All Texans (natural born, and those that got here as soon as they could) are invited to a Texas-sized 178th birthday celebration on the very spot where “Texas became Texas!” March 2, 1836, witnessed 59 delegates bravely make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.
“Texas Independence Day Celebration” is a two-day celebration on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 on the expansive 293-acre park grounds of the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site between Brenham and Navasota. The birthday celebration features live music, food, traditional crafts, living history presentations, firing demonstrations, historical encampments and commemorative programs—all with no park entrance or parking fees.
Guests will step back into history to experience life in Texas in 1836 by visiting with re-enactors from the Texas Heroes Association and witnessing firing demonstrations in the Texas Army camps as well as a virtual town site tour. Attendees can walk the same trail as Texas’ forefathers and pioneer families, and witness cooking, weaving and period craft demonstrations.
Texas singer/songwriter Brian Burns will provide musical entertainment at the event. The 2014 recipient of The Daughters of The American Revolution Texas State Media Award, Burns is regarded as one of Texas’ top performing songwriters, and his work has been covered by a number of legendary artists. “One of the state's most powerful and engaging performers, Burns’ songs explore the personal, the historical, and the humorous, drawing out the things we’ve all felt and wish we could have said. The warmth, wit, and eclecticism of his performances captivate audiences night after night.” More information on Burns can be found at www.brianburnsmusic.com. The Celtaire String Band—which specializes in playing "period" Americana music on acoustic instruments such as the fiddle, pennywhistle, guitar, mandolin, vocals, banjo, "bass-box", tambourine, autoharp, spoons, scrub-board and lumberjacks while dressed in period clothing from the 1800s.
A Texas State Park, the Site’s three attractions (Independence Hall, Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Living History Farm) will feature special activities during the March celebration. The admission fees for the Museum and Farm will be waived during the celebration weekend. The Hall is always open free of charge; however, there is a modest fee for a guided program at the Hall.
The Star of the Republic Museum, which is administered by Blinn College, will open its new exhibit “Weather Wisdom: Forecasting in the Texas Republic” in celebration of Texas Independence Day 2014. Included in the exhibit will be an assortment of 19th century scientific instruments used to measure wind velocity, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity. The 19th century is seen as a transitional period from the use of weather lore (e.g. “when a whirlwind spins to the right, it means dry weather”) to the systematic collection of weather data. The exhibit will run through February 2015.
Main sponsors of Texas Independence Day Celebration include the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association (the non profit 501-(c)(3) support group for state historic site), Exxon Mobil and the City of Navasota.
More detailed information on the festivities planned for March 1 and 2 will be continually updated at www.birthplaceoftexas.com/Events.htm; the public can also call (936) 878-2214 or email Scott.Mcmahon@tpwd.texas.gov for more information.
Navasota will also be celebrating the Texas Birthday Bash!
Some of the hottest bands in country will be performing at a FREE concert in Navasota! Among others, legendary artist Mark Chesnutt, Charlie Robison, Gloriana, Cory Morrow and Jason Cassidy will be making their way to an outdoor stage at the City of Navasota’s second annual Texas Birthday Bash, celebrating Texas Independence Day. The free event will be held February 28 and March 1, on the downtown streets surrounding city hall and will feature nine bands, mechanical bull riding, a shooting gallery, pony rides and much more. The lineup includes: Friday night, Curtis Grimes opens the Bash at 5:30pm, followed by Green River Ordinance at 7:30pm and the star of the night, Cory Morrow, at 9:30pm. Starting at noon on Saturday, there will be a mechanical bull, roll a roper, shooting gallery, toddler farm obstacle course, inflatable farm slide, pony rides and petting zoo and the Southwest Texas Gunfighters are back to do three live shootouts. Saturday afternoon, get ready for non-stop music with The Rusty Brothers at 12:30pm, Jason Cassidy at 2:30pm, and Charlie Robison at 4:30pm. Saturday night, Josh Thompson heats up the stage at 6:30pm, followed by the legendary Mark Chesnutt at 8:30pm and Gloriana at 10:30pm. For more information, visit www.texasbirthdaybash.com.
