Out & About in Huntsville

National Night Out (Tues., Oct. 2)

2012-10-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

National Night Out takes place tomorrow (Oct. 2). This is an annual event where law enforcement and citizens come together in an effort to heighten crime prevention, raise awareness, and strengthen the community.

Last year, the entire event was held at the Target parking lot. This year, things have changed:

Instead of citizens meeting at Target, there will be a parade. Participants in the parade include Huntsville Police Department, Sam Houston State University Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Huntsville Fire Department, Walker County Emergency Medical Service, the Texas Forest Service, TDCJ’s Office of Inspector General and local utility services.

The parade will begin at Target and travel north on the Interstate 45 Frontage Rd. to 11th Street, east on 11th Street to Normal Park and north on Normal Park to Chimney Rock where it will stop for public interaction. Then, it will travel on Normal Park to Eastham, east on Eastham to State Highway 75, south on State Highway 75 to Old Madisonville and then north on Smith Hill where the group will again stop for public interaction. A second procession will travel west on Smither to Veteran’s Memorial and south on Veteran’s Memorial to Elkins where it will stop for several additional gatherings.

For more info, you can call HPD at 936.291.5480.

Old Timers BBQ Cookoff (Oct. 5 & 6)

2012-10-01T07:41:00.001-07:00

The 2nd Annual Old Timers BBQ Cookoff will take place on Oct. 5 & 6 at El Roy Icehouse, which was formerly Bell's Camp. This is a short drive away in Trinity, TX. Official flyer:

Click Photo to Enlarge

The Art of the Signature (Thurs., Sept. 20)

2012-09-12T08:47:00.001-07:00

On Thurs., Sept. 20, Sam Houston Memorial Museum presents Upstrokes, Downstrokes, and Curlicues: The Art of the Signature.

When: 4-6p
Where: Bear Bend Cabin (on the museum grounds)
What: Learn about famous autographs and the debate about Sam Houston's signature; make your own mark using quill pens and ink.
Cost: $5 recommended donation

For more info, check out Sam Houston Memorial Museum on Facebook by clicking here or call 936.294.3839.

Buddy Mondlock & Danny Santos (Sat., Sept. 15)

2012-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

On Sat., Sept. 15, Thoreau Woods Coffeehouse (144 E Mosley Lane) will host Buddy Mondlock with Danny Santos. The show starts at 7p.

Buddy Mondlock

Give Buddy and Danny a Google, and if you like what you see, head over to the show and give them a listen. For more info on Thoreau Woods, you can check out their Facebook by clicking here. You can also give them a ring at 936.661.4313.

Fall Planetarium Shows

2012-09-12T07:52:00.003-07:00

The planetarium at SHSU hosts free shows each semester. This fall, there are two shows to see: The Nature of Science and The Great Space Race.

Each show will be at 7p. These shows are free and open to the public.

The planetarium is located on the SHSU campus, in the Farrington Bldg, Suite 204.

For more info on the planetarium, view their Facebook page by clicking here.

Magic Celebration! (Sat., Sept. 8)

2012-09-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Gamers Grove will be having a Magic celebration, starting at 3pm. This is a free Magic the Gathering event where both new and existing players can enjoy a simple-to-play format called Mini Masters. This will be great time for new players to learn in a stress-free environment or people interested in getting started with Magic to get information and help.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Magic the Gathering is a popular game, so I'm not sure why you have no idea what I'm talking about! Just kidding. Click here to read about it.

Gamers Grove is located near the SHSU campus, at 1518 University Ave. The number is 936.435.1119.

For more information on Gamers Grove, you can check out their Facebook page by clicking here or their website here.

Huntsville Antique Show (Sept. 15 & 16)

2012-08-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

This year, Huntsville Antique Show will be held on Sat., Sept. 15 from 10a-5p and on Sun., Sept. 16 from 10a-4p. Vendors from all over the country will gather at Walker County Fairgrounds to showcase and sell items to the public. The event is in an air-conditioned building, so it is safe to bring Granny and all her friends!

Entry to the show will be $5 for adults. Kids under 12 get in free.

For more information, check out the website by clicking here.

Drug & Alcohol Summit (SHSU)

2012-08-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

The 7th Annual Drug & Alcohol Summit will take place on Fri., Sept. 14 from 8a-5p in the Lowman Student Center (LSC). Experts will speak on the consequences of drug and alcohol use.

Transfer Student Seminars (SHSU)

2012-08-29T10:54:00.001-07:00

SHSU will be hosting transfer student seminars to help students with their transitions to Bearkat life. Check it out:

September 13 (Thurs.):
5-7p, CHSS Room 170
The SAM Center will introduce students to on-campus services and resources.

September 20 (Thurs.):
5-7p, CHSS Room 170
Getting Involved: The SAM Center will teach students about multiple on-campus programs that will help them on their journey.

September 27 (Thurs.):
Thinking About What Comes Next: The SAM Center will introduce students to faculty members from different departments and talk about graduate school, research opportunities, etc.

