Summer 2019
Elgin, Texas
Summer Fun In the Park Pages 8-9
Calendar of Events
WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL June 18-22 Pages 2-7
Miles & Miles of Texas Trails Page 12
Page 11
B.E.S.T. Leadership Leads the Way Page 9
Discover Downtown Elgin Tour
Cover Photo by Sonia Browder.
Page 13
Miss Western Days Queen 2018, Jean Marie Martin. Car provided by Juan Gonzalez, Elgin City Councilman.
Photo by Renee Boyle
Photo by Renee Boyle
Photo by Renee Boyle
Photo by Renee Boyle
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Thanks to the Elgin Courier for the black and white photos and the historical account from 1969.
AN ELGIN ORIGINAL
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This was 1969. A surge of feel good, though? “Didn’t it make you that that only s e lik me gh ou thr nt excitement we feeling of success. And surely thi comes with the s a success.” -ELGIN COURIER 1969 Western Day wa
“The enthusiasm with which you hailed Western Day in Elgin was fantastic. -ELGIN COURIER 1969
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Sponsoring Organizations City of Elgin, Elgin Main Street Board Elgin Chamber of Commerce Elgin Economic Development Corporation Publication Committee Gena Carter, Amy Miller, Sonia Browder, Elizabeth Marzec and Cheryll Dennis Art/Design Director Sonia Browder, Enye Creative Advertising Sales Elgin Chamber of Commerce Contributing Writers Gena Carter, Elgin Chamber of Commerce Amy Miller, City of Elgin Kathy Moore, EISD, Kyle Mogonye, First National Bank Contributing Photographers Sonia Browder, Amy Miller, Elizabeth Marzec, and Renee Boyle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: I AM NEW TO ELGIN. WHAT IS THE WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL? Western Days Festival is truly a hometown event that offers something for everyone. As one of Elgin’s best festivals, this year’s Western Days will be an exceptional week of activities combining time honored traditions with exciting new events. This will be the 50th year for this annual summer tradition, and plans are being made to make it the best one ever! WHERE DO THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE? The majority of all Festival activities are held in Memorial Park at Main Street and HWY 95 North. The grand parade on Saturday begins on 11th street and Main Street and proceeds through downtown to Alamo Street. I AM NOT A COWBOY, IN FACT I DON’T EVEN LIKE WESTERN STUFF, CAN I STILL COME? Absolutely! Western Days offers fun to everyone! We welcome hipsters, empty nesters, families, teenagers, and anyone that likes to have fun! The festival got its name 50 years ago when the community joined together for a variety of activities and events to celebrate Elgin’s rural western heritage. We have kept the name and the tradition of bringing our community together. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The rumors are true. The Western Days Festival is FREE to attend on Friday and Saturday! That being said, you can get even more fun by attending the Miss Western Days pageant on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. The Carnival, offers “ all you can ride” wristbands for $20 on Thursday and Friday. Individual carnival ride tickets are sold on Saturday.
Your comments and ideas are welcome and encouraged. Please email us at info@elgintxchamber.com. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at (512)285-4515. For digital copies, go to www.elgintx.com.
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Design and Layout by Sonia Browder for Enye Creative. Elgin, Texas 78621 • 512-350-3861
TELL ME ABOUT THE ROYALTY? Elgin adores our Queen and court! One of the longest traditions of Western Days is the Miss Western Days Pageant. This event is combined with the Tiny Tot Pageant to officially kick off the week’s festivities. It will be held at the Elgin High School cafeteria at 7pm on Tuesday, June 18th. Girls in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades will compete for Miss Western Days. In the Tiny Tot Pageant, girls ages 18 months – 5 years will compete in three categories for the title. The Queen and her court will lead the parade and preside over the Western Days activities during the week. ARE THERE ANY ACTIVITIES ON THURSDAY NIGHT? Thursday is family night. Join us in Memorial Park at 6pm on Thursday, June 21 to kick off the arrival of the carnival. There will be ride specials throughout the evening. WHAT HAPPENS ON FRIDAY NIGHT? The carnival will be open on Friday night from 7pm-11pm. There is also the popular Friday Night Dance. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors a free dance in the pavilion on Friday Night in Memorial Park from 8pm-midnight. One of Central Texas favorite’s –the Shop Dawgz Band and Elgin native Rian C. Band will entertain the crowds. So, grab your hat, shine your cowboy boots and come out and join the fun! I LOVE PARADES. WILL THERE BE ONE AT THE FESTIVAL? We love parades too! We have a great one that you don’t want to miss! The Parade will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday. For the best viewing, find a nice shady spot on Main Street. The parade begins on 11th Street and proceeds to Main Street through downtown.
