Lights dancing atop the entrance of the Hippodrome guided my path to the Cultivate 7Twelve storefront swarmed with chatting, huddled groups. Smiling faces waved me through the threshold into a stunning scene of artisanal colors, textures, and compositions. The Cultivate 7Twelve gallery features artwork that is rotated monthly to showcase the talent of many local artists.
The gallery also provides a retail space for artists to sell items such as stickers, pins, hair clips, and other stationary accessories. These images caught my attention first, begging me to read each hilarious tagline and design. I thought of friends and family who would absolutely adore these pieces, noting to shop here when the holiday season arrives. Alongside the stickers and journals, there are second hand clothing racks, various jewelry designs, and stacks of art prints.
The artwork on display for the celebration of 175 years highlighted some of the most illustrious, memorable landmarks in Waco. There were Lego recreations of the ALICO Building and Suspension Bridge, paintings of popular features throughout the area, and live music to accompany it all.
As I traveled around to each piece, feasting on my cheese, crackers, and wine, my breath was snatched by a depiction of the eclipse over Waco in April of this year. The large, black canvas held the sun’s corona dancing through glitter and golden specs of the darkened universe. It was gorgeous.
I was floored by the talent featured throughout the gallery, failing to wipe the smile from my face at every frame . Local artists undeniably know how to capture the radiant beauty of Waco. If interested in purchasing artwork from Cultivate 7Twelve, visit the location at 712 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
Every autumn, Waco transforms into a vibrant hub of culture and tradition as the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo rolls into town. This annual event, deeply rooted in Texas heritage, showcases the best of rodeo, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, here’s why you should mark your calendar for this unforgettable celebration.
A Rich Tradition
The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo began in 1953, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Waco community. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the premier events in the state, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The fair not only highlights the agricultural heritage of Texas but also fosters a sense of community, bringing together families and friends for a week of fun.
Roping and Riding
At the center of the fair is the rodeo, where cowboys and cowgirls from across the country compete in thrilling events like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. The atmosphere is electric as the crowd cheers on their favorites, crafting a true sense of camaraderie among the community. The rodeo showcases not only the skill and bravery of these riders, but it also acknowledges the deep-rooted traditions of ranching and rodeo culture that Texas is famous for.
Fun for Everyone
While the rodeo is a major draw, the Heart O’ Texas Fair offers a plethora of activities for all ages. From carnival rides to livestock shows, there’s something for everyone. Kids can enjoy petting zoos, face painting, and interactive exhibits, while adults can explore local food vendors, beer and wine gardens, and art displays. The fair’s bustling midway is alive with colorful lights, laughter, and the delightful sounds of carnival games.
Live Entertainment
Music is a key highlight of the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. Each night features a lineup of talented performers, from local bands to well-known country artists. The concerts offer a perfect opportunity to kick back, enjoy some tunes, and dance under the stars. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local music scene and celebrate the Texas spirit.
Taste the Flavors of Texas
No fair is complete without food, and the Heart O’ Texas Fair does not disappoint. Indulge in classic fair favorites like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and cotton candy, or try something uniquely Texan, like brisket tacos or fried pie. Local food vendors showcase the region’s culinary delights, ensuring that every bite is a true taste of Texas.
Community and Connection
Beyond the festivities, the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo emphasizes community involvement. Local organizations and schools participate, showcasing their projects and achievements. This sense of connection fosters pride and unity, making the event feel like a homecoming for many attendees.
The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and tradition. Whether you’re a rodeo enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, this fair has something to offer everyone.
Grab your cowboy hats, boots, and belt buckles, and get ready to experience the magic of the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
By: Elizabeth Riley
Back to school season can be overwhelming while acclimating to new routines and projects. As the weather begins to cool and our lives become packed with responsibilities, it is important to take time outside, surrounding ourselves with all the people, places, and events that Waco has to offer. The start of the semester also brought around 3,000 freshman University students to Waco. The greatest way to get comfortable with the city would be to get involved in the community in many ways.