If you're a transfer student, you may want to check these out. If nothing else, you may meet some new friends.

For more info, you can contact Bernice Strauss at 936.294.4455.

Transfer Student Meet & Greet (SHSU)

2012-08-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

There will be a meet and greet for transfer students on Thurs., Sept. 6 from 5-7p at the CHSS Building, Room 170. The SAM Center is hosting this event to help make the transition easier for students. No word on whether there will be refreshments or not, but it's worth a shot!

For more info, you can contact Bernice Strauss at 936.294.4455.

Main Street Music Series (Fridays through Sept. 28)

2012-08-28T10:30:00.003-07:00

Hey, live music lovers! Huntsville Main Street is hosting a summer music series. Every Friday from August 31 through September 28, two bands will play downtown on the courthouse lawn. The first band will start at 6, and the second will go on around 7:45. To see what kinds of bands will be playing, check out the official flier:

As you can see, these events are free. Be sure to show up and support the musicians so that Main Street can continue to have these events. Seeya there!

Sam Houston Memorial Museum September Events

2012-08-22T12:29:00.002-07:00

If you are new to Huntsville, listen up! I am going to tell you about something awesome: Sam Houston Memorial Museum. It is conveniently located on Sam Houston Avenue. You may have had to brake for chickens or ducks at this point on the road. I lived in Huntsville a couple years before I realized the duck pond was more than just a duck pond. Those buildings around it have historical meaning and stuff. When you get the chance, walk over and check out the museum and enjoy the cute ducks at the pond. It is a nice place to have lunch or de-stress for a while.

The museum has events pretty often, and you would be wise to make note of them - because, you know, they are informative and awesome. The museum staff is knowledgeable and friendly, too. Here you go:

Sept. 1: Spinning & Weaving Demonstration, 10a-2p @ Woodland Home
Sept. 8: Pioneer Skills Demo, 10a-2p @ Bear Bend Cabin
Sept. 15: Kick-Wheel Pottery Making Demo, 10a-2p @ Raven's Pottery Shed
Sept. 22: Blacksmithing & Woodworking Demos, 10a-2p @ Joshua's Forge & Guerrant Cabin
Sept. 29: Museum Day! This is a nation-wide event. Participating museums are offering free passes, and SH Memorial Museum is one of those participating. Get your free tickets here: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

We hope you have a lot of fun. Tell them we said "Hey!"

2nd Annual Town Creek Music Festival (Sat., Sept. 1)

2012-08-22T12:01:00.002-07:00

Hey, Huntsville! The 2nd Annual Town Creek Music Festival will be held on Sat., Sept. 1 from 2-9p. This is a free concert, held at Eastham-Thomason Park (1500 7th St.). Check out the official flier (click to enlarge) for details:

Season Tickets for Hville Community Theatre on Sale

2012-08-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to support your local theatre and hardworking actors and actresses by purchasing 2012/2013 season tickets! The first performance isn't until September, but it's never too early to show your support. We can't wait for October (Drac's Back)!

from the brochure at http://huntsvillecommunitytheatre.org/

You can download the brochure by clicking here or browse the Huntsville Community Theatre site by clicking here. See you at the show!

Arts, Antiques & Autos; Downtown Farmers Market (Sat., May 5)

2012-05-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

Hey, Huntsville! It is finally time for the the Downtown Farmers Market to open again. It will be open every Saturday from 8a - noon (May through August).

In addition to this weekend's farmers market, there will be an event called "Arts, Antiques & Autos" in the downtown square from 10a - 4p. This event will feature arts and crafts booths, classic cars and antique tractors, antique appraisals, and music/live entertainment.

Ignite the Night (Weds., April 18)

2012-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, April 18, there will be a rally to promote awareness of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The event starts at 6p at Old Main Pit on campus. There will be tables set up where participants can buy T-shirts and wristbands, donate toiletries to SAAFE House, register to win door prizes, etc. The event will include poetry readings, speakers, music, and a performance by Zeta Phi Beta sorority. There will be free pizza available for participants.

After the events at Old Main Pit, participants will march to the courthouse, where a candlelight vigil will be held to honor the victims of sexual assault.

If you mention Ignite the Night at Fuzzy's Taco Shop on Monday, April 16 (at any time) or at 3 Spoons on Tuesday, April 17 (from 7 - 9p), a portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go toward the fundraising efforts of the event.

To view the Ignite the Night Facebook event page, click here.

Mandalorian Mercs at Huntsville Public Library (Mon., April 16)

2012-04-15T19:46:00.001-07:00

On Monday, April 16, The Mandalorian Mercs will be at Huntsville Public Library to read books to kids. The Mandalorian Mercs is a Star Wars costuming organization. The event starts at 4p. The Mercs will be back every first and third Monday.

Photo snagged from the Mandalorian Mercs Facebook page

For more info on the Mandalorian Mercs, check out their website (www.mandalorianmercs.com) or Facebook page.

