PRESENT-DAY HISTORY

     Sponsored by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association, the festival is a full day of entertainment, vendors, food, family activities, cultural exhibits, games and fun set amidst living history: music and dancing on three stages featuring country-western bands, flamenco dancers, Native American presentations, square dancers and much more; 15+ food vendors; make-and-take activities and crafts for children; children’s train; petting zoo; medicine wagon show; birds of prey; weavers, spinners, blacksmiths and other demonstrators; and dozens of unique hand-crafted items for sale.

      The Official State of Texas Ceremony Commemorating the 182nd Anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto will take place at 10a.m. on Saturday, April 21. This annual event will take place inside the monument at the Jesse H. Jones Theatre.

     “We are so proud to continue to present this festival with free admission, free shuttles and free parking, which would not be possible without our presenting sponsor H-E-B, as well as The Dow Chemical Company, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, City of Deer Park, City of La Porte and LyondellBasell,” says Larry Spasic, San Jacinto Museum of History President.  “Just as important are our partners who help us coordinate this event, including the City of La Porte, TPWD, the volunteers from San Jacinto College and Deer Park ISD, Clean Harbors, La Porte EMS and Hampton Inn Deer Park.”

YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTION

     The San Jacinto Monument is open all day year round except for Thanksgiving Day, and December 24th and 25th. Visitors can ride the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the festivities, explore the special exhibit, watch a Texas history movie and tour the hundreds of museum pieces on display.

            There are modest admission fees for the elevator ride, movie and the special exhibit entitled “A Destined Conflict: The U.S. – Mexican War,” located inside the Monument. For more information, the public may visit www.sanjacinto-museum.org and Facebook, or call 281-479-2421.

The event is coordinated by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association with the assistance of Texas Parks & Wildlife and the San Jacinto Volunteers reenactors.

ENTERTAINMENT & EDUCATION

• Jake Worthington will headline the main stage. The La Porte native was named “Runner-Up” on Season 6 of the hit NBC TV Show “The Voice” in 2014.

• Fred Rusk & the Zydeco Hi-Steppers will perform on the main stage. This band has been serving the Houston/Louisiana and surrounding areas for 12 years and consist of 5 faithful Zydeco musicians that collaborate to bring the unique sound of a Funky Cajun-French gumbo.

• Danza Azteca Taxcayolotlwill perform a version of a Danza Azteca ceremony with a dozen dancers from around Texas dressed in colorful regalia, wearing headdress with beautiful long feathers, and utilizing natural instruments to compose traditional rhythms for ceremonial dancing. Through dance steps and drum beats, the dancers will be honor generations of indigenous traditions.

• Last Chance Forever, The Birds of Prey Conservancy will present interactive demonstrations of magnificent birds including hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures.

• The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Mariachiconsists of the following instruments:  violin, trumpet, vihuela, guitar, guitarra de golpe, guitarron and arpajalisciense.  The program was established in 1998 and has done performances throughout the state.

• Texas Snakes is a fun and hands-on educational show of many different species of non-venomous indigenous snakes of Texas for the children to view and touch.  Emphasis is on teaching about the environment and how reptiles provide their part for the balance of nature.

• Houston School of Irish Music prides itself on giving students a fun and enriching environment to play traditional Irish music. The school is comprised of the North Texas School of Irish Music, with branches in Allen, Texas, and Murphy, Texas, and the Houston School of Irish Music.

UPDATED INFORMATION

     All festival activities are updated regularly on the San Jacinto Museum of History website at www.sanjacinto-museum.org and facebook.com/sjbattlereenactment.

presents world class 3 ball juggling and amazing balance tricks while engaging the crowd in a relaxed and unobtrusive manner.

Camel Rides will be available for a small fee from 11am to 2pm. Camels played an important role in Texas history when the state hosted the U.S. Army’s camel experiment, a short-lived project that used camels to ferry supplies across west Texas and the Great American Desert from 1856 to 1866.

Gilbert Hernandez is a reenactor portraying his great grandfather, Santiago Tafolla. Tafolla was a Hispanic pioneer in Texas and part of the Texas Camel Experiment as well as the only known Hispanic in Texas to leavememoirs during the Civil War. Hernandez’s presentations consist of the story of the Texas Camel Connection, working with the camels as a Calvary soldier and a Government employee all during the 1850s and 60s.