Homework
Saturday, September 7, 2024: Waco History Scavenger Hunt
The Waco History Scavenger Hunt is a self-paced, online based activity, in which participants travel to historic locations across Waco, take pictures to post on social media, and enter the chance to win prizes. This activity can be started anytime from 8:30 am to 11:00 am by following instructions on the Waco History App.
Sunday, September 8, 2024: Church Hopping
There are almost 200 different churches in the greater Waco area. The start of a new semester is the perfect time to travel between establishments, finding a spiritual home that fits your needs. After sampling denominational communities and pastors, taste test breakfast and brunch restaurants around town, such as Harvest on 25th, Our Breakfast Place on Franklin, or The Toasted Yolk on Washington.
https://spirituallife.web.baylor.edu/campus-ministries-church-connections/local-churches
Monday, September 9, 2024: Genealogy Research Walkthrough
Does your family have deep ties to Texas or the Southeast? The West Waco Library and Genealogy Center is helping uncover and rediscover family histories from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm on Monday. After searching through records of cemeteries, newspapers, and other archival sources, use the library space to get ahead with academic responsibilities. Study time is vital!
https://calendar.wacolibrary.org/event/11526027
Tuesday, September 10, 2024: Baylor Women’s Volleyball vs SMU
Baylor Women’s Volleyball takes on the ACC’s Southern Methodist University at the Ferrell Center at 7 pm. The women’s volleyball team has won all four of their opening games, and they are hoping to extend this winning record against the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge opponents. Volleyball sporting season lasts until November. If you’re unable to catch this week’s match, check out the schedule to find a game for you!
https://baylorbears.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2024
Thursday, September 11, 2024: Outdoor Adventure Club takes on Archery
The Outdoor Adventure Club is taking on archery for their welcome back activity! Designated for kids ages 6-11, this program will teach general safety for shooting arrows, care and maintenance for owning a bow, and history of the sporting event itself. Safely practice what you learn with the Outdoor Adventure Club from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Thursday.
https://calendar.wacolibrary.org/event/12124212
Friday, September 12, 2024: Premier of Waco Civic Theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Love. Magic. Forests. Faries. From now until September 22nd, the Waco Civic Theater is performing the classic Shakespearean play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets for the 7:30 pm show cost $22-$25, and they can be purchased online.
Baylor Family Weekend Begins
Friday kicks off Baylor’s Family Weekend, for which loved ones of current students are invited back to campus for festivities. This year’s activities include Taste of Waco food sampling, After Dark talent performances, and Vertical family worship. Baylor Football takes on Air Force at 6:30 pm on Saturday.
https://familyweekend.web.baylor.edu
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior studying English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
by Elizabeth Riley
A century after the venue’s first screening, viewers of the Waco Independent Film Festival made their way to the Hippodrome Theater in the heart of Waco. Despite the soaring temperatures of late July, the 5 p.m. showing of Breakup Season, written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey, was packed with a buzzing audience prepared to follow a couple traveling to Oregon for the holiday season. This is the eighth year of the Waco Film Festival, which has played a key role in facilitating and promoting the arts in Waco. Films, projects, and awards are presented at iconic locations across the Waco area, including the Hippodrome Theater, Cultivate 7Twelve, and Texas Music Cafe.
While spaces like the Hippodrome have been outfitted with the technology for screening these select films, hiccups occurred this year due to the aging venue and nationwide disturbances in the Windows cloud. However, these technological disruptions did not hinder the spirit of the viewers. Inside the Hippodrome, families introduced themselves to each other in the aisles of the theater, college students conducted interviews in the lobby, and important figures dashed between rooms with lanyards dangling from their necks.
From my seat, I could feel the respect and excitement flitting between individuals in the crowd. When I discovered that the director and lead actor were in the building, I quickly joined in the greater crowd’s anticipation. Although Wacoans are experiencing a scorching summer, this film transported its viewers to a chilled Oregon December, where they witnessed the tumultuous collision of relationship troubles and family traumas. The atmospheric dichotomy between Waco and Breakup Season paralleled that of an independent film festival taking place in a century-old vaudeville theater decorated with beige stucco and gold accents. As the house lights dimmed, all attention focused intently on the glowing scene, melting away the heat and history surrounding us.
