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.
Welcome to the Autumn season!
Here are all the fall festivities needed to get in the spooky spirit.
The Great Pumpkin… Patch
Central Christian Church has been “Waco’s Pumpkin Patch Church” since 2006. Their pumpkins will be arriving at noon on September 29th, which is when they anticipate opening the patch to the public. CCC’s pumpkin patch is open every day of October from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pumpkins are priced by size, ranging from $0.75-$50, and cash and credit cards are accepted as payment. All proceeds benefit the children and youth ministries and other missions/outreach efforts. There is no admission fee to visit the Pumpkin Patch! They’re located at 4901 Lake Shore Dr, Waco, TX 76710.
The Western Belle Family Farm festivities will continue through November 2nd with interests for the whole family, including a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, animals, and live music! The Pumpkin Festival is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will be open on Fridays in October from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets range from $5.49 to $35.49. The address is 7929 Heritage Parkway, West, TX 76691.
Sancho Rancho will open every Saturday and Sunday of October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With a $30 admission per car, enjoy a hayride, ride a horse, feed the animals, bounce through inflatables, and hunt like an investigator. Make sure to test out your rodeo skills on the mechanical bull and savor flavors from numerous food trucks! The ranch is located at 981 Coyote Run in Waco, TX.
The Robinson Family Farm kicks off their Fall Festival on September 28th, opening their doors every weekend until November 10th. The $19.95 ticket will provide you access to pig races, ax throwing, corn cannons, and live music! Their new location is at 2651 Bob White Road in Temple, TX.
Cultivate12 Paint Your Own Pumpkin
Get ready for a night of fall fun at Cultivate 7Twelve Art Gallery with our Pumpkin Paint & Sip on October 10th from 6-8 PM! For just $20, you can enjoy a cozy evening painting pumpkins while sipping on your favorite drinks. No experience is required—just bring your creativity, and we’ll provide the rest. It’s the perfect way to spend time with friends, enjoy a fun date, or simply unwind in a relaxed, artistic setting. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Haunted Happenings
American Scare Grounds is a haunted house just north of Waco. Offering both fun and fright, the $25 entrance fee covers a bloody good time! The Scare Grounds are open every Friday and Saturday through the months of September and October from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. They will be operating under special hours the week of Halloween. They are located at 14656 I35 N Frontage Road, Elm Mott, TX 76640.
Waco Ghosts is touring through the city. On these nightly walks, participants are taken throughout the oldest sectors of downtown, discovering the stories of tortured souls in Waco. The tour starts at the Dr. Pepper Museum and lasts around an hour. Adults can hunt the haunt for $20. Children under 13 are covered for $12, and children under 6 can participate free of charge.
Oakwood Cemetery will be performing “Walking Tales” on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Historic interpreters will be stationed throughout Oakwood Cemetery, sharing stories of the times and lives of the renowned names buried at 2124 S 5th Street, Waco, TX.
Oktoberfest
Southern Roots Brewing Company will be celebrating their 4th annual Oktoberfest and 5th anniversary this year! From October 17th to the 19th, Southern Roots will have three fun filled days packed with activities, food, and beer. Scan the QR code on the flier below for more information. They are located at 219 N 8th Street, Waco, TX 76701.
Barnett’s Fest is happening from October 4th through the 6th. With contests, prizes, and drink deals, you do not want to miss the party! If you’re not into beer, award winning Barnett’s Pub has the largest selection of whiskey in the state of Texas. Find Barnett’s Pub at 420 Franklin 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.
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.
Waco, TX (Nov. 23, 23)—In light of the challenges presented by increasing food costs, The Salvation Army of McLennan County is helping by offering Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need. “Rising food costs have created challenges for many people in our community,” said Major James Taylor, leader of The Salvation Army of McLennan County. “Anyone needing food this Thanksgiving is invited to get a hot Thanksgiving meal.”
Community Meal: The Salvation Army hosts a Thanksgiving meal at the Community Kitchen to share the season’s spirit. This will be the 132nd year to serve a Thanksgiving meal in Waco Texas.
Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: 300 Webster Avenue, Waco TX, 76706
How to Get Help:
If you need a Thanksgiving meal, please join us at 300 Webster Avenue on Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are looking for volunteers to support this event. To volunteer, please sign up online at The Salvation Army Waco/McLennan County – Volunteer Console (cervistech.com) or contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 254.756.7271. We are also asking for pies and cookies and cakes from the community for the event.
Donations:
Your support and generosity will help ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal during this season of gratitude. Donate by visiting our offices at 4721 W. Waco Drive or by mailing a check to 4721 W. Waco Drive, Waco, TX 76710. Please note “Thanksgiving Meals” on the check memo line. Thank you for your kindness and community spirit. Pies, cookies and cakes are need too!