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WHAT STREETS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE FESTIVAL? We applaud your foresight and thoughtful planning. Street closures begin Saturday at 9am for the parade. Main Street and 11th street will be closed until the parade is over. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? WILL THE FESTIVAL BE CANCELED? Elgin knows how to party rain or shine. That being said, in the event of extreme inclement weather as determined by the festival’s Emergency Operations Command, there is a chance certain performances and activities may be cancelled or rescheduled as the safety of all attendees is our number one priority. I am the best at sports. Especially volleyball, softball, washers and horseshoes….How can I participate and show my stuff? Show us what you got! The tournaments are the most popular events at the festival. Competition will be tough as co-ed teams compete for trophies and prizes in these popular events. The tournaments offer plenty of exciting action for the participants and fans. Applications for all tournaments are available online or stop by the Chamber office at 114 Central Avenue and fill one out. WHAT KIDS ACTIVITIES WILL THERE BE AT THE FESTIVAL? We will have a petting zoo, pony rides, rock climbing wall and kids games. But, adults can play too! This is definitely a family friendly environment! Bring the kids and make memories! WILL THERE BE FOOD OR SHOULD I BRING MINE FROM HOME? You can bring your own food and drinks from home, but why would you want to? There will be food vendors in the park offering delicious options like funnel cakes and turkey legs. Plus, Elgin has some of the best dining options around at our local restaurants. After the festival, make plans to dine locally. We hear that a few restaurants will also be offering specials during the festival! I LIKE TO SHOP. YOU GOT ANYTHING FOR ME? You can do your Christmas shopping, birthday shopping and even buy something for yourself! We have over 75 vendors offering all types of items. We also encourage everyone to take time during the day to visit Elgin’s retail stores. Many stores are offering store specials for festival attendees. WILL THERE BE ANY MUSIC IN THE PARK ON SATURDAY? We are excited to announce that we have a diverse selection of talent at this event. This year’s entertainers offer something for everyone. The music begins in the pavilion at 11:30am with the Thomas Family Band. Followed by Allies & Alibis, Kris Keyz & Friends, Brother Stone Band, and Kristal A. Joner. I AM AN ALUMNI OF ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL. ARE THERE ANY REUNION ACTIVITIES? Numerous Elgin High School class reunions will take place during Western Days. Many classes will be hosting events and riding on floats in the parade together. On Friday Night, join the Roots and Boots celebration at the Elgin Recreation Center. There is a welcome home reception from 5pm-8pm. Food and entertainment will be provided. On Saturday, the Elgin S.P.J.S.T hall will host an alumni gathering from 2pm-5pm. Contact the Chamber office for a complete list of reunion activities. I WANT TO REMEMBER THIS FOREVER. WHAT CAN I DO? We appreciate your enthusiasm! Bring a camera and take as many selfies as you can to preserve those memories! Use our hashtag #Elginwesterndays2019 and share your memories with your friends and neighbors. Who knows, you might even win a prize for sharing your photos with us. I love this. It sounds like a blast! WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER? You’re sweet; we’d love to have you help out. The success of Western Days is largely dependent on the folks working behind the scenes to ensure a positive festival experience for everyone who attends. Volunteers are needed to fill a variety of roles at the event, ranging from logistics and set up, to working at the pageant. Contact the Chamber office for volunteer opportunities: (512) 285-4515 or email info@elgintxchamber.com MY COMPANY IS INTERESTED IN JOINING IN THE FUN AND BEING A SPONSOR. IS THERE STILL TIME TO DO THIS AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? This event is a fundraiser for the Elgin Chamber of Commerce. All money raised goes back in to the community for the many projects and activities the Chamber sponsors throughout the year. It takes many hours of volunteer labor and financial support to have a successful Festival. Over 75 businesses and individuals have committed to be sponsors and volunteers for this If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the Western Days Festival, please contact Gena Carter by email at genacarter@ elgintxchamber.com or call (512)285-4515
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Your Community News Source.