The leading actor, Chandler Riggs—famously known for his role in The Walking Dead—expanded on the relatability of the movie in a post-showing Q&A, describing it as a mid-twenties coming-of-age story. Director H. Nelson Tracey captured the volatile, unpredictable growth of individuals and relationships in the years following college graduation. Rather than writing blatant humor into the script, Tracey allowed the audience to lightly interact with the dark, unsettling moments.
Everyone in the audience could relate to some portion of this film, as we all are either experiencing these moments, have experienced them, or will experience them soon. As a result, laughing at the hard parts became easier together. By the time the show concluded, the sun was still baking the city of Waco, leaving the chilled air conditioning and Oregon December a recently cherished memory.
Act Locally Waco is a dynamic, community-focused organization committed to enhancing the lives of Waco, Texas residents. By fostering engagement and collaboration, Act Locally Waco empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to their neighborhoods. Through providing valuable information, resources, and opportunities for community involvement, we aim to create a stronger, more connected Waco.
Our blog is the heart of our mission, serving as a central hub for all things Waco. It covers a wide array of topics such as local events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and inspiring personal stories from community members. By highlighting the dedicated efforts of local organizations and individuals, we showcase the positive impact being made in our community every day. Every Friday, we deliver “The Whole Enchilada” straight to your inbox, packed with the latest news and updates. However, to continue this vital service, we need your support.
At Act Locally Waco, we believe in the power of grassroots initiatives. We encourage residents to take active roles in improving their surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Through our blog and weekly newsletter, we aim to build a more vibrant and connected Waco, one story at a time.
We encourage community members to contribute to our blog and events page. By submitting your stories, events, and volunteer opportunities, you can help us keep our content rich and relevant, and assist in our goal of growing our volunteer base and fostering a more engaged community.
Act Locally Waco plays a crucial role in fostering other community initiatives such as the Book Club and Waco Walks. The Book Club, provides a welcoming space for book enthusiasts to come together, discuss literature, and build meaningful connections through shared reading experiences. Meanwhile, Waco Walks, an informal group that emerged from Act Locally Waco’s efforts, encourages residents to explore their city on foot. Hosting several walks annually, the group offers opportunities not only to enjoy the local scenery but also to learn about Waco’s rich history and scientific aspects. By advocating for a more walkable community, Waco Walks promotes a healthier lifestyle and a deeper connection to the community. These initiatives exemplify how Act Locally Waco supports community engagement and enhances the quality of life for Wacoans.
We need your support to continue our mission. By donating to Act Locally Waco, you help us sustain our efforts to provide valuable resources and opportunities for community involvement. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Join us in building a better Waco by visiting our page and considering a donation today.
By: Hope Middlebrook
There is always something exciting going on in the foster care world! And fall is especially busy. If you’ve been wanting to get plugged in, now is the time to hop in!
Arrow is a child-placement agency for foster kids. In McLennan County alone, there are around 800 children in the foster system. When there are not enough homes for them, they are referred to as a CWOP (child without placement) and are often housed in CPS conference rooms or hotel rooms. Here at Arrow, we believe the best place for a child to grow up is in a family. We work each day to make sure that every foster child is placed in a loving and healthy home, one where they can grow and heal!
Does this sound like something you might want to know more about? Join us for our next Orientation, this October 26th at 6 pm. This low commitment Zoom class will tell you everything you need to know about foster care and Arrow.
Need more information first? Arrow Child and Family is pleased to announce we will be partnering with Nightlight Christian Adoptions for a monthly book club. Our kickoff meetup is at 1 pm on October 23rd at Glory Bell Coffee. We will be discussing the first half of Foster the Family.
Additionally, Waco’s Families and Foster Care Coalition will be hosting a multi-agency informational meeting on November 2nd. We would love to see you there!
It’s a great time to learn more about foster care! Contact Hope Middlebrook at [email protected] to learn about how to get involved. Whether you want to be a foster parent or get more information on how to donate to the kids in our community, we can all do something!