For additional information, please contact 254.756.7271 M-F 8-5 or visit Facebook to see the event.
###
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org
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/
WHO: The Salvation Army Waco Corps, Local Waco Walmart locations, Waco HEB Stores
WHAT: The 2023 back-to-school campaign encourages shoppers to purchase and donate school supplies and other requested items at the Salvation Army collection bins at Walmart on Franklin and in Hewitt from August 4th to August 6th. Additionally, all Waco HEB stores will be collecting Back to School donations for school supplies, which will be purchased for distribution by The Salvation Army. The aim is to provide new school supplies to 300-500 students in the McLennan County community, ensuring they have the necessary materials for the upcoming school year.
WHY: The collaboration between The Salvation Army and local communities, along with supporters like HEB and Walmart, helps meet the needs of people and serves over 23 million Americans annually through social services, aiding communities in overcoming poverty and economic hardships. This joint effort ensures children in Waco and surrounding cities have the school supplies they need for academic success.
WHEN: School supply collections at Walmart will take place on August 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2023, from 10 am to 6 pm. The HEB Back to School Event will be ongoing throughout August, including curbside purchases.
WHERE: Live event at Walmart on Sun Valley in Hewitt, scheduled for August 5, 2023, from 10 am to 6 pm. Interviews and photo opportunities can be arranged upon request before the event.
Education Service Center Region 12 staff, educators, mental health advocates and care providers will join forces for the 18th Annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 15 at 2101 W. Loop 340 in Waco.
ESC Region 12 and Partners Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center and Daybreak Health want to gather educators, mental health providers and community members to learn and take action to help save the lives of challenged youth. The event will encourage awareness, intervention and prevention of teen suicide, regarded as the ‘preventable epidemic’ among Texas youth.
“This year’s event focuses on issues and trends impacting youth in many ways that educators, parents and care providers are seeing in our schools. From speakers on Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (or PANS), to discussions about the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and its Effect on Youth Mental Health, we are presenting cutting-edge topics that have a direct impact on our teens and their mental health,” said Jenipher Janek, a counseling services coordinator and lead for the Region 12 School Crisis Response Team.
The ESC Region 12 School Crisis Response Team includes ESC counselors and communication staff, school counselors and mental health advisors from the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network. The group coordinates grief response and provides logistical and communications support, and crisis recovery at no cost to area schools. In the last year, the team has responded to 18 calls to support educators and students affected by the loss of a student, employee or other crisis incident impacting school operations, including loss of life to suicide. Part of this work includes connecting schools to mental health providers and creating awareness about TCHATT, the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine, which provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of students and provide access to mental health services.
Event partners, expecting 80 attendees, hope to bring in even more educators, mental health providers, police officers, counselors and emergency services personnel. Advance registration ($45) is requested at: txr12.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=297715. Schools in the Counseling Services Membership may send staff at no additional fee. For more on ESC Region 12 Counseling Services and School Support, visit bit.ly/2023ESC12.
Additional event supporters include the Central Texas Regional Advisory Council, Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council, Heart of Texas Suicide Prevention Coalition and VOICE.
FAMILY ABUSE CENTER TO BUILD PET SHELTER
FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Family Abuse Center is aiming to raise $20,000 by August 1 to build a pet shelter on their property so no domestic violence survivor who seeks their services has to leave a furry friend behind.
As many as 48% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving an abuser out of concern for their pets, but when emergency shelters like theirs can welcome animals, that barrier to safety is eliminated. At this time, though, only 17% of domestic violence shelters accept pets.1 They’re ready to be one of them.
The Human-Animal Bond
There’s no denying that the human-animal bond is special, but most importantly for their clients, animals can play a critical role in healing. According to Johns Hopkins, “Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.”2
When the Urban Resource Institute asked survivors about the role pets played in their healing, “91% indicated that their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal.”3 Having an animal nearby helps clients talk through tough conversations, teaches trust and empathy, encourages a sense of responsibility and provides a feeling of security.
Keeping Pets Safe
Finally, welcoming pets to the shelter protects them from the unsafe person. What is often referred to as the Link tells us that there is a significant connection between human and animal violence. Especially in a domestic violence situation, abusers might target pets to maintain terror and fright, eliminate a source of support, force the family to return home or gain more power and control. Simply put, ensuring pets have a refuge keeps survivors and animals alive.
The Family Abuse Center Mission
For these reasons, building a pet shelter is an important step in their mission to eliminate domestic violence in Central Texas by sheltering victims of domestic violence and by preventing abuse from occurring through intervention and education. If you’d like to be a part of giving survivors and their pets a safe place to heal together, donations can be made by visiting FamilyAbuseCenter.org/Donate.