Mixteco Ballet Folkloricoprovides Houston area youth with cultural activities that preserve Mexican customs, traditions and culture through the art of music and dance.

J.R. “Jack” Edmondson is a celebrated historian, author, and reenactor. An alumni of the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Christian University, he is best known for his educational portrayal of the illustrious General Sam Houston.

Charles Lara aka Black Beaver will reenact a Delaware Blanket Trader to teach festival goers about the Texas of the 1800s.

Dan Barth will use his Medicine Show Wagon to tell the tales of special 19th century cure-all elixirs, and entertain with a little magic.

Exhibit of TPWD’s popular Operation Game Thief, its wildlife crime-stoppers program offering rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime.  Begun in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th Legislature to help curtail poaching, the program is highly successful.

North Harris County Dulcimer Societywill provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

Blacksmiths, weavers, spinners and other demonstrators will give visitors a full sense of how life was in the early 1800s.  Sutlers (civilians who sold provisions to military posts) will be on hand to sell or show their wares.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will offer archery classes for young people.

Visitors can also view the restored marshlands and look for otters, great blue herons, osprey, mottled ducks and American avocets.  The marsh is historically important because it barred the escape of many of General Santa Anna’s troops during the 1836 battle.

Representatives of the San Jacinto Descendants, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Texas General Land Officeand theTexas Independence Trail Region will be on hand to share their history.

Texas Independence Square Dancers—square dancers from various groups throughout Texas—will demonstrate square dancing and give lessons.

Visitors can browse through the vendor area to admire unique hand-crafted items, Texas products and history-related items.

The Children’s Area—sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company and Deer Park ISD—includes:

A 55’ train complete with train whistle and Texan and American flags.

Make-and-take history activities and crafts created and overseen by Gifted/Talented specialists from Deer Park ISD.

Marsha’s Petting Zoo with sheep, goats and other friendly small animals.

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Awesome Climate

     A half-mile wide at its widest point, South Padre Island is famous for its subtropical climate and year-round moderate temperatures. Mild, semi-arid weather means lots of sunny days to spend outdoors, with an average annual temperature of 74 degrees. Also, the island offers more than 5,000 guest rooms and condominiums. Lodging options span from full-service resort hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts to public and private campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top 10 Beach

     Boasting perfect weather and a variety of accommodations, the island is a natural draw for families looking for a vacation spot where they can relax and reconnect. Just last year, South Padre Island was named one of the best 10 U.S. beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic, as it boasts a variety of year-round activities for travelers of all ages.

Always just steps away from world-class beach activities, the island offers adventures in kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddle boarding. From beginners to pros, local outfitters are experts at helping adventurers of all ages maximize the experience no matter your skill level.

Outdoor Activities Abound

     If camping and fishing are on your radar, consider the Isla Blanca State Park. It’s an all-in-one vacation destination where everyone can kick-back and catch kingfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon and grouper, to name a few. When hunger strikes, turn on the barbeque pit in a public picnic area on the beach to grill up your fresh catch. Or, ask a local restaurant to prepare your fish as you like it.   

Nature and More

     For nature enthusiasts, the island offers an alluring blend of land and sea habitats to explore. This 34-mile long barrier reef island is home to miles of protected wetlands and nutrient-rich waters that provide ample opportunity to view wildlife in its natural setting.

     The Laguna Madre Nature Trail runs from the Convention Center to the Laguna Madre wetlands, and is a fun and easy boardwalk stroll that offers glimpses of wetland wildlife. Sea Turtle Inc. is great for visitors of all ages, and is instrumental in bringing back the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle from the brink of extinction. 

Tons To Do…

     More than that, there’s always something new to learn on the island. Enjoy a sand castle sculpting lesson from one of the island’s master sand castle sculptors. Experience a unique view of marine life with a snorkel or scuba diving lesson. Or, work on your swing with a golf lesson at the South Padre Island Golf Club.