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Elgin Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating
50 From news to sports opinions to classifieds, the Elgin Courier keeps you in the local loop. Subscribe by phone or online!
12 Months for $41 Introductory rate for new subscribers through May 2019. Call or visit our office to activate home delivery.
Local News, Sports & Shopping
FO SA
ARTS
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PARADE: 10 a.m. on Main Street FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Elgin Memorial Park
FREE ADMISSION WWW.ELGINTXCHAMBER.COM Elgin Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating
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carnial
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1969-2019
June 18-22, 512-466-0966
2019
elgin
LIV
S a t u r d a y, June 22
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w e s t e r n d a y s SOF GRAND PARADE & FESTIVAL
To Advertise in Downtown 78621, call the Elgin Chamber of Commerce at 512-285-4515.
Providing Sound System Production for Festivals and Events.
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512-285-3333 | www.elgincourier.com
last Note Productions
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years June 18-22,
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friday night dance
Western Days Band Line-Up
Band Line-Up at Memorial Park Pavillion
Photo by Jimmy
hamber of Commerce
PARADE
miss wEsTErn days & Tiny ToT PagEanT Tuesday, 18 @7 T u e s d aJune y - June 18 - 7pM PM
Thomas Family 11:30-12:30 Elgin High School 14000 county line rd.
PAGEANT CARNIVAL
REUNIONS DANCE LIVE MUSIC
Thurs. & Fri. (7-10pm) $20 Wristbands
500 Western days PhPro carnival sc$holarsehip Carnival sessoiotno Priz June 21-23 taking Sat. Applications (Opens 10 a.m.) Now All food takeat the Pickrides up and an application tickets all games take cash. Elgin chamber of commerce office located at 114 central avenue, Elgin,Texas 78621 or go online: www.ElginTxchamber.com en
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dawgz 10:00-11:30 P.M.
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June 21
MEMORIALElginTxchambEr.com PARK PAVILION 512-285-4515 Rian C. Band 8-9:30 p.m. | SHOP Dawgz 10-11:30 p.m.
elgin
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ParadE
14000 county line rd. Thurs. & Fri. (7-10pm) $20 Wristbands
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500 Western days PhPro carnival sc$holarsehip Carnival sessoiotno Priz June 21-23 taking Sat. Applications (Opens 10 a.m.) Now All food takeat the Pickrides up and an application tickets all games take cash. Elgin chamber of commerce office located at 114 central avenue, Elgin,Texas 78621 or go online: www.ElginTxchamber.com en
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MEMORIALElginTxchambEr.com PARK PAVILION 512-285-4515 Rian C. Band 8-9:30 p.m. | SHOP Dawgz 10-11:30 p.m.
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June 21
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ARTS22& --CRAFTS * FOOD * ENTERTAINMENT * June Glen Collins Country/Western
FreeMUSIC Dance from 2 to ACTIVITIES 5 p.m. for Western Days/Class Reunions * KIDS * TOURNAMENTS
Elgin High School
arTs&craTs
ollEyball
pmJune $8 per S a Dances t u r d3-7a y, 22 person FREE Hall ADMISSION “Largest Dance in Central Texas”
d es
Food sand
702 Hwy 95 North • Elgin GRAND PARADE & FESTIVAL
Admission: $5 Adults | $3 Students
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512-285-4515
Lodge 18, Elgin Dances
miss wEsTErn days & Tiny ToT PagEanT Tuesday, 18 @7 T u e s d aJune y - June 18 - 7pM PM
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2019
ELGINTXCHAMBER.COM
kris keyz & friends 2:30-3:30
carnial
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Elgin high reunions tshirts * mix & mingle photo ops + more!
* VOLLEYBALL * TOURNAMENTS SOFTBALL HORSESHOES * WASHERS
PagEanT
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june 21, 2019 5-8 p.m.
Free Admission
hamber of Commerce
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PARADE 10 a.m. on Main Street FESTIVAL 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Elgin Memorial Park MISS WESTERN DAYS Tuesday-June 18-7 p.m. & TINY TOT PAGEANT Elgin High School CARNIVAL Thursday-June 20 & FAMILY NIGHT 7 to 11 p.m. Hwy 95 North FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE Friday-June 21 8 p.m.-Midnight Memorial Park West Side ROOTS & BOOTS Elgin Recreation Center ELGIN’S REUNION 5-8 p.m.
