Space related events, fundraisers, Memorial Day weekend activites, free events and more are featured in this edition of Act Locally Waco.
This July marks the 50th annivesary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, so you can expect to see lots of space related events as the summer rolls on. There are a couple of great ones this week....(more)
Space Stuff
- Fri (5/24) - To the Moon and Back Lecture and Book Signing (TSTC)(TSTC in Waco)
Tonight, TSTC celebrates the first man on the moon with a lecture and book signing by Douglas Brinkley, author of "American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race." The lecture will take place on TSTC campus starting at 6:30. It’s free and open to the public.
- Sat (5/25) - Be the Astronaut Exhibit (Mayborn Museum)(Mayborn Museum Complex) ⟶ Sat May 25 thru Sun Sep 8
Tomorrow is opening day for a new exhibit at the Mayborn Museum called “Be The Astronaut.” You’ll get to learn about the challenges and excitement of spaceflight at the exhibit and then apply that knowledge as virtual crew members guide you through interactive missions flying spaceships, piloting landers, and driving rovers. Museum hours are 10 – 5 tomorrow and tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Don’t forget you can check out passes to the Mayborn museum for free at any of the Waco libraries. All you need is a library card, it works just like checking out a book, as long as no one else is using them, you can check them out.
Fundraisers
In addition to the outer space events we have several fundraisers this week to give you an opportunity to do some good right here on earth!
- Fri (5/24) - Reading Between the Vines: A Fundraiser for Freedom School(CDF Baylor Freedom Schools)
Tonight is the second annual “Reading between the Vines” which is a fundraiser for Freedom Schools. Freedom Schools are a partnership between Baylor, Waco ISD and Transformation Waco. They provide a full-day, seven-week literacy enrichment program for students who are at high academic risk for summer learning loss. During the event tonight, you’ll get a chance to meet Freedom School staff and learn more about the program while also enjoying an art auction and wine tasting. “Reading Between the Vines takes place at 6 tonight at the Cultivate 7twelve art space at 712 Austin Avenue. Your $25 admission donation will offset the cost of staff training, classroom supplies, field trips, and children's texts used throughout the Freedom School program.
- Sun (5/26) - Badass Texas Half Marathon 10K/5K(Run Project)
Sunday morning is the Badass Texas Half Marathon, 10k and 5K run. The course includes the Brazos River, Historic Elm Avenue, and downtown Waco. Registration for the half-marathon is $100, the 10K is $60 and the 5K is $45. The race begins and ends at Heritage Park at the corner of Austin Avenue & Third Street. The Half starts at 6:45 AM. The 5 and 10K races start at 7. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Waco chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide prevention.
- Sun (5/26) - The James Beard House Comes to TSTC: Gourmet Dinner Benefiting Culinary Team Trip to New York(Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center of TSTC)
If words like “Chilled Texas Quail consumé,” “Port Aransas crab cake” and “Texas Beef Strip loin medallions” make your mouth water, then Sunday is your lucky day. The Lone Star Chef Team, which is a powerhouse Team of Chefs and Students from the Culinary Arts program at TSTC, is going to New York to cook at the James Beard House. On Sunday evening they are hosting a dinner to help pay for their trip. The Reception starts at 5:30, Dinner is at 6:15. Tickets are $75. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal while also helping to show those poor, hungry folks in New York what Texas cooking is all about. Call the Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center at TSTC to make your reservations. Bring your own wine.
Free Stuff
Several fun FREE things to do this weekend…
- Fri (5/24) - Waco High Lions Spring Game and Jamboree
We are deep into baseball season, and some of you may be starting to miss those Friday Night Lights… If so, The Waco High Lions Spring Football Game and Jamboree is tonight. The Jamboree with fun, food and music for all, starts at 5:00. Middle school games will take place from 5 – 7 and the Waco High Game will kick off at 7. The whole event will take place at the Waco ISD Stadium on new road and admission is free!
- Sat thru Monday (5/25 – 5/27) Free Admission for Military Personnel at Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum(Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum)
⟶ Sat May 25 thru Mon May 27
Since this is Memorial Day Weekend, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring military service personnel and their families. Tomorrow through Monday, active duty personnel, retirees and veterans are invited to visit the museum for free with their military ID. Accompanying family members will also receive a discount. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame is open from 9 to 5.
- Sun (5/26) -Community Day at the Mayborn Museum(Mayborn Museum Complex)
Sunday is community day at the Mayborn Museum. That means visitors can explore the Discovery Center (including the Be the Astronaut exhibit), the natural history exhibits, and the Gov. Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village for free. The Mayborn is open from 1 – 5. The Junior League of Waco is offering free book readings at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
- Mon (5/27) - Cameron Park Dedication Hike(City of Waco Parks and Recreation)
In addition to being Memorial Day, Monday is also Cameron Park’s Birthday! You are invited to help celebrate by joining in on a guided educational hike through the 416-acre park, which was dedicated on May 27, 1910. Participants should meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Redwood Shelter. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes appropriate for hiking and bring plenty of water. For more information, call City of Waco Parks and Recreation.
Final tidbits
And a couple of final tidbits for the week…
- Sat (5/25) - Mama Mia Sing Along at the Taverna(Waco Civic Theatre)
If you are sad that you missed your chance to see Mama Mia at the Waco Civic Theatre, cheer up! Tomorrow night you have one more chance to see it and sing it! You are invited to a special performance with a twist. It’s called, “Sing Along at the Taverna.” It will be a fun night of singing, dancing and enjoying Mediterranean wine and food. Tickets are $40 and the show starts at 7:30 at the Waco Civic Theatre on Lake Air Drive....
- Thurs (5/30) - Waco ISD Last Day of School(Waco ISD) – Creative Waco Summer Camps
Finally, as I am sure everyone with a kid is well aware – Thursday is the last day of school for Waco ISD. If you are looking for something fun to keep your young one’s occupied this summer, check out the Creative Waco website. They have done a terrific job of putting together a list of summer camps and other creative activities for the younger set.
