlooking the Gillespie County Airport. This nostalgic look into a time period where the etiquette and pride of a century ago can be experienced firsthand is perfect for anyone who yearns for a uniquely Texan experience.

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE A Trip to the Austin Celtic Festival

STORY BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN | CGREEN@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY

DALE REMPERT

If you’re looking for a day trip and want to experience some traditional European culture, then the Austin Celtic Festival may be the perfect destination for you. A long standing tradition in the Austin area, the festival brings in thousands of people every year for a weekend of activities that are sure to showcase the heritage of Celtic culture.

“The Austin Celtic Festival is a celebration of Celtic culture, offering a mix of music, dance, history, and traditional crafts. It’s a family-friendly event that shows visitors the wealth of heritage from Ireland, Scotland, and

other Celtic regions,” Festival Director Donelle McKaskle says. “Picture lively bagpipes, fiddles, and accordions playing in the background as worldclass Celtic musicians perform on multiple stages. You’ll also see skilled dancers showcasing traditional steps, high-energy performances, and even opportunities for festival-goers to learn a few moves themselves or sign up for workshops like Intro to Irish Fiddle.”

The festival features nearly a dozen international and regional Celtic musicians, dance troupes, Celtic animals and workshops. The festival also features over 40 craft vendors in

the world market, which sells all kinds of foods and craft items.

One of the main attractions of the festival is the Highland Games, McKaskle says.

“The Highland Games—also known as the Heavy Games—is similar to a strong-man competition where competitors toss large cabers, heavy over bars, hammer throws, [and more],” McKaskle says. “We tend to have nearly 100 competitors in master class, women’s and even children’s.”

In addition to Celtic activities, food and music, the festival has become a place for animal lovers to take pride in showcasing Celtic dogs they own while festival goers can appreciate the animals in the yearly dog parade.

“Festival attendees who have animals with the proper temperament can sign

up with our festival Animal Director to bring their animal to showcase in our animal area as well as march in the Celtic animal parade that takes place in the afternoon each day of the festival,” McKaskle says. “Celtic animals include Celtic dog breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Corgis, Scotties, Westies, and many more. This year, we have on Saturday a Highland cow and a couple of calves coming to show as well.”

McKaskle says one of the things that makes the festival so special is the traditional Celtic clothing that people come dressed up in.

“Plenty of people take the opportunity of the cool weather to wear their family’s Scottish tartan kilts or their Irish cable knit sweaters, or maybe just an Irish cap,” McKaskle says. “Of course, we will have our Austin Celtic Festival official t-shirts for sale for those looking for something comfy and easy to wear.”

This year, the festival will be held at Jourdan Bachman Pioneer Farms in North Austin on Nov. 4 and 5. McKaskle said the festival usually brings in around 5,000 to 6,000 people every year.

A young girl stands with celtic dogs at the Festival.

A band performs at the Festival.

TRADITIONS & CELEBRATIONS

How Victoria Commemorates the Season

STORY BY MICHAEL MILLIORN | MMILLIORN@VICAD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

The chilling weather of the winter season brings a great necessity for warmth in the hearts and homes of every Victoria resident. Some find this warmth from the usual means: a crackling brick fireplace, an intoxicating scented candle or a steaming mug of cider.

However, many find this warmth through the holidays they celebrate and the traditions that accompany them. Places of worship across the county spread the warmth and cheer of their

FAITH FAMILY CHURCH

holiday to the community through different events and traditions.

Faith Family Church goes all out for the holidays, dedicating themselves to spreading traditions to the community for the length of the entire Christmas season. With their “Noel” series fastly approaching, they are eager to extend the celebration of the birth of Jesus to all who join their congregation.

“We're going to celebrate Jesus stepping into history, and how him stepping into history has changed the

Top left, Faith Family Church’s 2023 Christmas concert. Bottom right, Faith Family Church’s “Holidazzle” women’s brunch.

story of all of us and so many people around the world,” Jim Graff, pastor at Faith Family Church, says.