If you or someone you know is at risk, please call Family Abuse Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-283-8401.
###
Waterparks Open to the Public Mother’s Day Weekend
Moms are the heart of every household. They know what we need before we even ask. And they rarely ask for anything in return. To honor them, Hawaiian Falls Waco is inviting Moms to enjoy complimentary admission Mother’s Day weekend when the waterparks open to the public.
Photos by David Alvey
In addition to free admission, Moms will receive a special Hawaiian-themed gift (while supplies last) Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14.
“We’re inviting mothers of all ages to come enjoy a day at the park to thank them for their selfless roles as cook, chauffeur, activity director, nurse, and countless other tasks they do for their families,” said Hawaiian Falls Marketing Director Ron Mckenzie. “We want Moms to enjoy a carefree day where others can wait on her. Float down the Lazy River and feel the stress melt away or recline in the shade and enjoy a cold drink while Dad races the kids down a slide. We want Mom to take away memories she’ll never forget.”
Hawaiian Falls will officially kick off the summer season with free admission to all active duty and retired military personnel with a valid Military ID Memorial Day Weekend, May 26 – May 29. The parks will be open daily beginning Friday, May 26.
Other special events planned throughout the summer include:
- Father’s Day weekend – Dads get in free June 17 – 19
- Champions Day – June 20 and July 22 Champions (individuals with special needs) and their families will have exclusive access to the park from 9 am -10 am. Champions tickets are FREE and family companion tickets are only $10 (limit 4).
- World’s Largest Swimming Lesson – June 22
- Independence Day weekend – Active duty and retired military personnel as well as first responders receive free admission.
- Aloha Fest – July 15 in Roanoke, July 22 in Mansfield, and July 29 in Waco.
- Family Fun Fridays throughout July with Ohana Games led by Hawaiian Falls Activity Director.
Season passholders can visit their home park to process their passes from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. May 8 – 12 at the park’s front gate.
Hawaiian Falls Waterparks are located in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco. More information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets and season passes, are at hfalls.com.
By Andrea Zimmerman
It’s not news to anyone that foster care is in crisis. It seems we’ve become accustomed to this reality and even somewhat apathetic to it, probably because it is so overwhelming and simultaneously kept behind the doors of state offices.
The State of Texas is changing this and has mandated that local communities confront the crisis among vulnerable families in their own communities by privatizing foster care with what is called Community Based Care. Under this model, CPS will handle investigations and removals, then a private agency will handle placements and case management.
Consequently, without the state’s placement network, children will no longer be sent to other communities with more resources and more foster homes. If you are asking, “Wait, we send children away?” The answer is “yes.” We send away A LOT of children and youth due to a lack of kinship support, foster homes, youth homes, and resources for complex needs.
In fact, of the approximately 450 children and youth whose cases originated in McLennan County, half are sent to other areas. Under Community Based Care, this will no longer be possible and our local community is expected to increase our capacity in every way to care for these children.
While this is a stunning and overwhelming change, if our community rises to this occasion and works together to care for our own children, keeping children close to home is proven to provide better long-term outcomes for both the child and the family of origin.
Keeping children and youth in their own communities means they remain close to their family of origin; they may stay in the same school and faith community and can maintain consistency in medical resources, not to mention their social structure. Older youth retain employment, schooling, and their support system. Proximity supports reunification efforts and enables the foster or kinship parent to provide support to the family of origin, as well.
This is a tall order for our community. We have a network of support in foster care, but we are stretched thin and have limited resources. We need help! We need more human and financial resources to make this work.
This doesn’t happen overnight, but the Families and Foster Care Coalition began efforts about a year ago to gather our resources and assess the landscape for this change. The needs are great, and we are working hard to increase capacity in our community.
One area that would help is the involvement of the faith community. While becoming a foster parent is a rare and unique call, becoming involved in the supportive work of foster care is a way the faith community could help in this crisis.
Kingwood Methodist Church, just outside Houston, shared a beautiful story of their work among youth in foster care in their community (watch or listen here). In that story, you can hear about Jason Johnson, who helped prepare their congregation for this work.
Jason will come to our Waco community April 13 to lead a faith congregation leader’s training workshop. This session will help equip leaders in the faith community with practical tools for starting the work of foster care in their congregations. This event is free, and childcare and lunch are provided. RSVP here.
This training workshop is the first step in preparing for this change headed our way. We would love for you to join us!
For more information about the Families and Foster Coalition, please visit:
Website: fostercarecoalition.org
Email: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook: Families and Foster Care Coalition
Find us on Instagram: ffcc_heartoftx
Andrea Zimmerman is coordinator of the Waco Families & Foster Care Coalition.