The first Saturday in November has something for everyone to enjoy or participate in.
It all kicks off with the “8th Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Parade” participation registration starting bright and early at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.
The parade itself kicks off at 10 a.m. downtown and will proceed around the courthouse.
This year’s parade will feature Bay City Lions Club Rice Festival Queen Marin Bolton and her court along with numerous patriotic displays.
Originally, the Rice Festival Queen and her court were scheduled to debut at the annual Rice Festival Parade on Oct. 26 –that event was canceled due to forecasted storms.
“Join us as these outstanding young women proudly represent our community and help us honor our veterans who have served our country,” reads the parade’s Facebook Page.
“Come cheer on our veterans and celebrate a day filled with patriotism, community pride, and gratitude for our heroes!”
Immediately after the parade, “SOS” for veterans and their families will be served at the Bay City USO Service Center, 2105 Ave M.
For more information, call or text Mark Calhoun at 979-479-2146.
Matagorda County Farmers Market hosts “Holiday by the Bay Vendor Market” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wadsworth Community Center, 20674 FM 521.
“Handmade, homemade, and homegrown,” reads the market’s Facebook Page.
“Connecting community through fresh flavor and locally made items. This is a recurring event on the second Saturday of every month.”
For more information and vendor opportunities, call Sarah Fenner at 979-332-5093.
Relay For Life Matagorda County kicks off its “Relay for Life” event at 6 p.m. Saturday at Van Vleck High School’s Burl McKinney Stadium, 8980 TX 35 North.
“It is the 40th Year Anniversary of the ‘Relay For Life, ’” said Event Coordinator Chrystal Folse.
“Matagorda County Relay For Life has been happening for around 30 of those years. Our theme this year is ‘Decades of Hope’ for the 40-year celebration, and we are not just saying anytime from the 1980s onward – any decade is good.”
So far, there are 17 teams pre-registered for the event online, but Folse predicts more will show on Saturday.
“We welcome everyone – you don’t have to be on a team at all,” she added.
“We have lots of fun activities planned, lots of games, line dances, along with of our ceremonies that are always part of the relay. Also, we will celebrate those survivors, remember those that lost their battle, and continue to fight back against this horrible disease.”
This year’s honorees include Lanie Leist Milliff and Stephanie O’Brien while DeAndre Barnes is this year’s “In Memory” recognition.
“We would love to have the track full of people - if you are a survivor or if you know of survivors, please invite them,” said Folse.
“If they are unable to walk their lap, we will have assistance available to help. If you are a caregiver or have been a caregiver, then this event is for you.
“This event is not just about the money being raised, it is about a community coming together and supporting one another - we have all been affected by cancer,” she added.
Folse also mentioned that this was the first time the relay was being held in Van Vleck.
“We are excited to have the relay at Van Vleck - it has never been done there before, and they are very excited to be hosting it this year,” she explained.
“Maybe next year we could do it at Tidehaven High School’s Delvin L. Taska Stadium, after all, we are all part of Matagorda County.”
Relay’s goal is to raise $50,000 this year.
“Last year we raised a little over $53,000, and this year we are right at $35,000 so far,” said Folse.
“Donations have definitely been different this year, and fundraising has been down as a whole this year. But, I am sure we will make our goal of $50,000 again - if you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have been very skeptical, but funding has definitely picked up.”
Relay is also selling luminary bags at $5 each and can be purchased at Schulman’s MBG, Angels Care Home Health, or Angels Hospice Care.
“We will also have them for sale at the relay, too,” she added.
“Anyone can donate at Relayforlife.org/matagordacotx and follow our ‘Relay for Life Matagorda County’ Facebook Page for updates. Everyone is welcome to call me at 979-240-4935 at any time, too.”