Faith Family Church has a long list of events planned for all demographics throughout the course of their “Noel” series. A big kid day will be held where children can ride ponies and trains. The church will support the community with an advent wreath, free cookies and hot chocolate, cards for nursing home residents and gifts for angel tree children.

“Christmas is a time that is hard on some people with things going on, and we want to just give them a real warm, loving, celebratory environment,” Graff says.

The church also holds a large Christmas concert, two Christmas Eve services and a candlelight service on Christmas day. The services on Christmas Eve and day are warm, intimate family events where the community can come together to celebrate the holiday.

“The angels filled the sky that night,” Graff says. “This is the greatest news ever announced, and it's for everybody. We want everybody to feel the celebration.”

Faith Family Church celebrates the whole holiday season with an extreme passion for not just the message, but for the traditions as well. They make as much of an effort to spread holiday cheer to the Victoria community as possible throughout the whole season.

“I'm really glad it takes up the whole month,” Graff says. “It's a season that builds up to a day because really, even in Scripture, it was thousands of years of prophecy that were fulfilled in that one night.”

FALLinlovewiththe

Children of Faith Family Church enjoy the Christmas season pony ride.

Children of Faith Family Church take a ride on the holiday train.

Christmas Cheer

Area churches remind Victoria residents of the reason for the season

STORY BY SHAWN A. AKERS | SAKERS@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED TO DISCOVER BY GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND FAITH FAMILY CHURCH

Come December each year, the Christmas story remains alive and well in Victoria. A pair of area churches—Faith Family Church and Grace Lutheran Church—make certain of it.

Faith Family keeps the spirit of the season in the hearts of area residents

with several activities, not the least of which is its annual Christmas extravaganza, which church worship leader Michael Graff says has been a part of the festivities for more than 30 years.

Grace Lutheran will continue its popular tradition of its Bethlehem

Village, which it has been staging over the past 15 years. It added a twist in recent years, however—a drive-thru so visitors won’t be required to leave the comfort of their cars.

A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION

“We’re always thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the gift of Jesus,” Michael Graff says. “We celebrate with each other, and it’s a great opportunity for the community to hear the story of Jesus. At Faith

Various vignettes are featured including, top left, ladies in the spice house were spices were sold, middle right, the pottery wheel where pottery was made to be sold and bottom, one of the wisemen.

Family, we like to create Christmas memories. Every Sunday in the month of December, we intentionally do something different to create community outreach. It’s absolutely our favorite time of the year.”

In past years, the first Sunday in December is kicked off with a series of seasonal sermons by Jim Graff. During the month, the church has put together train rides, a petting zoo and other events. Christmas photo booths are set up where families can obtain free

photos for their family Christmas card. There is also an elf angel tree, where the church will serve more than 500 children in the Crossroads area.

And, of course, there will be plenty of hot cocoa and cookies to go around throughout the month, as well as a gingerbread house competition, all leading up to Faith Family’s Christmas Eve candlelight services.

THE FIRST NOEL

Graff, the son of Faith Family senior pastors Jim and Tamara Graff, says

the church, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in late September, has been putting on its Christmas production for “as long as I can remember,” and it’s all for the benefit of area residents. The theme of the 2024 production is “The First Noel.”

“It’s a big undertaking, but we’re thankful for the opportunity to do it,” Michael says. “We’re always working on it half the year, scripting, casting and putting together the crew. But it’s a labor of love for all of us.”

Creative Producer Mikayela Lerma says early October is when the cast and crew really get to work, making final preparations and the beginning of rehearsal.

“We are blessed to have so many people who have bought into who we are and who we want to be for God,” Lerma says. “They all have to come together and they play their part well. That blesses me that people want to be so busy around here when there is so much going on in their own families. Our church family makes this a priority. We never need to worry about how it’s going to get done.”

This year’s production will focus on the famous Christmas song.

“The First Noel is an iconic song. It’s interesting that the first noel is the only noel,” Michael says. “I started digging into the meaning of the song and found a new appreciation for it. Scripture tells us that eternity is placed in every heart. If Jesus had never been born, there would be no hope, no joy, no salvation. He was the first noel. It’s a beautiful song.”