Unforgettable

     No matter your preference in activities, or lounging on the shoreline, the island offers visitors a unique experience that is second to none.

     Escape reality, pack your bags and bring your family to South Padre Island – the best beach in Texas – for an unforgettable summer vacation!

For more information, visit: www.sopadre.com.

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Cool Kid Stops

     The Texas Capital is loaded with entertainment for kids. Along with the capitol building and state history museum, there are natural swimming holes, activity centers filled with trampolines—and don’t forget those famous bats. There’s also Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre watering hole with 68-degree waters are fed by underground springs. After a dip, grab a bite at Phil’s Icehouse known for its burgers, shakes, outdoor seating, and expansive playground.

Outdoor Adventures

     Fredericksburg and the Hill Country is best known for its romantic B&Bs and independent boutiques, but it’s also a great destination for adventure-craving families. Hike or climb Enchanted Rock, a pink granite boulder known for its unbeatable Hill Country views. Kids can also play historic house at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park’s Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm where pretend pioneers can cook, dress, and make toys, like cornhusk dolls and pigskin footballs.

Animal Excursions

     This town of 23,000 is home to the Lone Star State’s best summer camps, and is also kid-friendly year round. Overnight at the Y.O. Ranch which has 190 guestrooms and 13 cabins on a 40,000 acre farm where a lot more than the buffalo roam; you can see over 55 animal species such as wildebeests, rhea, and even giraffes on a tour, followed by a chuck wagon lunch. The animals are more domestic at Crider’s Rodeo which is open weekend nights from May through September. Before the main event—a rodeo and live country music—kids can try their hand at mutton bustin’, or sheep riding. Grab a bathing suit and fishing pole for a trip to Ingram Dam, a local swimming hole that’s also a great spot to people watch on weekends.

River Floating

     New Braunfels is located on the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, and there’s arguably no better way than to spend a hot summer Saturday than floating on the water. Families can rent inner tubes from companies such as Comal Tubes, and pack a cooler—we suggest juice boxes, cold beer, and fried chicken—to munch on en route. Travelers can also make a trip to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch a 400-acre property with over 500 animal breeds, including 40 exotics. If you’re catching the town on a rainy day, stop by the McKenna Children’s Museum where hands-on exhibits (Lend-a-Hand Ranch, Destination Space) provide hours of indoor entertainment.

Get Wild

     Start your weekend with a trip to Wichita Falls. The oil and gas story is also on full display at the Museum of North Texas History, as well as exhibits on the city’s cowboy roots. (Don’t miss the collection of 500-plus cowboy hats.) If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, head to the River Bend Nature Center, where kiddos can hunt for animal tracks on nature trails, and explore the 7,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory, also home to native creatures such as white quails and box turtles.

Out on the Lake

     PK Lake—as it’s known among locals—is well loved for its 300 miles of scenic coastline, limestone cliffs, and quiet inlets. It’s long been a popular family getaway spot for city folk for its lake activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and even SCUBA diving. If you prefer to stay on land, the 1,528-acres Possum Kingdom State Park has camping spots and rustic cabins available for rent. Also keep an eye on the park’s calendar for ranger-led events such as native plant or geology-focused walks.

Explore Texas’s Canyon Land

     Palo Duro, which cuts through Texas’ high plains, is the second largest canyon in the U.S. (We’ll let you guess which canyon takes home the gold medal.) It’s over 100 miles long and can be over 1,000 feet deep, and while travelers can happily hike along endless trails, you might want to consider exploring the landscape by horseback. You’ll travel even faster at the Palo Duro Canyon Zipline Adventure Park, where zip lines afford you a bird’s eye view of the iconic red rocks.

Slip, Slide, and Ride

     This historic town of 50,000, named for the mustang grapes that were found in abundance throughout the area, was founded in 1843, and still maintains historic charm thanks to a bustling Main Street and gazebo-anchored parks. Thomas the Tank Engine fans will delight in the Grapevine Vintage Railroad; you can jump on the Tarantual Train, made up of two Victorian-style locomotives, for a 21-mile trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The hotels here also keep the kiddos in mind: stay at the Great Wolf Lodge—home to an 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark—or the Gaylord Texan itself a mini-city with rivers, bridges, restaurants and shops. Kids can jump into the lazy river or take cooking classes, while parents head to wine and cheese socials.

