Totally Texas Festival
The birthplace of Texas will celebrate Totally Texas April 12. The festival celebrates the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive 18-minute skirmish that gave the Lone Star State its independence from Mexico.
On April 1, 1836, the Texas Army, led by Gen. Sam Houston ambushed the Santa Ana-led Mexican forces. Although they were outnumbered two-to-one, the Texans swept through the Mexican camp suffering only nine casualties.
Gen. Houston met with Santa Ana in the cabin home of George Moffitt Patrick, in what became Deer Park, where the initial treaty outlining Mexico’s surrender was drafted.
“From a historical aspect, the festival teaches families about the history of the community, but it also benefits Deer Park economically, bringing visitors in to support local businesses,” said Nicole Garvis, communications coordinator for the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce.
There will be plenty of events, concerts and fun throughout the day at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th St. in Deer Park. Admission, parking, shuttle rides and the concerts are all free.
The Shell Strides for Schools Fun Run is pairing up with the Totally Texas Festival. Join this all-community event and show support for Deer Park teachers and students. Runners, walkers, kids and families are encouraged to participate in a morning of competition, exercise and outdoor fun on a USA Track and Field-certified 5K event that winds through the streets of Deer Park. The race kicks off at the Jimmy Burke Center so race participants will be able to enjoy the Totally Texas festivities.
Shell Deer Park is a proud presenting sponsor of the Strides for Schools for the fifth year. It is the site’s signature fundraising event and demonstrates Shell’s commitment to the hard-working teachers, students and the valued community.
All proceeds will be donated to the Deer Park Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your support will help fund Teacher Enrichment Grants that allow students the opportunity to achieve unlimited potential.
The George Watt Commemorative Chili Cook-off will take place again this year. There is $1,800 in prize money for the best beans, chili and people’s choice winners. A good time will be had by all at the car show. The festival is looking to host more than 50 vehicles for everyone to enjoy. One of this year’s marquee events is the Totally Country Talent Contest, hosted by the Art Park Players. The event is a singing contest open to all ages. Auditions are March 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Theater Courts Building, 1302 Center St. in Deer Park. During Totally Texas, these singers will be featured in the back of the Jimmy Burke Activity Center. Musical entertainment will play throughout the festival. Other featured performers will be announced.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. with the route starting at Abshier Stadium and ending at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, where most of the festivities are being held.
The Jimmy Burke Activity Center will be the epicenter for activity. With thousands of festival and fun run participants congregating in one spot, parking options will be scarce at the actual Burke Center site. However, there will be free shuttle services from three large lots around town on Saturday. Free parking will be available at Clyde Abshier Stadium and Dollar General store. A shuttle bus will run from each of the locations to the Jimmy Burke Activity Center. Abshier Stadium is at 710 W. San Augustine, behind Deer Park High School South Campus. Dollar General is at the intersection of Center and X streets.
For more information, including a full schedule of events as well as a map of the parade route and applications for the competitions, visit the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce website, www.deerpark.org.