“Texas Independence Day Celebration” is an annual two-day living history celebration to commemorate when 59 delegates bravely met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.  After all, there is no better place to celebrate Texas independence than on the very spot “Where Texas Became Texas.” The free event features live music, food, traditional crafts, musket and cannon firings, Texas A&M University Singing Cadets, the Kids History Zone, “The Birth of a Republic” historical play about the signers of the declaration, Brenham Children’s Chorus and other commemorative programs.  The new museum exhibit titled “So Others Could Follow: Four Centuries of Maps That Define Texas” will open that weekend and will illustrate the evolution of Texas over four centuries, both topographically and politically.  Historical reenactors set up a bonafide 1836 Texas Army camp where visitors can wander freely to learn how the soldiers and their families lived then.  Admission fees are waived for the site’s attractions (Independence Hall; Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm) for that weekend celebration. Admission to the grounds, on-site shuttles and parking are also free.  “Texas Independence Day Celebration” is presented by H-E-B and coordinated by the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association. Contact: 936-878-2214 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

 

Hotel specials are available at Best Western Brenham, Best Western Navasota and Holiday Inn Express Brenham. Ask for the Texas Independence Day Celebration discount.

 

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, March 3

Stars Over Texas Stage Amphitheater:
10:00 Red Chaunska Dancers
11:00 Birth of the Republic Play
12:00 Jagoda Polish Dance Ensemble
12:30 Brenham Children’s Chorus
1:00 Blinn College Brass Quintet
2:30 TAMU Singing Cadets
3:30 Roll Call of Signers
Musket Volley from Texas Army
“Texas Our Texas” – TAMU Singing Cadets
4:00 Birth of the Republic Play

Independence Stage Tent:
10:15 Professor Gerard, The Texian Magician
11:00 Pace & Barber Musicians
12:00 Dr. Balthasar’s Medicine Show
12:30 North Harris County Dulcimers
1:00 Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church
1:30 Stephen Lewis: Cowboy Poetry
2:00 Texas State Federation of Square and Round Dancers
3:00 Professor Gerard, The Texian Magician
3:30 Silver Creek Band
4:00 Dr. Balthasar’s Medicine Show

Black Powder Firearms & Cannon Demo:
11:00, 1:30, 4:30

Independence Hall:
10:00 Wreath Laying
11:00, 2:00, 4:00 Tours
1:00, 3:00 Stories with Sam Houston

Childress Courtyard:
2:00 Texas Birthday Cake Cutting w/ the
Heritage Belles

Sunday, March 4

Stars Over Texas Stage: Amphitheater
10:30 Wawel Polish Folk Dance
11:00 Birth of the Republic Play
12:00 Mariachi Alma De Tejas
12:30 Mixteco Ballet Folklorico
1:00 Wawel Polish Folk Dance
2:00 Mariachi Alma de Tejas
2:30 Mixteco Ballet Folklorico
3:00 Birth of the Republic Play

Independence Stage Tent:
10:00 Pace & Barber Musicians
11:00 Dr. Balthasar’s Medicine Show
12:00 Celtaire String Band
1:00 Professor Gerard, The Texian Magician
2:00 Pace & Barber Musicians
2:30 Dr. Balthasar’s Medicine Show
3:00 Celtaire String Band
4:00 Professor Gerard, The Texian Magician

Black Powder Firearms & Cannon Demo:
11:00, 2:00

Independence Hall:
11:00, 2:00, 4:00 Tours
1:00, 3:00 Stories with Sam Houston

Childress Courtyard:
10:00 Texas flag raising and pledge by Lone Star Commandry 114 Knights Templar of Texas

All Weekend

Texian Village:
Log Cabin Crafts
Happy Hollow Acres Candle Company
Peter Emerson, Silversmith
Bluebird Forge
Banjo Eddie Powder Horns & Scrimshaw
San Jacinto State Historic Site
Monument Hill State Historic Site
TPWD Archeology Department
Charlie Rhodarmer, Cherokee Games
Jeff Bolich, Woodcarver
Herb Baumgartner, Traditional Kick-wheel Pottery

Washington Emporium Gift Shop:
10:00 – 2:00 Book Signings
Travis Dougherty, “Magnificent Sam: The
Amazing Adventures of Sam Houston”
Yvonne Cumberland, “Spirit of Texas”

Historic demonstrators:
Liberty and Justice Oxen and Cart
Lotts Tavern Living History Demonstration
Brazos Valley Stitchers
Texas Navy Association
Texas Buffalo Soldiers Display
Texas Army Camp
Sylvia Ellis, Inkle Loom Weaving
Bob Nichols, Blacksmithing
Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Cathy Pulley, Hand Quilting
Stephanie Lane, Spinning & Weaving
Paula Brock, Laundress
Lone Star Sons of the Republic of Texas
Rebel Joan of Arc Chapter, UDC
Steamboat Yellowstone Living History Crew
Happi Havel, Soap Making
Star of the Republic Museum
Demonstrators:
Cathy Cox, Spinning & Weaving
Betty Thiel, Tatting
Jane Richmond, Lace Making
Betty Wharton, Knitting
Star of Republic Dulcimers
Barrington Demonstrators:
Houston Area Blacksmith Association

Childress Courtyard:
Kids History Zone
Washington on the Brazos Park Association

Conference Room:
11:00 Descendants Luncheon
10:00 – 2:00 Descendants Open House