More Information

     Looking for more family fun things to do in the Lone Star state? Then visit their official website at: www.TravelTex.com.

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What a Journey…

Guests will embark on a breathtaking underwater journey from the shores of Galveston Island through the Gulf of Mexico. As they explore the oceans depths, they will discover sunken treasure and see Christmas surprises along the way. An ice slide takes the form of a towering oil rig and gives an opportunity to venture through the beautiful Flower Garden Banks for encounters with spectacular schools of colorful tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, Hammerhead sharks and more on the way to their Caribbean island destination. There is even an opportunity to enjoy some festive holiday spirits inside of ICE LAND at Shiver’s Ice Bar.

In the third year, visitors will be fully immersed in the region’s coolest holiday attraction featuring nine different scenes. It will offer a more diverse range of sculptures than ever in the 28,000 sq. ft. insulated tent structure chilled and maintained at nine degrees.

“We are very excited to create a signature Moody Gardens theme for ICE LAND this year,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO, who added that this years’ experience will be memorable, engaging and distinctive for visitors and the artists who are creating it. “This attraction shows an appreciation for all of the sea life and beauty offered right here in our own backyard with a special festive Christmas focus.”

A Holiday Tradition

Moody Gardens has become a holiday tradition as families throughout the region are offered a very diverse range of attractions to compliment ICE LAND including the Festival of Lights, an outdoor ice rink, Artic Slide, a holiday buffet and train rides. Guests can also enjoy new holiday 3D films, the new Rudolph 4D film, and an exciting new Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show at the Moody Gardens Hotel.

ICE LAND

ICE LAND will offer a unique holiday experience for the  entire family and will be open November 12 through January 8, as Galveston makes its transition into the Winter Wonder Island.  Admission for adults is $26.95, $21.95 for seniors and $15.95 for children. A Value Days discount of $5.00 is available Sunday through Thursday, now – December 17. A V.I.P. Guided Experience will also be available Sunday through Thursday with front-of-the-line access, a guided tour through ICE LAND, hot cocoa, souvenir family photo and admission to Festival of Lights. Special packages are available for groups of 20 or more.

More Information

For more information call 1-800-582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org.

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Grand chandeliers, lavish crown molding and polished floors enhance the French style lobby and provide a stunning welcome. Beautifully decorated guest rooms and the most comfy hotel bed I’ve ever slept in made it easy to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the plethora of delicious restaurants and lively bars lining Bourbon Street.

Life’s a Parade

While in town, I enjoyed a tour of Mardi Gras World and learned about the history of New Orleans Parades and parade krewes (who help put on the lavish parades that are the signature events of Mardi Gras). I even got to try on a few parade costumes and make my own mask.

The foodie in me had a blast on the walking food tour where we all enjoyed a sample of authentic local cooking at each stop and learned about the various influences that helped create Cajun cuisine.

People Rocked

From the hotel to the tours, my recent trip to New Orleans was quite the experience however, my favorite part of visiting New Orleans was its people.

Whether locals, transplants or tourist, everyone seems happy to walk the streets of the city and strike up a conversation with a stranger, hung a new best friend or laugh at a shared joke…and maybe even throw some beads!

courtesy of: KJ Feder

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There is so much to see and do as guests wander through KaLIGHToscope, HoliZoo, Frozen Fun, Zoominaria and other areas aglow in the holiday spirit. Venture through Cut Tree Forest to the North Pole where you can visit with Santa and get your picture taken, too!

Special Zoo Lights collectables are available in the Zoo’s gift shops.

Our Wishing Tree embraces the meaning of the holidays. A special Wishing Tree filled with ornaments is located in the Beastro Restaurant. Each ornament will represent one student’s trip to the San Antonio Zoo given by a generous guest like you! For ONLY $10 , guests can sponsor an ornament and help a child’s dream come true.

Admission to Zoo Lights is $10.25 for members; $12.25 for non-members. Tickets are available online. For more information, contact Debbie Rios-Vanskike at drv@sazoo.org or (210) 734-7184 x 1043.

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