From the Editor | June & July 2024
It’s summertime and family time! The kids are out of school and although you may have to work, hopefully you can find the time to have fun together as a family. I’m so excited for this issue because it is chock full of so many fun things to do in Central Texas!
Summertime in Central Texas is beautiful, but it’s also blazing hot and we all need ways to cool off in the 100+ degree temperatures. Rachel Strickland provides some amazing ideas for keeping cool in the summer heat, including water parks, swimming areas and much more. Read all about it here.
It’s time to dust off those old roller blades, pull out your board games and enjoy some family time. Sometimes the most fun times to be had are the simplest. Here, Tonya Warren gives tips and suggestions for old-fashioned fun this summer.
One of America’s favorite pastimes is fishing — father and son bonding through shared moments and life lessons. With two large lakes — Belton and Stillhouse Hollow — nestled in Bell County, fishing is one of the best ways to spend a summer day. Check out David Stone’s story about fishing here.
Hundreds of children in Central Texas participate in Ralph Wilson Youth Club’s summer camp, here. Amy Rognlie interviewed staff and participants in the camp to find out what makes Ralph Wilson such a great summer camp.
Sue Morrisey, one of Tex Appeal’s two newest writers, shares what kinds of Independence Day activities people should expect in Central Texas, here. Fireworks, parades, hamburgers and hot dogs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Fourth of July activities.
This issue’s CenTex Past highlights the centennial celebration of Belton’s Fourth of July Rodeo. Find out all about the scheduled festivities here.
It’s safe to say children enjoy dressing up as their favorite superhero or anime character, but some people carry that passion into adulthood to become cosplayers. Through creativity, passion and art, these people embody their favorite characters in remarkable detail. Read all about cosplayers in Central Texas here.
Bobbie Jo Young is the other new Tex Appeal writer and excitedly shares her passion for writing with an entrepreneur feature on 1914 Coffee House. The Burnetts felt a calling to share their Christian faith and hospitality through their business venture five years ago. Read their inspiring story here.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did creating it. There are a lot of great things to see and do in Central Texas. My hope for you is that you read the stories we selected for this issue and do something you’ve never done before. Rent a boat and go fishing on Belton Lake, paddle down the Leon River or swim under a magnificent waterfall. Central Texas beckons you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this summer.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor