Nov 19 2008

The First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving and gratitude have marked important occasions in the life of Texans for hundreds of years.

Palo Duro Canyon in Texas

Historians say that the Spanish explorer Coronado paused in Texas during May of 1541 for thanksgiving at daybreak in the spectacular Palo Duro Canyon (above) in the Texas panhandle.
San Elizario Texas

Other Texans claim the first Thanksgiving in America actually took place in San Elizario, a community near El Paso, in 1598, twenty-three years before the Pilgrims. Spanish explorer Juan de Onate reached the banks of the Rio Grande after a grueling 350-mile long trek across the dessert. The thirsty travelers drank the cool water and then celebrated with a Thanksgiving Mass and enjoyed a feast of fish, fowl and deer on April 28, 1598.

Texas may be the only state to have two thanksgivings-one in spring for its independence and the customary national Thanksgiving in the Fall.

Posted by CyberCelt under Holidays

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Nov 19 2008

Texas Christmas Events (Nov-Dec)

Hill Country Trail of Lights

November 14, 2008-January 3, 2009
ICE! Gaylord Texan Hotel, Lake Grapevine
Please view this post on Texas RV blog for complete writeup.

December 1, 2008-January 4, 2009
Nature in Lights, Fort Hood
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area is transformed into a winter wonderland. Drive through the park and enjoy over 100 illuminated, animated light displays choreographed to the tunes of the season.

December 5-19, 2008 Fridays & Saturdays
North Pole Express, Grapevine
The North Pole Express leaves from the Grapevine Depot, which is decorated with thousands of lights and animated characters. On board, join in the singing, story telling or visit from Santa.

December 5-20, 2008 Fridays & Saturdays
Campfire Christmas 2008, George Ranch Historical Park, Richmond
Experience 23,000 working ranch, including1830s Jones Stock Farm and the1890s Davis Mansion decorated in the spirit of the season. At night, singing and storytelling with the George Ranch cowboys.

December 5, 2008-January 1, 2009
MSU Burns Fantasy of Lights, Wichita Falls
Thousands of visitors come from all parts of the country to enjoy the truly dazzling sight created by the more than 34 brightly-lit scenes and 20,000 lights.

November-December 2008
Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail, Texas Hill Country
Activities and lights all over the Texas Hill Country.  Cities included this year are Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Llano, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Round Mountain and Wimberley. Visit the regional website for links to activities in all cities.

Posted by CyberCelt under Day Trips, Fairs and Festivals, Family Fun, Food & Wine, Historic travel

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Nov 17 2008

Texas Christmas Cheer

Lighted Christmas Tree

December 3-7, 2008
Beaumont Christmas Holiday Festival & Parade, Beaumont
Ice skating, 5K run, parade, shop for gifts, visit with Santa, Christmas at the McFaddin Ward House, Heritage Village Museum Presents: Christmas Twilight Tour.

December 4-6, 2008
Sights and Sounds of Christmas, San Marcos
Thousands of lights are reflected on the San Marcos River. Enjoy food booths, shop for Texas arts and crafts, carnival, A Night in Old Bethlehem, Indian dancers, Santa Claus, kids activity tent.  Area schools provide Christmas music and dance all three nights.

December 5-6, 2008
Snowflakes Parade and Festival, Sherman
Children’s activities, live entertainment, food and fun. Parade begins Friday at 7 pm featuring traditional floats, performance groups, local organizations and a surprise guest.

Christmas at the Coast

December 5-6, 2008
Holiday on the Harbor, Aransas Pass
Christmas celebration at Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass. See the lighted boat parade, take a stroll through the Christmas tree forest. Enjoy live entertainment, food, festivities, carnival rides and more. Free admission.

December 6, 2008
Carolers Afloat & Lighted Boat Parade, Port Aransas
Decorate your own boat or hop on a decorated commercial boat and sing carols while you cruise the marina.

December 6, 2008
Historic Castroville Old Fashioned Christmas, Castroville
Arts and crafts, American to Mexican to Alsatian food, entertainment, Santa visit at 1 pm.

Posted by CyberCelt under Fairs and Festivals, Family Fun, Holidays, Nature, RV Travel

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Nov 09 2008

Veteran’s Day is November 11

Remember those who served

Remember . . .

It was the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It was the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It was the Veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to fair trial.

It was the Veteran, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag,
who served under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Written by Father Denis Edward O’Brien, USMC

All Gave Some - Some Gave All

Posted by CyberCelt under Events, Remember

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Nov 06 2008

Ranch Hand Breakfast

Just south of Corpus Christi, is one of the oldest and largest ranches in Texas, the King Ranch.  Stretching over 825,000 acres and several counties, the King Ranch provides many opportunities to observe ranch life as it was in the past and as it has evolved.

On November 22, 2008, visit the King Ranch and enjoy a ranch hand breakfast, complete with eggs, refried beans, biscuits ‘n gravy, sausage and tortillas cooked in the great outdoors.  Listen to cowboy music while you watch team roping, horseshoeing, rawhide braiding and camp cooking demonstrations.  This is one of a few opportunities to enjoy cowboy poetry and storytelling as well.

Visit the King Ranch website for more information on this event. The Ranch Hand Breakfast held in November on the Saturday before Thanksgiving – 7 am to 11 am. Tickets are $6, ages 3 and under are free.

Posted by CyberCelt under Animals, Culture, Day Trips, Dining, Family Fun, Food & Wine, Historic, Historic travel, Wildlife Watching

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