HHS Glee Spring Show (Tues., April 17)

2012-04-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday, Huntsville High School's Glee choir will have their Spring Show at the HHS auditorium. The show starts at 6:30p. There will be song and dance, and admission is free to the public. We've been told that this will be an entertaining event, and the Booster Club would love to have the community show its support for the students, so feel free to attend and bring friends!

General Sam Houston Folk Festival (April 27 & 28)

2012-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

The 25th annual General Sam Houston Folk Festival will take place on Friday, April 27 from 9a - 4p and on Saturday, April 28 from 10a - 7p. The festival takes place on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, where Sam and Margaret lived with their children.

The festival features costumed historical characters, live music and other performances, workshops and demonstrations, museum tours, arts and crafts, food and merchandise vendors, children's activities, and more.

Admission on Friday is $3.00 for all ages, and admission on Saturday is $8.00 for adults (or $5 group rate with 15 or more people) and $3.00 for kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 get in free.

Girl Scouts Parade (March 24th)

2012-03-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

Event: Girl Scouts Parade

Date: March 24, 2012 (Time TBA)

Location: Begins at the 1st United Methodist Church/Ends at the Girl Scout House on Ave. M

In celebration of the Girl Scouts 100 year anniversary, a parade will be held on March 24th. It will begin at the 1st United Methodist Church and end at the Girl Scout House. All current scouts, as well as alumni, are invited to participate in the parade. Everyone is invited to watch. We are not sure when this parade will start, but we will update this article as soon as we find out.

Happy anniversary girl scouts, and may you continue selling those thin mint and caramel delight cookies for many years to come!

CASA: Volunteer to Make a Difference (Training Class on March 22nd)

2012-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Event: CASA "Court Appointed Special Advocates" Training Class
Date: March 22nd
Location: 1300 11th Street, Suites 430 B Huntsville, TX 77340

CASA, which stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocates," is currently seeking new volunteers. The next training class will be on Thursday, March 22nd.

As defined by their website, a Court Appointed Special Advocate "is an adult willing to stand up for an abused or neglected child. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process. In a court system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA volunteer can make the single greatest difference in the life of a child."

In order to become a CASA volunteer, applicants must be over the age of 21, pass a background check, and be willing to go through an extensive training program. CASA volunteers usually dedicate about six to ten hours a month to this cause.

Click HERE to see the list of the full requirements needed to become a CASA volunteer.

Click HERE to print out the registration form.

It is still possible to help this organization without becoming an advocate. It is also an option to join "Friends of CASA," which is a group that helps with "fundraisers, community awareness efforts, and also the training sessions for advocates."

For more information about CASA, visit their website HERE or call (936) 291 6363.

Huntsville Promenaders 13th Annual "Chili Cook-Off" (March 12th)

2012-03-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Event: Huntsville Promenaders 13th Annual "Chili Cook-Off"

Date: March 12th at 6:15pm

Location: Tri-County Services Buildings (7045 Highway 75 South)

Next Monday, the Huntsville Promenaders Square Dance Club will be hosting its 13th annual "Chili Cook-Off." The event will kick off at 6:15pm with the judging of the chili entries. A big dance will start at 7:30pm.

For more information on how to become a contestant or for general information about the Huntsville Promenaders Square Dance Club, call Jerry or Theta Upton at (936) 856-5287. Click HERE to see the official flier for this event.

Blood Drive (Sat. March 10th)

2012-03-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Event: Blood Drive
Date: March 10th from 9:00am until 4:00pm
Location: Gibbs Pre-K Center (19th Street)
Cost: Blood Donation

This Saturday, the Huntsville Memorial Hospital will be hosting a blood drive from 9:00am until 4:00pm at the Gibbs Pre-K Center located on 19th Street. Appointments are appreciated but not required. Call (936) 295-0278 or (936) 661-5867 for more information.

Master Garderners Spring Plant Sale (March 10th)

2012-03-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Event: Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
Date: March 10, 2012 from 8:00am until 2:00pm
Location: 102 Tam Road

On March 2nd, the Walker County Master Gardeners will be having their annual Spring Plant Sale. Many different types of plants will be on sale including the following: vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, roses, natives, fruit trees, and many more. The money raised at this plant sale will be used for scholarships, educational project, and Master Gardener community activities.

(We assure you that the plants grown by the Master Gardener's

look much nicer than the ones pictured above)

For more information call (936) 435-2426 or visit the Walker County Master Gardeners website found HERE.

15th Annual Camellia Garden Tour (March 3rd)

2012-03-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

Event: 15th Annual Camellia Garden Tour
Date: March 3, 2012 from 10:00am until 4:00pm
Location: Marcotte Garden (11 Whippoorwill Drive Huntsville, TX 77340)
Cost: Unknown

On March 3, 2012, the Coushatta Camellia Society will be hosting its 15th Annual Camellia Garden Tour. There are five tours taking place in the surrounding areas, but the one that will take place in Huntsville will be located at the Marcotte Garden.

Along with the tour of the garden, this event will also have planting and grafting demonstrations along with plants for sale.