Food vendors will be on site.
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REE ADMISSION LGINTXCHAMBER.COMshop
HORSE SHOES
allies & alibis 1:002:00
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E: 10 a.m. on Main Street . until 6 p.m. at Elgin Memorial Park
VOLLEYBALL
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FOOD SAND
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Admission: $5 Adults | $3 Students
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ARTS & CRAFTS * FOOD * ENTERTAINMENT * MUSIC * KIDS ACTIVITIES * TOURNAMENTS
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TX
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S a t u r d a y, June 22 FREE ADMISSION
ACTIVITIES
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GRAND PARADE & FESTIVAL
Young
june 21, 2019 5-8 p.m. Elgin high reunions tshirts * mix & mingle photo ops + more!
June 30 -- Lost Cause Polka/Waltz
a.m.Sounds) on Main PARADE (formerly Central10Texas
Street
a.m.Polka/Waltz until 6 p.m. July 21 -FESTIVAL - Fritz Hodde10 Elgin Memorial Park July 28 -- Lucas Sousa Band Country/Western Tuesday-June 18-7 p.m. 18 -- Mark Polka/Waltz MISSAugust WESTERN DAYSHalata School & August TINY TOT 25 --PAGEANT Glen CollinsElgin High Country/Western Sept. 22 -- Czech Melody Thursday-June Masters Polka/Waltz 20 CARNIVAL Sept. 29 -- LostNIGHT Cause 7 toCountry/Western 11 p.m. & FAMILY
Hwyof95mind” Norththrough SPJST provides “peace a variety of life insurance and annuity products Friday-June NIGHT DANCE forFRIDAY members, plus the added value of21fraternalism! 8 p.m.-Midnight For more information, contact Memorial Park West Side Bill and Lori McCrary - 512-281-4027
ROOTS & BOOTS Elgin Recreation Center
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A Fun Packed Summer Is In The Parks
Never stop exploring.
We have one level of service. Personal.
FrontierBankofTexas.com 512.281.1500 Elgin • Bastrop • Manor • Austin Member FDIC |
Equal Housing Lender
FAMILY DENTAL CARE
oT Ad Elgin Chamber-V2.indd 1
2/20/19 9:30 AM
Providing comprehensive dental care in a friendly and relaxed environment since 1977.
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Dr. Carl Herring Dr. Scott Herring
New Patients & Children Always Welcome.
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306 North Hwy 95, Elgin, Tx 512.285.3322 / 512.281.3321 www.elginfamilydental.com
Photo by Amy Miller
Photo by Gena Carter
Parks Recreation and
SUMMER
WATER AEROBICS MON/WED/FRI 9:30 - 10:30AM TUES/THURS 7:30 - 8:30PM
SWIM LESSONS 6:45 - 7:30PM $75 per person
LAP SWIM MON/WED/FRI 8:15 - 9:15AM TUES/THURS 7:30 - 8:30PM
Session I: June 3-13 Session II: June 17-27 Session III: July 8-18 Session IV: July 22 - Aug 1
POOL HOURS & INFO FLEMING CENTER @ MORRIS PARK
REGULAR OPERATING HOURS: MONDAY - THURSDAY 12PM - 6:30PM FRIDAYS 12PM - 6PM FAMILY FREE SWIM (Friday Nights) 6PM - 8PM
Photo by Elizabeth Marzec
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 12PM - 6PM LIMITED LATE SUMMER HOURS: (August 10 - August 30) SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY 12PM - 6PM LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOURS: (August 31 - September 2) SATURDAY - MONDAY: 12 - 6PM
ELGIN REC CENTER HOURS Monday – Friday | 7:00AM – 8:00PM Saturday | 9:00AM – 6:00PM Sunday | 1:00PM-7:00PM
Phone: 512-285-6434 Email: parks@ci.elgin.tx.us Facebook: @ElginTXParks Instagram: @ElginTXParks
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Yegua Creek Farms Pecan Orchard & Kitchen
Pecans, Breads, Cookies, Flavored Pecans, Gift Baskets, Firewood, Bar-B-Q Chips, Mulch.
Gene & Eileen Niswander (817)929-2789 • (512)856-0192 Elgin, Texas www.yeguacreekfarms.com
Residential • Farm & Ranch • Land/Lots • Commercial • Property Management • Rentals
Here to meet your buying, selling or rental needs! 512-281-3412 | 409 N. Main Street | Elgin
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www.JeanetteShelbyRealty.com
6/22 Saturday- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
9/12 imagine the possibilities tour
6/21 western days roots & boots
calendar of events 2019
www.elgintx.com
June
2019
2nd thursdays - sip,shop&stroll
@visit elgin tx
July
7/3 chalk it up
512•285•5721
2019
september
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Saturday- 7 a..m. MARKET DAYS Elgin Memorial Park
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Wednesday- 5:30pm-9pm Chalk it up veterans’ Memorial Park
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Saturday- 7 a..m. MARKET DAYS Elgin Memorial Park
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Thursday - 5-8 p.m. SIP, SHOP & STROLL historic downtown
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Saturday- 7 a..m. MARKET DAYS Elgin Memorial Park
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Saturday- 8:30 a.m community clean-up elgin memorial park
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Tuesday - 7 p.m. Miss Western Days & Tiny tot pageant elgin high school
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Thursday- 5:00pm-8pm sip, shop & stroll historic downtown
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Thursday - 5-8 p.m. SIP, SHOP & STROLL historic downtown
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Thursday - 7 -11 p.m. carnival & family night Memorial Park (Hwy 95N)
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Friday - 5-8 p.m. Roots & Boots Elgin Recreation Center Friday - 8 p.m.- Midnight Friday Night Dance Memorial Park Pavillion
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Saturday - 10 a.m. Grand parade Main Street Saturday - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Western Days Festival Memorial Park
Thursday - 5 p.m. imagine the possibilities tour downtown property
august 03
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Saturday- 7 a..m. MARKET DAYS Elgin Memorial Park Thursday - 12-6 p.m. community blood drive fleming center Thursday- 5:00pm-8pm sip, shop & stroll historic downtown
Dine Elgin First July 17-Aug 14th Dine at participating restaurants and enter weekly drawing for giFt cards. Grand Prize drawing Aug. 14th
october 01
Tuesday national night out
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Saturday- 7 a..m. MARKET DAYS Elgin Memorial Park
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Thursday - 5-8 p.m. SIP, SHOP & STROLL historic downtown
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Saturday - 10-6 p.m. hogeye festival
11 Calendar of Events Summer 2019.indd 1
5/28/19 10:08 AM
Miles and Miles of Texas Trails By Gena Carter, President of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce It is summer! Time for vacations, family reunions, and road trips! In recent years, the tourism industry has seen some big changes. Large numbers of travelers have lost interest in cookie cutter restaurants, lodging and attractions. Instead, they want local food, local attractions and connection to the lifestyles of local people. This has led to new trends – Heritage Tourism, Culinary Tourism, Authentic Tourism, Agritourism, and more.The great thing about Elgin - we have all these things!
We pass popular businesses like Southside Market & BBQ and Meyers Smokehouse several times of the day and; we may not even think of how they and other businesses support our community and attract thousands of visitors every day. But these restaurants and other businesses like our Christmas tree farms, downtown shops and historic buildings like the Union Depot Museum or the Nofsinger House are the backbone of Elgin. These places define our Community and have given the thousands of people who visit our town a lifetime of special memories. Below are several tourism promotions and travel organizations that Elgin is involved with:
THE TEXAS BRAZOS TRAIL REGION The Texas Brazos Trail Region is an 8-county area of Central Texas. It is part of the 10-region Heritage Trails Program of the Texas Historical Commission. The Texas Brazos Trail seeks to promote heritage tourism and historic preservation. Visitors to the region can explore state parks, visit a presidential library, sample some of Texas’ best BBQ, or enjoy one of the many local festivals and events. Texasbrazostrail.com
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TEXAS BBQ TRAIL Strap on your boots and travel Central Texas to taste the best slow-smoked-over-wood coals BBQ in the state. These mouthwatering family-owned, legendary joints serve thousands of customers each day. Regulars come for the food and the chance to lick their fingers with friends and meet new acquain tances. Texasbbqtrails.com
