Texans Celebrate 9th Annual Texas Independence Day at the Paseo

San Angeloans made their way to the El Paseo de Santa Angela, located at Avenue D and S. Orient, yesterday to join in the 9th Annual Texas Independence Day Celebration held from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The celebration marked the anniversary for the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. With this document signed by 59 people, settlers officially declared independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas.

The family-friendly and free event hosted something for all ages and interests. Numerous vendors and many long distance travelers with a variety of wares for sale inhabited the East and West Pavilions. One table included Author Bill Wood from Stamford, Texas. 

Wood said, "Most of my writings are set in the late 1870s and Christian oriented." Additionally, Wood offered his "Songs of Salvation" CDs and several books for sale with an autograph included upon request. He also writes children's books that encourage youngsters to love, and he talks about people who aren't very active in the community, referring to this topic as a "discussion starter for youth."

Another duo, Larry and Gloria Rushing, have been creating plaques with the state of Texas on them for about a year, and it was their first time at this event.

"My wife is the artist, and I just cut the wood and apply the hardware," Larry said.  He added that, at first, he really didn't think much of them, but after the positive feedback from family members who had received them as gifts, they decided to "sell a few."

David Perez and Jose Monzon traveled from Fredricksburg, Texas to sell their granite artwork.

Perez stated, "Dad owns Enchanted Rock Granite, where we are employed, and have been using the remnants to create decorative pieces. Jose is the one who does the crosses, but we both enjoy the craft."

Also, scattered under the canopy were a title and payday loan booth, hand-crocheted afghans and dish towels, a key maker, homemade furniture with a Texas theme, dream catchers and jewelry of Native American Indian design.  Children also got play in an inflatable bounce house across the walkway where countless pickup trucks, Rv's, trailers and motorcycles with the tasty aroma of Texas barbecue wafting out amongst them all.

Stephen Dooley and his wife Melissa, representing Dooley A/C and Heating Company of San Angelo, took part in the event's BBQ competition. They proudly stood beside their orange and black homemade pit that Dooley said took him and some friends four months to make. Dooley said they had seen many ideas and designs, but, for him, the "most important concept was how and where the firebox and stack were located." He added that they have been competing for 10 years and enjoy the competition.  

Stephen said, "It's something to do on weekends, and most of the time we break even on the cost."

Most of the competitors at the event had signage with their team's logo on or near their pits. "Buzzard Bait BBQ, Out on a Limb BBQ, Smoke em Up BBQ," and "Howl at the Moon BBQ" were just a few. Beans, ribs, chicken and brisket were the only categories judged yesterday and several hundred dollars as prize money were up for grabs. There were several teams from Del Rio, and the spokesman for the Pistoleros BBQ Team, sponsored by "Del Rio Towing and Wrecking" said, "We have 26-28 cooking teams locally." Today, his "weekend team" was composed of two father-and-son members, aka "Young Guns," when usually the wives travel with them.

The celebration and festivities continued towards Oakes Street under the Farmers Market Awning. At the front sat a stage where musicians tuned their instruments and did sound checks, and across the aisle, a tent full of memorabilia for sale with just about any gadget for the avid Harley Davidson fan called to visitors. Row after row of just about every make, model and year of classic to new cars sat with doors and hoods open for spectators to ogle. Hot Rods, sports car convertibles, pickup trucks, Ranflas, and cruisers were well represented in this display.

Jared Banning, stationed at Goodfellow AFB, volunteered at the information desk near the cars, and as he snacked on his Cajun Chicken on a stick, he said, "My favorite car is the '67 Ford Mustang Shelby Fastback."

Located in the terrace walkway, visitors passed an information desk, a stage, and seating for the Icehouse Brass Band. The Glory Bound Cloggers also performed to the song "Rockin' Robin," while a few feet away, "Little Bug" Face painters applied their artwork on smiling children's cheeks. One small boy pointed to the display shyly, indicating he wanted "Spiderman." He sat perfectly still as the gleaming parents snapped photos with their cell phones.
Also available for sale were handmade candles and soaps, clocks, children's apparel, photo and pet albums, wrought iron items, and hand-crafted bird houses and feeders. Vendors patiently sat at their booths enjoying one another's company, hoping to sell some of their decorations, handcrafted wood items such as bowls, puzzles, ornaments, baked items and word-art.
 
Overall, the Texas Independence Celebration was a great way to spend a weekend full of family fun and outstanding BBQ from the many participants in the cook-off.

For more information on being a vendor in the future, please contact Judy Fowler at (325) 949-6200 or (325) 234-5566. People can also email [email protected]. For more information regarding the Paseo or Farmers Market, call the San Angelo Civic Events Office at (325)653-9577.