VILLAGE EVENTS
Our events throughout the year are one of our ways of showing
how the Texas pioneers lived their lives.
Costumed docents and historians show the skills and crafts necessary for daily life,
as well as some which just made their lives a little better.
Dutch Oven Cookoff & Melodrama
Last Saturday in April
This event promises some of the best food in the South cooked over coals. Contestants begin their cooking early so that they will be ready to serve samples to visitors as soon as the Judges get their taste! Prizes are awarded around 1:30 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. our Pioneer Opry Stage will showcase our annual hilarious MELODRAMA. It’s great fun for the audience as well as the actors since everyone is encouraged to boo, hiss, or applaud during the performance.
Admission required for all Events.
Come and Take It Battle Reinactment
First Saturday in October
In September, 1835, the Mexican government demanded the return of a small cannon which they had previously loaned Gonzales for defense against hostile Indians. This request and the Texians subsequent defiance led up to the first battle for Texas Independence. There is, of course, much more to the story and we invite you to our Village to see costumed historians re-create the mood of Gonzales during this trying time in our history. Time period camps, costumes, and our houses will set the mood leading up to our 3 p.m. battle. The blacksmith will be spiking the cannon, the Mexican soldiers will be harassing the Texian settlers, and discussions of what to do about the return of the cannon all lead up to the battle cry of Gonzales - “COME & TAKE IT”!
On Sunday morning at 9:30, the Hamon Church will be the scene of a memorial service to the Immortal 32, the only ones who answered the call for aid from the Alamo. A roll call at the memorial cemetery after the short service will allow descendants and other visitors to place flowers on each of the markers.
Admission required for all Events.
"Stars in the Village"
Last Friday and Saturday in November
The Village is gaily decorated for the Christmas season - a trail of lights, the 1800s way of course! Stroll through this quaint little Village in a twilight of thousands of tiny, twinkling lights and hundreds of candles and lanterns. Popcorn popped over an open fire, along with wassail and ginger cookies at the saloon are offered as gifts of the season. You may listen to strolling carolers or costumed historians playing seasonal music on antique instruments as you visit the scenic houses. Our time-period decorations give you a glimpse into past holidays and slide you into the mood for the Christmas season!
Admission required for all Events.
"Stars in the Village"
First and Second Friday and Saturday in December
The Village is gaily decorated for the Christmas season - a trail of lights, the 1800s way of course! Stroll through this quaint little Village in a twilight of thousands of tiny, twinkling lights and hundreds of candles and lanterns. Popcorn popped over an open fire, along with wassail and ginger cookies at the saloon are offered as gifts of the season. You may listen to strolling carolers or costumed historians playing seasonal music on antique instruments as you visit the scenic houses. Our time-period decorations give you a glimpse into past holidays and slide you into the mood for the Christmas season!
Admission required for all Events.