Features

GETTING LIGHTER THAN AIR

I have covered a Hot Air Balloon event in Illinois many years ago and so this weekend, I am aglow myself in the prospect of taking part in the annual city of Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival. I will be the one heading up the road at the crack of dawn to participate in some of the activities that make this festival known far and wide. I was tempted to join in for the pie making but thought better of it, after taking a look at the level of skill shown by past winners. This festival will feature music, the quintessential hot air balloons with tethered rides available, weather permitting and balloon glows today and Saturday. Admission is free, and parking and special shuttles will be available. Music scheduled throughout the entire festival is a highlight. I am personally looking forward to the two pie eating competitions-one for kids and one for the older crowd. What might be something to consider going out for is the Drone Show that is scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. I have only seen these on television, and so it is high time to add that experience to my checklist. Gates at Lake Kyle Park at 700 Lehman Road open today at 5 p.m. Saturday boasts an early gate open of 6:30 a.m. with the Grand Ascension at 7 a.m. This is a great family event so why not come out to Kyle and gaze skyward.

WINGING IT

This Saturday presents us with two ways to have a fun food adventure while also supporting local venues. First up is the Hot Wings Invitational from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Taproom & The Porch. Featuring the hottest wings in town, this eating contest is $20 per entry (limited to the first 20 applicants) and will grant a $200 cash grand prize to the winner. Round #1, the Lightning Round, will have all 20 contestants eating as many wings and drums as possible in 10 minutes: No water or milk, must eat all meat from the bone, and the contestant chooses the sauce. Then the tension cranks up with the Heat Round, in which the top 5 contestants will eat as many of Chef Luis’ hot wings as they can. The round (and the money) goes to the last one standing. Contestants must register at The Taproom Friday, Sept. 1.

Next, quell the heat with some cool island tunes and Hawaiian food at Riley’s 16th Annual Luau from 5 to 8 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature music by Island Texas and Hawaiian pork plates with all the trimmings. Creek South Farms will be on site with fresh-flower leis, so put on your best Aloha garb and come hula the night away. No cover for the band and $15 for the plates.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?

Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:00am

The San Marcos Daily Record suggestions for things to do in and around San Marcos

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Live Music

Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:00am

Wake the Dead Coffeehouse Live Music - Ground Clouds Friday, Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. 1432 Old Ranch Rd. 12

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Some birds — like this common kingfisher — are cheeky beaks.
Photos from Metro Creative

jerry hall daily record columnist

Exploring Nature: Interesting Tidbits

Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:00am

Let’s devote today’s column to a collection of fascinating factoids and interesting items about wildlife and nature. Here goes: Artist/author Ralph Steadman has developed a tongue-in-cheek list of birds he thinks may be headed for extinction. These include the unsociable leftwing and the orange-beaked spotted emulsion cootflake. Other birds he thinks may already be extinct are the gob swallow, long-legged shortwing and the needless smut.

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Submitted photo

‘Book of Mormon’ tickets on sale now at Bass Concert Hall

Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:00am

Back by popular demand, “The Book of Mormon” returns to Austin Nov. 14 - 19 at Bass Concert Hall. The irreverent musical comedy played a record-breaking two-week run in 2013. Tickets for this limited engagement are sale now for the irreverent musical comedy presented by Texas Performing Arts.

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Martindale holds second annual River Appreciation Weekend

The River Appreciation Weekend featured a special blessing and performance by local Aztec dance groups, Kalpuli Toknihuan Tecuanimej on Aug. 18 and the Central Texas Danzantes on Aug. 19.
Photos by Christopher Paul Cardoza

The Aztec dance group Kalpuli Toknihuan Tecuanimej performed a river blessing as part of the River Appreciation Weekend, held in downtown Martindale.