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

Grace Lutheran Church at 9806 Zac Lentz Parkway, which has been a staple in Victoria since 2005, has found a way to bring the story of Jesus Christ’s birth to area people—while in their pajamas.

While the church has been recreating the famous live nativity scene found early in the gospels for nearly 15 years, church officials in recent years came up with the unique idea of allowing visitors to stay in the comforts of their vehicle to enjoy the epic Bible story. Each year for the past three years, Grace Lutheran has constructed a “drive-thru” village of Bethlehem to “see what village life was like more than 2,000 years ago.

This year’s Bethlehem Village at

Grace Lutheran Church is set for Friday evening, Dec. 13, and Saturday evening, Dec. 14. Each night, the festivities run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On the journey, visitors can tune their radio to a specific station to hear Christmas music and hear about the realities of First Century village life in Bethlehem in Grace Lutheran’s parking lot.

“We have found that we are reaching a lot more people by doing the drive thru,” says Grace Lutheran Office Manager Tammy Weiser. “When they tune in their radios, they can hear the narration of the story as they drive through our village, the story of Jesus being born—which of course is the reason for the Christmas season.”

But that’s not all, Weiser says.

“There’s the woman at the well, money changers, the census taker, a carpenter shop, a bakery and a replica of a synagogue, where we have a live rabbi teaching students,” Weiser says. “It all ends with a live nativity, which is really cool.”

Weiser says there is also a staff photographer on hand in case visitors wish to get out of their vehicles and take pictures with the characters.

In 2023, Weiser says, more than 800 people visited the Bethlehem village over the two-night event.

“As they come out, we keep track of how many people come through,” Weiser says. “And to top it off, we have a goodie bag prepared for everyone including cookies and hot chocolate, and a pamphlet about our church.”

Grace Lutheran sports a congregation of approximately 150 people, and it takes the majority of them to “pull this off.”

“This is our biggest outreach to the community each year,” Weiser says. “We have everyone in costume and it’s a big undertaking. But it’s something we love to do. We’ll continue to do it because the public seems to love it.”

Weiser says it’s a unique event and there aren’t many other live nativity scenes in Victoria that she is aware of. But the telling of the story of Jesus’ birth isn’t the end. The event helps to preview another big season for the church in the following months—Easter.

“At the end of it all, we have three crosses set up,” Weiser says. “That shows that Jesus also died for us and

there is a future for all of us.”

OTHER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Officials at First United Methodist Church at 407 N. Bridge St. in Victoria will help families this Christmas season with an outreach called Blue Christmas. Blue Christmas is a Western Christian holiday that recognizes the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, and honors those who are grieving or experiencing difficult times during the holidays. The holiday encourages compassion and support for those who are sad during the season.

STOP and

DROP Shop

STORY BY ASHLEY RAMBO | ARAMBO@VICAD.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY RAMBO | ARAMBO@VICAD.COM AND CONTRIBUTED TO DISCOVER

Some people start their Christmas shopping as soon as last Christmas is over. Some people wait until the last minute, agonizing how to best show their loved ones they care, to stay on a budget, to make Christmas morning special. There’s plenty of pressure on family members even if “it’s the thought that counts.”

But one of the best ways to shop is local. Local can add a special unique quality to your Christmas gifts than products purchased at a chain or big box store. You’re also supporting Victoria and all the hardworking business owners bringing their passions to storefronts. Just in Victoria Downtown, there has been a booming effort to bring businesses and foot traffic back to the historic streets. There are plenty of amazingly talented creators in the 361 area code, and each one of them could have that special, personalized, local “something” you have been looking for.

These are only a few of the locally owned businesses in Victoria,

recommended with gusto by the very people of the community they serve.

MOTHER CLUCKERS

110 N Main, Victoria, TX

While Mother Cluckers started out in Victoria County five years ago, this eclectic shop has been a storefront for two years. Co-owner Jennifer Heibel “saw great potential in Downtown Victoria and the rest is history!”

“Our inspiration came from places like Spice Village in Waco, Texas. We love the fact that we are able to give other small businesses a place to sell their products.”

Spice Village is a shopping destination in Waco with over 40 individual boutiques under one roof. Mother Cluckers brought their own version of that diversity across from DeLeon Plaza.

“We have a huge variety,” says Heibel. “Everything from boutique clothing, jewelry, toys, home decor, snacks and more.”

The vendors who work within Mother

Cluckers keep the store fresh with different items weekly, so it’s guaranteed to have something new to look through. Heibel urges Victorians to give the local businesses a chance and help spur our local economy before going to the big box stores.

Mother Cluckers has a little something for everyone, but especially for the ladies in your life that love a rustic or spunky vibe with a vintage spin.

COTTON BELLES BOUTIQUE & CO

1403 E Airline Rd, Victoria, TX, United States, Texas

Another boutique for the Modern Southern Belle in your life. Cotton Belles was founded by a small town, country girl with big dreams. Ashley Henderson has a passion for fashion and decoration inherited from her mother as the only daughter of four kids.

Cotton Belles is a family owned business that wants to make sure all their customers feel like family too. Henderson’s husband helps with “all

Mother Cluckers

Happie Hippie

things building” and their kids help out around the store as well.

Cotton Belles provide a “wide variety of merchandise ranging from women to men’s to baby and everything in between” says Henderson. Employees travel to markets throughout the South to find unique and talented artisans to stock their store.

While there are plenty of clothing choices, Cotton Belles hosts anything you would want for home decorating, stocking your bathrooms and kitchens

Here’s the Scoop

with locally made soaps and candles.

HAPPIE HIPPIE

209 S. Main Street , Victoria, TX

For your Boho, spiritual, and hippie friends, maybe check out Happie Hippie downtown. Happie Hippie specializes in items inspired by cultures all around the world and are proudly free trade.

wooden spoons from Kenya and everywhere in between.

The most popular items are their variety of unique incense scents and oils, but they sell many unique items. They have American Indian Turquoise jewelry, folk art, and international fashion-forward clothing.

Shopping at Happie Hippie feels like appreciating everything unique about the world, while also being able to help those cultures by supporting free trade and many of their items contribute a portion to their creators’ countries.

HERE’S THE SCOOP

114 E. Constitution , Victoria, TX

Here’s the Scoop started out, like many of Victoria’s small businesses, in the many markets and festivals in town, especially after the lull in public events brought on by the COVID pandemic in 2020. Customers could get randomized “loot bags” of make-up, skin care, candy and charms by the scoop.

“We thought the concept didn’t exist in Victoria, so when outdoor markets were a thing, we started selling,” says co-owner Christy Rodriguez. “Hello Kitty came later when a vendor sent samples to us. Now we specialize in the hard-tofind friends merch. Twin Stars, Kerropi, Chococat, Poccaccho, Pom Pom Purin and more!”

Rodriguez and her daughter Kat Hernandez opened up Here’s the Scoop together to honor their bond of shopping for make-up together and other special “mom and daughter girly” times. Here’s the Scoop is a shout-out to the nostalgia of Hello Kitty and all her adorable friends, anime, and all the hard-to-find girly Japanese aesthetic items. They call their customers “besties” and half the fun is browsing all the merchandise before getting scoops or mystery items.

“Moms like me [are] reliving their childhoods and buying the things they couldn’t before. I also have babies, kids and teens who all have their own favorite character in our store,” says Rodriguez. “I see those young moms and their babies, I instantly remember looking forward to mine and Kat’s shopping and fun together.”

And now, Here’s the Scoop can help make more of those memories. You can go and buy all the adorably nerdy, niche items for you and your besties.

“Everything in our store can tell its own story,” says Ana Ogas Reyes, owner of the Happie Hippie. From handmade finger puppets from Peru to handmade | CONT.

Or, you can go all out and buy tickets for actual tea parties with all the stops

for the first Sunday of each month if your bestie or daughter are more about experiences than merchandise.

They don’t forget the boys, either.

“My son Blake owns and operates BIG Trading in the back of our store,” says Rodriguez. “When the dads, brothers and boyfriends walk in and look a little annoyed, I send them to see Blake for all the ‘guy stuff.’”

BIG Trading buys, sells and trades cards, comics, pop vinyls, and dice for those not quite into the pink scene.

“He’s probably one of the youngest entrepreneurs downtown and I’m super proud of him.”

Here’s the Scoop is perfect for your young ones and collectors of all sorts of hobbies and people wanting to appreciate the cartoons they loved in the past.

CRAFTS BY VERO

Lmgreendancer@gmail.com

Recommended by a host of moms in Victoria, Veronica Moreno started out with a cricut from her mother and husband. Like many of the other businesses, Moreno had a lot of time on her hands during COVID. She kept herself busy making things here and there and posting to her social media. The custom requests started rolling in more and more until Crafts by Vero became official.

Crafts by Vero is a great way to get custom-made gear, specifically for you and your loved ones; vinyl shirts, stickers for plastic cups, tumblers and glass coffee cups. Bows made out of various materials, ornaments, wreaths and resin pens are all a part of her repertoire. Anything you need customized, Moreno can do it.

Moreno also says “one of my favorite things to make and sell are Halloweenthemed. It’s my favorite holiday.” But she has also made bows and hair pieces for the local Ballet Folklorico dancers and she makes a lot of Mexican inspired merchandise.

Crafts by Vero has everything, and gives her customers a chance to order something that cannot be found anywhere else because it is made special for the people you love.

SCENIC ROOT

plantafloragarten@yahoo.com

For your friends and family with a green thumb and a sunhouse aesthetic for their home, Victorians and citizens

of the Crossroads should look at Scenic Root.

Brooke Lewis is another woman whose passion has grown into a business. Once just trying to fill time during the pandemic and while pregnant, Lewis got her nursery license and began selling succulent arrangements at farmers markets. Now, Scenic Root sells various houseplants, common and rare, for those who need “just one more” plant at home.

With the help of her husband Jon-Luc and mother-in-law Penny Lewis, Scenic Root put on workshops for creating plant arrangements “that fosters a love for greenery” for everyone.

“My goal is to make Scenic Root accessible to everyone, regardless of age,” says Lewis, “whether they’re new to working with plants or a seasoned plant lover. I’m trying to offer more kids’ classes to inspire a love for plants in younger generations.”

By offering workshops and kids’ classes, Lewis creates a relaxed, welcoming, and hands-on experience to gifting, whether as a solo gift, or a chance to attend together as a bonding experience.

Scenic Root continues to expand their classes and nursery—with carnivorous plants soon—for the Crossroads area to make an incredibly unique gift.

RAE’S RIVIERA

1307 E Airline, Suite D

Raesriviera.com

Maggie Aguilera started Rae’s Riviera in 2016 while she was finishing graduate school! Now, her dream store is open and in business as of October 2024!

Aguilera has always been a creative person and boasts that 80% of her wares are all made in-house. Over the last eight years, Rae’s Riviera has grown big enough to have a brick and mortar. They specialize in women’s and children’s apparel and accessories, however Rae’s Riviera also caters to our Astros fans with plenty of items to shout out their favorite baseball team!

“We are very much a girly pink aesthetic,” says Aguilera, but their goal is to always be trendy and affordable. “My personal favorites are those that I design and manufacture with our brand. “We have a collection of bag straps, kids apparel, and dresses that I put a lot of love into!”

A stop at Rae’s Riviera is a guarantee of finding something unique and made with the love of a creative person.

Crafts by Vero

Rae’s Riviera

Scenic Root

However, that's not the only thing that sets this store apart. Aguilera is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and her private practice, Meaningful Moments Therapy will be housed within the store. Supporting this store is also supporting a local mental health specialist who loves what she does.

KRYSTINA’S PETITE SWEETS

krystinaspetitesweets@gmail.com

Krystina McCord was like other 1990’s girls who gushed over the classic Easy Bake oven. Baking had always been in her heart, but it wasn’t until she was grown up that she was able to commit to becoming the cookie decorator she is today.

“Truth be told, I was never the ‘baker’ in the family,” McCord says. “When I tried, I either burnt the items or added too much of something, or it didn’t bake correctly. But now I have overcome those issues, I promise.”

McCord has dedicated a great many hours to researching baking and decorating techniques in an effort to emulate the various creators on TikTok.

“At the beginning, it was a lot of research on how the other bakers got

the cookies decorated so nicely. I read lots of articles, and watched so many YouTube videos,” McCord says.

For the past two and a half years, McCord decorated sugar cookies, gourmet cookies, cookie cakes, cupcakes, and just recently started offering actual cakes.

McCord stands out from the other Victorian bakers and sweet shops by helping people who have a budget they need to keep.

“I offer payment plans on my products,” McCord says. “Because I’ve come to realize that not every customer can [pay in full upfront].”

Some people love gifts, while others might appreciate a more minimalist lifestyle. For the latter, check out Krystina’s Petite Sweets for custom decorated cookies.

GET IN, TIME TO GO SHOPPING

Victoria has raved about these locally-owned businesses, though there are a great many others out there. Make your Christmas shopping special by supporting your community’s small businesses and appreciating what our great town has to offer!

7:30pm

Vic toriaFineArtsCenter

1002S am HoustonDr-Vic toria

We willbepresenting aneveningoftheir greatesthits! Themusicof Queenwiththe Victoria Symphony Orchestra!

Krystina’s Petite Sweets

THE 36TH ANNUAL Czech Heritage Festival ABOUT TOWN

STOR BY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KATIE STEINHAUER KSTEINHAUER@VICAD.COM

Sept. 22 marked the 36th annual Czech Heritage Festival hosted by the Victoria County Czech Heritage Society. At the event, the Victoria Community Center welcomed over 300 Czechs and Czech-enthusiasts all celebrating the rich history of the Czech community.

The first Czech settler in Texas is attributed to being Reverend Josef Arnost Bergmann, who, in pursuit of ministering to German protestants, settled in Cat Spring around 1850. Bergmann loved the state so much that he wrote back home to invite more immigrants from the Czech homeland, which was struggling with overcrowded farmland and a variety of uprisings in 1848. Bergman is often credited to being the father of Czech immigration to Texas due to his hopeful detailings of future opportunities for like minded Czech people.

For Victoria, that started with Carl Postl (also known as Charles Sealsfield), a writer who was thought to have visited the Texas-Louisiana border as early as 1823, along with a few others.

The Victoria County Czech Heritage Society was founded as a non-profit cultural preservation organization in 1984 with the intent of providing Czech youth and communities the opportunities to continue traditions and funding for scholarships. One of these efforts has manifested as the Annual Czech Fest which raises money for its members by selling Czech foods, homemade baked goods and recipes, as well as the infamous kolaches all centered around lively folk music and a good time. This year’s fest was graced with various cultural live performances by The Shiner Hobo Band, The Czecholics, and The Red Ravens. In conjunction with these artful performances and lively music was a large open floor where many attendees enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Czech roots.

Fueling the festivities was a homemade Czech stew

and sausage paired with green beans and potatoes and the option to pair it with a large cup of Shiner Bock beer or Pilsner, which is a Czech Republic-originated lager. An assortment of kolaches, including poppyseed, peach, cherry, and cream cheese, were for sale and flying off the shelves to fuel the energetic crowd who wasted no time jumping into the dance craze when the polka started. Along with the great food and good times were activities and opportunities to win prizes relating to Czech culture such as a roulette wheel which had the winner picking any of the prizes available.

Great food, friendly people, and lively experiences were all included in this year’s Annual Czech Festival but the foundation of the festival wasn’t the kolaches or even the swarming dance floor, but the rich and complex history of the many families who braved the struggles and fears of immigration to take a chance on an unfamiliar country with unfamiliar lands. The richness of that ancestry and camaraderie of the culture brings all kinds of people together to enjoy one beautiful day of celebrating what makes the Czech community so unique and showcases the specialty and niche the culture brings to everyone.

