For the third year in a row, neighbors from both sides of the Rio Grande River gathered in Lajitas, Texas to celebrate “Voices From Both Sides,” a peaceful protest against the closing of the border.
Hands across the water.
Before the border closing, this stretch of the Texas border actually extended into Mexico. The communities of Paso Lajitas and San Carlos, as well as Boquillas and Santa Elena were home to many U.S. citizens. Traffic across the border was casual, and crossing the border for groceries, dinner, entertainment, or to visit family and friends was common- and the traffic went both ways. Continue reading “Voices From Both Sides 2015 – Fiesta Protesta.”
The 4th of July celebrations in Terlingua were fun this year.
There was a parade and burger-bash on the 4th and an outdoor pool party with live blues by the Fabulous Vortexans on the 5th.
Saturday, the 4th, the American Legion post hosted a burger and hot-dog feast after the parade.
The parade itself was impressive, but held way too early in the day. The idea was that at 10:30 in the morning it would be cool enough that people would enjoy sitting on the side of the road watching the parade.
Although the concept was good, it turns out that Terlinguans would rather deal with the heat than get up early. I missed the parade, but made it to the party.
Saturday, there was a celebration and inauguration at the Lajitas Golf Resort. After a hotly contested election and run-off, Claymore Henry, the goat, beat out George Goss, local celebrity for the office of Mayor.
From the 50’s until just a few years ago Lajitas has had a goat for Mayor named Clay Henry. Previous goat/Mayors were famous for drinking beer. It’s unknown if Claymore will have a taste for the brew, but odds are that he will. It runs in the family – he’s a direct descendent of the original Clay Henry.
So, Saturday Lajitas hosted a party at the pool to introduce the new Mayor. Big Bend Brewing Company provided beer. BBQ, burgers, and hot dogs were available. And local blues band, The Fabulous Vortexans, provided the music.
Check out the pics-
George Goss provided entertainment at the burger bash on the 4th.
The Road to Austin and Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos – this week in Terlingua.
I’ve said that “everything comes to Terlingua if you just wait long enough.”
Sometimes you don’t have to wait long at all.
Gary Fortin brought his amazing movie, “The Road to Austin,” to Lajitas last Wednesday.
Gary Fortin and Trevor Hickle Poster
The movie starts out with a brief history of Texas music, then morphs into the story of a concert held in Austin. Stephen Bruton was music director of the concert. A few months before the concert, Stephen was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He heroically did a fine job producing the concert with Gary, but by the night of the show he was very ill and weak. Continue reading “The Road to Austin – Doug Moreland – Terlingua.”
GoatStock 2014 was a chance to hear speeches and meet the candidates to replace the beer-drinking goat mayor of Lajitas.
There are 4 candidates running for mayor- a goat, a mule, and two guys who kinda look like goats. Or rejects from a ZZ Top cover band.
On May 10, 2014, at GoatStock in Lajitas, Texas, we got to meet them and hear their campaign speeches.
The goat, Claymore Henry, is the favorite. He’s a direct descendent of Clay Henry, who was the original beer-drinking goat mayor. His speech was short and direct. He spent most of his allotted time trying to eat the banner on the front of the stage.
Claymore Henry
Pancho the mule is running a strong campaign. He’s firm and resolute and required quite a bit of coaxing to hop up on the stage and give his talk.
Pancho the mule
George Goss, whose slogan is “Respect the goat, give George your vote,” promised free beer if he’s elected mayor. George gave a rousing speech and promised changes in Lajitas.
George Goss
Tate Treybig is running on the “Three C’s,” Corrupt, Crooked and Convenient. Although Tate is running an old fashioned “Texas Politics” campaign that would make Rick Perry proud, his speech tugged at the crowd’s heart strings. Continue reading “GoatStock 2014 – party for the candidates.”
Rockin’ the Ranch at Lajitas – Texas Music, BBQ, Beer, floating in a pool looking at the stars…
The end of the story: we lay on comfy pool recliners, drinking excelent Malbec and watching the stars play on the turquoise water of the pool…
The resort at Lajitas is an oasis in the desert. Literally. Green grass covers the golf course. There are two pools. The suites and hotel rooms are “cowboy’ chic” and luxurious.
It’s also way out of the price range that most Terlinguans can (or will) afford.
That’s why I was so excited when I learned about the “Rockin’ the Ranch” party the resort was putting on. Two great bands (playing through Trevor’s new PA system. Very cool.), against a backdrop of desert mountains and a huge sky.