ADVENTURE 290 Embark on an adventure as you drive along Highway 290 between Houston and Austin. #Adventure290 has been created to help you discover interesting, historic gems and reward you with a prize! Eight communities along Highway 290 have created a family fun Scavenger Hunt. There is a designated stop in each community where you’ll gather information for your Passport. Once you’ve completed the adventure, mail in your Passport for a collectible, reusable tote filled with rewards. Share your adventure on Facebook and Instagram by tagging your pictures #Adventure290! Download the passport at elgintxchamber.com
EXPLORE BASTROP COUNTY Visit the Bastrop County Tourism website for information on how you can plan a getaway and not have to go far away. Take advantage of scenic camping and hiking, paddle down the Colorado River or visit the historic Main Street districts in Bastrop County. Explorebastropcounty.com
Discover Downtown Elgin By Amy Miller, Community Development Director
Where was the Old Red Brick Hotel, Davis and Schanhals Car
Dealership, the Ice house, Upchurch Drugstore, the O’Connor Furniture store and others? In celebration of the community and in an effort to share some of the business history of the downtown area, Debbie Cartwright, President of the Elgin Historical Association, and Sydna Davis Arbuckle, created a walking tour focused on the businesses of 1950’s to the 1970’s. Still in operation today and in its original location is McShan’s Barber Shop. Southside Market and BBQ was located on Central Avenue, we continue to enjoy their delicious fare from a new location on Hwy 290. Modern Dry Cleaners continues to operate on South Main Street. Established in 1872, Elgin’s downtown historic district includes eighty structures and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to three brick companies which are still in operation, Elgin has beautiful brick architecture and exhibits high quality craftsmanship.The City of Elgin local historic district and the Texas Main Street program have guided high quality restorations that support new business development. Today the district has over 100 locally owned independent businesses in addition to a variety of government, religious, and public service uses. Most of the buildings downtown have been renovated and there are four buildings under renovation in 2019. As you enjoy the district, this tour shines a light on the businesses that filled the district with activity more than fifty years ago and may help produce an appreciation for what was and the vitality of what is still developing today. This is Our Town, knowing its history makes it stronger, supporting its continued redevelopment will ensure that there is cause for celebration in another fifty or 100 years. Both the Businesses of the 1950’s to the 1970’s and an Architectural tour are available at www.elgintx.com and at the Depot Museum 14 Depot Square.
Photos by Sonia Browder
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A Message From Your Elgin Public Library
Summer Learning Loss
Making lives better. Traci Boyle RN
Administrator of Happier Aging 512-921-7807 traci.boyle@nursenextdoor.com
The problem, aka the “summer slide” or “summer setback”:
LuAnn James RN, BSN
Every summer our children lose between 1 and 3 months of learning in reading and math. Some lose up to a quarter of what they learned in a school year. The United States has one of the shortest school years and longest summer breaks in the developing world. (from Summer Matters by Matthew Boulay). Most teachers spend at least three weeks re-teaching lessons at the beginning of the school year. Poor nutrition with physical inactivity during the summer can put youngsters at health risks which affect their ability to learn. The summer slide affects low-income students harder and the loss adds up each year.
Director of Admiring People 512-921-7807 luann.james@nursenextdoor.com
www.NurseNextDoor.com
THE SOLUTIONS
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Take classes or earn your degree at ACC Elgin. austincc.edu/agriculture
• Use the Elgin Public Library to check out books and attend programs. Our summer reading program, A Universe of Stories is from June 4-July 24. The mobile planetarium will be July 31 from 1-4 p.m.
• Take home free books from the Readbox. Shop from our book sale for a donation. Lions Club Thrift Shop & garage sales have inexpensive books.
• Read or be read to 20 minutes a day five days a week or more. Keep a reading log. Check out audiobooks to listen to.
• Practice math daily through games, practical experiences such as cooking, websites (bedtimemath.org, khanacademy.org, We Can Change PatrickJMT.com), or learning apps.
miles
Your Smile with • Write every day by keeping a journal, writing letters, or extending DENTAL IMPLANTS! RANDY ROBERTSON, DDS
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the story of a character from a much loved movie or book.
• Make good habits in the summer; keep a regular bedtime, limit screen time, provide healthy food and exercise opportunities.
• A helpful parenting app is Bright, the simple guide to great parenting.
CONNECT WITH US:
We Can Change Have lots of fun doing this! Your• Most Smileimportantly: with DENTAL IMPLANTS!
Celebrate National Summer Learning Week July 8-13, 2019
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CONNECT WITH US:
Collaboration, Synergy & Unity
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have had the privilege this past year to participate in the B.E.S.T. Leadership group, focusing on the cities of Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. This group educates potential future community leaders in the government, services, businesses, and infrastructure of these communities in Bastrop County. I have learned so many things and now have a deeper understanding of the inner workings of our community. We were able to hear, in person, from city, county, state, and school district officials and were given opportunities at each session to ask questions, and voice opinions, concerns, and suggestions. The thing that impressed me most was the spirit of comaraderie and cooperation that was evidenced by the three cities as they work together for the benefit of all citizens. The rapid growth expected over the next few years in Bastrop County will effect all three communities and will require collaboration, synergy, and unity to assure the county grows in a positive direction. The skills gained through the B.E.S.T. Leadership training will help assure that our community has informed and responsible leaders now and in the future. - Kathy G. Moore, Special Programs Coordinator, Elgin ISD
Photo by Kerry Fossler
B.E.S.T. LEADERSHIP BASTROP, ELGIN & SMITHVILLE
Elgin Graduates
Pictured are (back row l-r) Kyle Mogonye, Matthew Meyers, (front row l-r) Sonia Browder, Kathy Moore, April Burson
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My Experience During B.E.S.T.
ast summer, a fellow co-worker told me about the B.E.S.T Leadership program and how I should sign up. I was told I would have the opportunity to learn about local needs and how our city and county governments operate. Our very first meeting was as expected, a quiet group of people from various walks of life meeting for the first time. However, after completing a variety of group activities we started bonding and creating friendships. From that moment on, when our class would meet there was no more silence, but instead other participants/friends in the B.E.S.T program con-
versing and catching up since the last session. The program exposed each and every participant to the challenges and wonderful aspects that occur in Bastrop County; such as, healthcare, education, local and even state government. We gained knowledge of how budgets for both the city and county are comprised and the decision making process that decides where tax dollars our allocated. In addition, we learned about the history of each city and all of the unique aspects that make each its own. Overall, my experience during these past months has been amazing and I would recommend any individual to reach out and consider signing up for the B.E.S.T. Leadership program. - Kyle D. Mogonye, First National Bank
Graduation Ceremony: Kathy Moore
Graduation Ceremony: Kyle Mogonye
TOURING THE DEPOT MUSEUM IN Elgin, Texas
Photo by Sonia Browder BLINDFOLD GAME Smithville, Texas
Photo by Becky Womble
TOURING Smithville, Texas BY TRAIN
Photo by Sonia Browder
B.E.S.T. LEADERSHIP CLASS MEETS IN Elgin, Texas TO HEAR FROM BASTROP COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENTS & HEALTHCARE SERVICES
TOURING DOWNTOWN Elgin, Texas
Photo by Jennifer Rudolph
Photo by Sonia Browder
TOURING DEEP IN THE HEART FOUNDRY IN Bastrop, Texas
Photo by Sonia Browder
B.E.S.T. Leadership is a nine month program hosted and organized by the chambers of commerce for Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville and Bastrop County. Participants spend one day per month working wogether, and learning about their community, government and leadership. The application for next year’s B.E.S.T. Leadership is available at https://www.bastropchamber.com/b-e-s-t-leadership-program/ or contact the Elgin Chamber of Commerce at 512-285-4515. 15 Photos by Sonia Browder
S A V E the date
PRST STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage PAID EDDM Retai1
ELGIN MAIN STREET BOARD
P.O. Box 591 Elgin, Texas 78621 USA
CHEMISTRY ROAD SHOW
Local Postal Customer
July 10 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Stars and Science Austin Discovery Dome mobile planetarium July 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. The FULL-DOME IMMERSIVE PLANETARIUM SHOWS will be Astronaut with Rocket trailers. Provided by the Friends of the Elgin Library.
Meet the Author Vicky Rose
August 11 at 2 p.m. Author of A Bad Place To Die, Rose has published numerous nonfiction anthologies, written articles for magazines and newspapers, authored several books and a screenplay that won semi-finalist in a national contest. A 2014 Spur finalist for short fiction, she’s active in the Western Writers of America, the Western Fictioneers, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Texas Folklore Society. All at 404 North Main Street Library
October 26, 2019
Imagine
THE
Elgin
Thursday, RODEO Sept 12
July
11-12 tlprc.org
TOUR POSSIBILITIES DowntownTX.org
5 PM
Thursday Sept 12 5 p.m.