UPCOMING

Calendar of Events

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

HOT ROD RIOT 2024

Nov. 2 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Riverside Park, 456 Mc Cright Dr, Victoria Join us under the huge trees of Riverside Park on Saturday November 2nd for a day of cool cars, live music and great eats!

DUCK SAFARI

Nov. 2 | 12:00 PM

Victoria ISD Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Dr, Victoria By adopting a duck, you have the opportunity to support the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and any of the other 26 participating Victoria County non-profit organizations.

DIA DE MUERTOS COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Nov. 2 | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM University of Houston-Victoria, 3007 N Ben Wilson St, Victoria

We want to welcome you to come and Celebrate Dia De Muertos with us! A tradition rich in unity and meaning. Honoring and celebrating our loved ones that are no longer with us. It’s going to be a special night full of culture and tradition.

NIGHTBIRD: FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE NICK TRIBUTE

Nov. 2 | 7:00 PM, Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N Main St, Victoria Nightbird has been performing regionally and nationally for audiences since 2009. They strive to authentically re-create the spirit and energy of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, throughout all decades of their amazing career of over 50 years.

VETFEST

Nov. 4 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Son Valley Ranch, 8793 US-87 North, Victoria Veterans Resource Booths, Door Prizes, Live Music, and activities plus Pork Steak Lunch provided by Atzenhoffer Auto Group for Veterans and their families

HOLE LOTTA FUN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Nov. 8 | 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM

301 Colony Creek Dr., Victoria

Victoria Chamber of Commerce is having their annual Golf Tournament. Sponsored by The Zaplac Group & Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

PUTT 4 PAWS

Nov. 9 | 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Riverside Golf Course, 302 Mc Cright Dr, Victoria

Save the date for our benefit golf tournament! "Putt 4 Paws" will be Saturday, November 9th at Riverside Golf Course. All proceeds benefit the shelter animals at DOCPAC.

BICENTENNIAL 2024 OLD VICTORIA

TROLLEY TOUR

Nov. 9, Dec. 14 | 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Victoria County Courthouse, 101 N. Bridge St., Victoria

Celebrate with us as Victoria Turns 200 and explore our rich history!

RED DIRT BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Nov. 9 | 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

DeLeon Plaza, 101 N Main St, Victoria

Red Dirt BBQ is now headed to Victoria, bringing with it an incredible selection of over 15 of Texas' finest BBQ joints. Prepare to savor the best BBQ in town while enjoying the fantastic tunes of Red Dirt music.

MOTHER CLUCKERS FALL MARKET DAYS

Nov. 16 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

DeLeon Plaza, 101 N Main St, Victoria

Get a kick start on your Christmas shopping! We will fill DeLeon Plaza with vendors selling great unique gifts! Save the date and see y’all soon!Stained Glass Tour.

The Christmas Tree Huggers perform live Friday night during Merry on Main in Victoria. photo by Chase Cofield

THEATRE VICTORIA PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

Nov. 21-Nov. 23 | 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Nov. 24 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N Main St, Victoria

Step into the enchanting world of A Christmas Carol and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative journey through past, present, and future as he discovers the true spirit of Christmas.

CHRISTMAS AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Dec. 7 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N Navarro St, Victoria

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the holidays with us!

Local foods raised by our local farms. Handmade gifts and homemade stocking stuffers made by local artisans, PLUS you can take photos with Santa.

VICTORIA BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS: "THE NUTCRACKER"

Dec. 12-15

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N Main St, Victoria Victoria Ballet Theatre, celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2024, presents this annual holiday classic at the Leo J. Welder Center! Always a sell-out event!

MERRY

ON MAIN-DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Dec. 14 | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

DeLeon Plaza, 101 N Main St, Victoria

Join us for a festive celebration at Merry on Main 2024, brought to you by the City of Victoria and Mother Cluckers Downtown! Experience the magic of the holiday season with a full day of activities, entertainment, and holiday cheer.

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA STAINED GLASS TOUR

Dec. 21

DeLeon Plaza, 101 N Main St, Victoria Gaze upon some of Victoria's most beautiful pieces of art, housed in the window frames of a number of Downtown Victoria's historic churches.