From left to right: Carlton Carl, Caldwell County Commissioner Edward “Ed” Theriot, Caldwell County Commissioner Rusty Horne, Martindale City Council member Mike McClabb, Martindale City Council member Sonja Villalobos, Chelsea James, Martindale City Council member Sam Houston Clinton III, Martindale City Council member Matthew McGovern, and Martindale Mayor Katherine Glaze.
Photo by Christopher Paul Cardoza

Martindale holds second annual River Appreciation Weekend

Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:00am

In celebration of the river that unites us all, the city of Martindale hosted its second annual River Appreciation Weekend on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19. This year’s two-day festival featured local art, live music, river education and awareness booths from environmental stewardship organizations.

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Dominique Steward.
Submitted photo

Gary Job Corps honors Hall of Famer Dominique Steward

Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:00am

“There we were, in some places total devastation, loss of all power, all roads blocked off by fallen trees, but we pushed on,” said Dominique Steward, a 2010 graduate from the Overhead Linesman Trade, as crews from around the United States assisted the island of Puerto Rico for six months following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

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The Indigenous Cultures Institute Summer Encounter Closing Ceremony at Sacred Springs.
Photo provided by ICI Photo Archives: 2023

Indigenous Culture Institute hosts 2023 Indigenous Arts Summer Encounter

Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:00am

The Indigenous Cultures Institute, based in San Marcos held its 11th Indigenous Arts Summer Encounter from June 19 - 24 at Cuauhtemoc Hall. The annual encounter brings together youth, artists and community members of San Marcos for a week-long ceremonial experience. Local students participated in daily activities that included the history, culture, arts and traditions of the indigenous people of our area. Students learned the creation story, about food justice and engaged in visual arts, music, dance, writing and cooking/nutrition activities that tied into teachings of indigenous foodways and wellness. Students were also introduced to the Coahuiltecan language which was spoken by our indigenous ancestors who lived and thrived in this area for over 13,000 years.

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Frisbee Dan's message is come out and adopt him and the other animals awaiting homes in San Marcos this Saturday at the shelter.
Photo provided by San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

Clear the Shelters is Saturday

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:00am

Don't pause at all this weekend on your way to finding the newest member of the family–one with personality and the ability to transform your life.

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TUNES ON MY CRUISE

This weekend, I’m going to take a cruise on my motorcycle. With the increased traffic and terrible student drivers, I figure that getting a bit out of town might be my best bet at survival. The plan is to cruise ranch road 12 until the intersection with FM 32, where I’ll take a left and cruise down the Devil’s Backbone until I’ve had my fill, probably stopping at the Devil’s Backbone Overlook along the way. On my way back, I’m going to stop by Riley’s Tavern, a historic landmark, for some beer and live music. Beth Lee and the Break ups go on at 6 p.m., and Dallas Burrow goes on at 9 p.m.. I probably won’t make it until 9 p.m., as by that time, I will have developed a very slight buzz and some massive hunger pains. On my cruise back, I’m going to stop by Savages Hill Country Bar and Grill at the intersection of RR 12 and FM 32 for a little grub. We’ll see what my heart desires at that time, but at this moment, I’m thinking I can’t go wrong with a patty melt and a soda.

CHILL WITH BACK TO SCHOOL

This weekend in San Marcos might be the best time to simply chill. Hard as it is to believe, the summer is finally coming to a close, and soon we’ll be settling into an autumn routine that will include football games, San Marcos High School and Broke Thespian Theatre seasons, pumpkin spice everything, Texas State tailgate parties and more. Families with kiddos can visit Roughhouse Brewing tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. for free hot dogs meals to celebrate Back to School. Couples looking for a fun date night on the Square, check out The Davenport’s Friday Funktion with live music, a silent disco and a vintage market. This event runs all the way to 2 a.m., so it’s sure to be a cool time in a couple of ways. Follow that up on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. with brunch at Industry featuring music with local favorite Kelany Brent. Industry boasts an amazing (and healthy) Industry Bowl with field greens, rice, Brussels, sweet potatoes, pepitas and feta with a cashew garlic/honey vinaigrette. Also on offer (heavenly but not quite as healthy), try Industry’s Porky’s Pancakes which features a short stack of fluffy pancakes with pork pastor, bacon, berry compote and maple syrup.