ABOUT
Arrow Child and Family Ministries is a child-placement agency committed to finding quality, loving homes for foster children. They were established in 1993 and have been a leader in the field ever since.
Be sure to tune in to the “Act Locally Waco” podcast! In their latest episode, they delve into the state of foster care in the city of Waco, shedding light on crucial insights and discussing ways you can make a positive impact. For a full and informative interview on Waco’s foster care system, featuring Hope Middlebrook from Arrow Child & Family Ministries, check out the podcast here! It’s an excellent resource to learn more about this important community initiative.
SOCIALS
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/arrowcfm https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArrowWaco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arrowcfm/?hl=en Website: https://www.arrow.org/
By Ferrell Foster
Act Locally Waco, from its start, has sought to promote involvement in our community. The below screenshot is of the City of Waco’s public meetings page. If you would like to get more involved in or knowledgeable about our city, this is a great place to start.
Many people do not attend a public meeting until they have a complaint or a personal financial reason. Good government requires much broader involvement.
If you go to the City page you will notice there are a lot of meetings. No one can attend them all, but you can pick out one or two of special interest. It could be parks and recreation, building standards, zoning, libraries, civil service (police and fire), the city council, or something else.
When you go to your first meeting you might be a little lost, but if you go a few times you will be surprised at how quickly you become something of an expert on the subject. And if you show genuine interest in the common good of our community, you may even be asked to become more involved officially.
Also, if you or someone you know is thinking about running for a city council spot, be more than a candidate — be a knowledgeable candidate. And the only way is to look under the covers of city government and find out what is really going on.
Anyone who looks closely at how are city operates is liable to be impressed by the dedication and hard work that so many people are bringing to the task of city government. That doesn’t mean you will agree with every decision, but you will learn even more by listening to those you disagree with.
Please don’t go to these meetings with an attitude of “I know more than these people” or “I could fix this if they would let me” or some other negative approach. Go with a desire to listen and learn so you can be highly informed when the time comes for input.
Also, you don’t have to be a professional journalist to “cover” a public meeting. Anyone can attend and write about what they hear and observe at meetings. Do that “reporting” through your own social media or you can even share it with Act Locally Waco and we will consider publication. If you write for ALW, just be careful to get the facts right and keep your opinions out of it. Just share the facts.
Texas law protects the openness of public meetings to keep decisions from being made in the proverbial “smoke-filled rooms” of the past. If the public doesn’t attend, our officials might just as well be behind closed doors.
Another note, the law allows some items to be discussed in closed or executive sessions. They usually consist of legal, personnel, property, financial contracts, and security matters. That may seem like a lot, but usually our public officials do not want to be seen as trying to act secretly. They know their integrity is at stake.
And, by the way, if you live in one of our neighboring cities, please get involved in their meetings. Or in county government. Our governmental bodies have to operate separately, but our region will become an even better place to live in all of our officials are operating in the public interest for the common good.
Ferrell Foster is director of communications for Act Locally Waco and president of Kortabocker LLC: Communications Built on Caring.
By Ferrell Foster
Raise your hand if you know Ashley Bean Thornton. OK. That’s virtually everyone who, over the past 14 years, have worked to make Waco its best self.
I had lunch with Ashley the other day, and that’s always fun and enlightening. Ashley is the “birth mother” of Act Locally Waco. She has pushed ALW out of the “house,” but it still has her community DNA.
Ashley reminded me of something. She always wanted ALW to be about “informed engagement.” It was not to just be a bulletin board of what is going on in Waco; it was to help people learn ways to get engaged in our community.
I’m going to lead ALW for a while, once again, and I want to keep Ashley’s words uppermost in my mind. Anyone leading ALW only has a limited amount of time to devote to it, and that goes for me, as well. So, while we can’t do everything people might like, we want to push forward information that promotes community engagement.
And ALW is not the only local source for such info. We love our local newspaper, KWBU 103.3 FM, and a bunch of local websites and media outlets.
From ALW’s start, people in the community have helped contribute content. I encourage you to help us out. Send information, especially suggested blog posts, to us at [email protected].
Please partner with us. The secret password to Waco engagement is “Ashley.”
Ferrell Foster is president of Kortabocker LLC: Communications Built on Caring. He is a former member of the Act Locally Waco Board of Directors and has helped post information to ALW at different times. He is also the former care and communications specialist with Prosper Waco. Contact ALW and Ferrell through [email protected]
Ashley Bean Thornton started Act Locally Waco with the mission of being a central hub of information to help spread awareness of news and events. So what do we feature and what are the best ways to be featured by Act Locally Waco?
What kind of events does Act Locally Waco share?
- Free or low cost events that are family friendly
- Educational opportunities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Charity events
- Live music, trivia nights, & festivals
What kind of events will not be approved by Act Locally Waco?
- Political events
- Sales for private businesses
- Events located outside of Waco
- Events that are not family friendly
Ways to be featured
- Act Locally Waco Blog
- How to be featured: Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] any event details and ideally an event link to either a website or a landing page. We need to be able to copy the text so short press releases are helpful but PDF documents that can’t be highlighted and copied are not helpful. JPG or PNG files are also not helpful because we can’t easily copy the text.
- How to be featured: Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] any event details and ideally an event link to either a website or a landing page. We need to be able to copy the text so short press releases are helpful but PDF documents that can’t be highlighted and copied are not helpful. JPG or PNG files are also not helpful because we can’t easily copy the text.
- The Whole Enchilada, The Act Locally Waco email newsletter
- How to be featured: Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] any event details and ideally an event link to either a website or a landing page.
- How to be featured: Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] any event details and ideally an event link to either a website or a landing page.
- Act Locally Waco Facebook Page
- Make Act Locally Waco an event co-host so that we are informed of the event and so it shows up on our profile.
- Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] with a Facebook event link, we can’t share PDFs or long press releases on Facebook.
- The Act Locally Waco segment on KWBU
- How to be featured: Email our Director of Communications at [email protected] any event details. We will share a few events that are going on that week.
We can’t always feature your events if we don’t receive the right format. If you need help with sharing your event information, please email our Director of Communication at [email protected].
The Act Locally Waco Board of Directors has contracted with Jillian Ohriner to serve as communications director for at least the next six months. This is great news for ALW and for the thousands of Wacoans who depend on ALW to stay up to date on what is happening in our community.
Jillian is a co-founder of We Grow the Co, a local website design and social media management firm specializing in small businesses and nonprofits. She previously served as manager of operations for Start Up Waco and marketing manager for Merck Assets. Jillian has also been highly involved with ALW in volunteer capacities, including as a founding member of our board. She stepped down from the board in order to take this position.
As ALW communications director, Jillian will coordinate all ALW communications efforts, including our website, social media, and newsletter, The WHOLE Enchilada. She will also supervise the work of our other contract worker, Debbie Wright, as well as various volunteers.
ALW Board Chair Cuevas Peacock said: “Jillian is true asset to our city. Through her work with We Grow the Co and other community efforts she has greatly enhanced the multimedia presence of a host of Waco businesses and nonprofits. We are excited for her taking this role with Act Locally Waco, and the growth she will bring to the organization.” Cuevas is an assistant director in Baylor’s External Affairs office.
Act Locally Waco continues to build on the foundation of its founder, Ashley Bean Thornton, who still serves as an advisor to the board. Ashley birthed ALW and built it into a leading source for information about what is happening in our community and how to get involved. Ashley retired as ALW executive director at the end of 2020, and Ferrell Foster served as acting executive director this year through October.
“It has been a pleasure to serve Waco through Act Locally Waco this year,” said Ferrell, care and communication specialist with Prosper Waco. “Ashley provided ALW with one-of-a-kind leadership, and now the board of directors is working to sustain and develop ALW’s role in our community. I will continue as an ALW volunteer and member of the board to do my part in supporting this important work. We are very fortunate to have Jillian in this new role.”
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email Ferrell Foster.