Today is the Back the Bobcats Block Party downtown. Over two dozen local businesses, including Gumby's Pizza, are decked out in regalia and flags celebrating the hometown team.
Daily Record photo by Barbara Audet
It is Homecoming weekend for the San Marcos High School Rattlers and the Texas State Bobcats are at home for their game .
HISS A GOOD TIME: SNAKEFESSST
While I hope everyone will find some time to perhaps head to Wimberley on Sunday for the U.S. Constitution program with some of the state's leading historical experts. That starts at 12:30 p.m. at the Wimberley VFW Hall, 401 Jacobs Well Road. But for a zoologically cool time on Saturday, I highly recommend getting the family together and head over to the Snakefessst at the San Marcos Discovery Center, 430 Riverside Drive. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Native Texas snakes are courtesy of Ryan Collister. Molly Hays will offer music ala snake, and there will be lectures, walks, photo ops and entertainment. Here visitors will have an opportunity to gain knowledge and to spend some quality time getting to know snakes that reside naturally in our neck of the Texas woods. There are so many that are not venomous and a few that are, so it is good to be able to tell the difference. My Upstate New York snakes were mostly of the gentler variety and lived quite peacefully in the back stone wall. In Missouri, a six-foot-long black snake and I had a tete-a-tete and it won. For those of us in Hays County, though, we need to be able to support the snakes that are so much a part of our own unique habitat, rather than fearing them or hurting them unnecessarily. The event is free.
PRIDE WITH MONTANA SAND
If you’ve never been out to Savage’s at The Junction in Wimberley, this weekend might just be the perfect time for a first visit. On Friday night, celebrate Pride with Montana Sand from 7 - 10 p.m., then stick around for late night karaoke until 2 a.m. The kitchen is open until 1:30 a.m. with a late night menu available after 11 p.m. Savage’s boasts comfortable, breezy outdoor seating perfect for catching some sunset rays. Try their Bacon Bleu Burger with a Sweet & Savage margarita — jalapeno and prickly pear — with a basket of sweet potato fries on the side. For more information on the Wimberley Pride March visit wimberleypride.org.
On Sunday at 6 p.m., the Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band will have its 4th opening season concert, “Summer & Sea” at The Price Center. The concert will feature a selection of music to evoke the joy and excitement of a seaside summer. In order to pique listeners’ curiosity, titles of the songs to be performed are being withheld. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged to attend this free event. Contact the Price Center & Garden for details at 512-392-2900.
The San Marcos Daily Record suggestions for things to do in and around San Marcos
Expect to see offices, businesses and clubs decked out in the maroon and gold of the TXST football team as the community gets ready to Back the Bobcats.
Photo provided by San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
The signs of maroon and gold fever will be well in evidence this weekend and next, as the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is cheering on the community in a unique way, in an effort to get all ready to participate in supporting the Texas State University Bobcats this football season.
EARTH AND SKY
In recent weeks, the Daily Record has featured a series of stories highlighting conservation efforts that affect clean air and water, and the preservation of lands in Central Texas. How fitting then to take some time to celebrate these by way of a unique Fall concert. On Sunday, I plan to head to the Purgatory Creek Chorale’s Fall Concert: earth and sky. The concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church of San Marcos, 410 W. Hutchison St. Organizers promise that the music on this day will transport the listener to a place where the mind may wander 'through realms to learn more about ourselves and each other.' I have not seen a list for what might be on the program, but with weather forecasters predicting that there may actually be a cold front heading our way in the imminent future, I certainly think spending some time on a Sunday in a church listening to the music of the heavens may be just the right ticket to bring some calm to the unrelenting sun and a break in the heat. Recently, while driving home, the radio station played portions of The Planets, Op. 32–the seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst. If that doesn't put you in the mood for more music, few things will. For my money, I am team Mars and Jupiter when it comes to music of the universe, but I think I will love whatever Purgatory Creek Chorale has on its plate. Tickets are donation-based and on as a “pay what you can” basis. Suggested ticket prices are $15, $25, or $50 for general admission and $5 for students.
ALL ABOUT PRIDE
Celebrate SMTX Pride this weekend with Loud & Proud Fest Saturday Sept. 9 at multiple venues around San Marcos. This year, participants are encouraged to wear green for solidarity during the Anti-Bullying March that starts off the festival on Saturday at 10 a.m. in front of the Dunbar Community Center, located at 801 Martin Luther King Dr. Green SMTX Pride shirts are available at KnD’s Boutique on the Square. Following the march and an introduction to local allies at Plaza Park, SMTX Pride performances will begin, kicking things off with Eileen Dover and friends from noon to 3 p.m. Kelany Brent and The All-Nighters will take the stage from 4 to 6 p.m. Pride nightlife continues at The Marc with a 9 p.m. performance by Moore Kismet. Tickets are $15 and available at themarcsm.comThe Porch will also feature all-day Pride-centric entertainment in conjunction with Loud & Proud Fest. Check out taproomsanmarcos.com/ events for more information.
The San Marcos Daily Record suggestions for things to do in and around San Marcos
Calling all Hays County community members and animal lovers to participate in an important survey.
Labor Day Weekend in Hays County will be a high-flying affair as hot air balloonists descend on the city of Kyle in time to ascend in a series of events.
Photo provided by city of Kyle
All eyes will be looking up at Lake Kyle Park in Kyle, the Pie Capital of Texas, as the city hosts its Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend.
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.
The San Marcos Daily Record suggestions for things to do in and around San Marcos
Wake the Dead Coffeehouse Live Music - Ground Clouds Friday, Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. 1432 Old Ranch Rd. 12
(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666
