HALF MOON HOLIDAYS

from Shiner, Texas

by tripspublications

HISTORY OF SHINER

KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE A Shiner Original

MAKING MEMORIES FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE

by Michelle Banse Stokes, photos by Lori Raabe

W

hether you seek small-town culture, community, or comfort food, you can be sure that Shiner knows how to throw a party like no other. Half Moon Holidays started as a Fourth of July celebration for the community and grew into a destination, drawing crowds from all over Texas and beyond. Its roots were established over forty years ago when a few locals wanted to not only celebrate their patriotism but also give back to their community.

“The hospital in Shiner was struggling at that time and we were trying to come up with a fundraiser,” said David Kaspar, one of the founders of Half Moon. “We knocked around the idea of starting a festival and we all worked hard to make it happen. After the hospital closed, we started using the proceeds to benefit other organizations in town.”

Today Half Moon is hosted by the Shiner Chamber of Commerce and it’s one of their biggest events of the year.

“I’m happy that the chamber is keeping it going,” said David. “Years ago, I met with Carlos Alvarez, CEO of Spoetzl Brewery. I had lunch with him in Shiner and asked if he’d sponsor a fireworks display. The brewery has been doing it ever since and it’s a really great show, especially for a town the size of Shiner.”

The Shiner Chamber of Commerce works hard every year to make Half Moon Holidays an incredible experience for visitors and locals alike. Allison Mozisek, chamber president, gets quite excited about the annual event that she’s been a part of for over eight years.

“Half Moon is a small-town, family friendly festival,” said Allison. “It gives me such a nostalgic feeling and there’s something for everyone. You’ll find a barbecue cook-off, kid’s games, downtown parade, a 5K run, pageant, live music, and vendors. It all takes a lot of hard work but also gives all of us an immense sense of pride.”

Half Moon Holidays evolved over the years and changes invariably came to be. Still, David likes to look back on the past celebrations and recall a few events of yesteryear.

“There are a few things that we don’t have anymore,” laughed David. “We used to have an outhouse race. Teams had to build a homemade outhouse with wheels. One person would ride inside and four more would push it. We also had a men’s sexy leg competition. Dr. John Thornton, director of

the Texas A&M Coaching Academy, was our first winner. Then there was the beer relay with teams of four running down, drinking their beer as fast as they could, and running back. Those three events are not going on any more but it’s a part of the history of Half Moon.”

Even with the changes that came to pass, Half Moon Holidays has grown by leaps and bounds. This family friendly event is unparalleled in the area and one that shows off Shiner in all her glory.

“Our cook-off brings in people from all over the state and they have an opportunity to see Shiner and the type of community we live in,” added Allison. “I am always so thankful and amazed. It’s so nice to have other people who don’t live here see what goes into making Shiner ‘Shiner’.”

Half Moon Holidays is held the first full weekend in July at Green-Dickson Municipal Park, 65 County Road 350. The parade travels through downtown. You can find them online at www.shinerhalfmoon.com.