Back in October 1835, the Mexican government requested the return a little ol' cannon it had gifted Texican settlers in Gonzalez as protection from Comanche raids. The settlers' growing rebelliousness was making Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea mighty uneasy, but they responded to his take-backsie in true (pre) Lone Star fashion with the phrase, "Come and take it."
Thus began the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution, which led to a hard-fought declaration of independence on March 2, 1836. These days, it's a legal holiday in the state of Texas. You probably won't get a day off from work (we find "come and take it" doesn't work for TPS reports...), but you might still have a great time at one of these local celebrations.
Texan tastes at Stampede 66 through March 2: Texas' state motto is "friendship," and there aren't many who have been better friends to Lone Star vittles than 5th-generation Texan, Stephan Pyles. He arguably even created "Modern Texas Cuisine." Through March 2, Pyles' Stampede 66 is highlighting dishes from its new menu with undeniable local flair.
Ever wondered if you could make bread from Shiner Bock? Stephan can. How about honey fried chicken, Freeto-chili pie (served up in a foil pouch like the old State Fair Frito bag style), Pedernales chili, and a Dublin Dr Pepper float? They're even working up something called SonofaBitch 2015, an "ever evolving tribute to the stew of the American west and the chuck wagons along the Old Chisolm Trail in Texas that includes fried sweetbreads, heart, tongue, cheek, and liver." See the full spring menu here.
Celebrate at the Hall of State on Feb. 28: Few spots around town emphasize Texas history more than Fair Park, and this Saturday the Dallas Historical Society transforms its Hall of State into a time machine between 1 and 4 p.m. Free and family friendly, the lawn features a "frontier kitchen" with a cowboy chuck wagon and cooking demonstrations. Costumed characters will show off games, toys, and chores from the era, and children can try out cotton spinning, butter churning, and corn grinding.
Inside, a special exhibit - which runs through March 8 - shows off Santa Anna's spurs, Fannin's pocket watch, minutes of first convention of the Republic, and Sam Houston's report of the Battle of San Jacinto.
Texas Exes at Community Brewing on Feb. 28: You don't have to be part of the University of Texas alumni cohort to attend this event, but you do have to be down with Longhorn love during this scholarship fundraiser. Hey, toss on some Dallas-brewed Community beer, food trucks, casino style games, and live music, and you've got yourself a good time from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Admission is $25 for Texas Exes members and $30 for non-members, and that includes complimentary beer, a brewery tour, a football presentation with Q&A by the managing editor of Dave Campbell's Texas Football, and a blues, rock, and country tunes by Imperfekt. Texas Hold 'Em and casino gaming costs extra. Register early online.
Cook-off show offs at various Ginger Man locations on Feb. 28: Wanna show off your signature chili recipe? Head over to the Ginger Man in Uptown, Fort Worth, or Southlake for its annual chili cook-off, benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Salsa more your thing? Chop up your spiciest selections at the Lakewood or Plano outposts, for a contest benefiting North Texas Food Bank. Times, live music, and details vary. Click here for more information and details on how to register.
Texas tappings at Holy Grail Pub on March 2-6: Like barrel-aged craft beer? Yeah, so does the Holy Grail, and that's why they're tapping one every night from a different Texas brewery at 6 p.m. It kicks off on March 2 with Lakewood's Bourbon Barrel Temptress and continues with a signature heady brew every night: Rahr's Rahrzehnt, Adelbert's Flyin' Monks, No Label's Perpetual Peace, and (512)'s Double Pecan Porter.
Bull riding and fan fair in Granbury from Feb. 28-March 2: Feel like taking a little trip out of town? Granbury's annual three-day festival features a parade, exhibits and vendors, a student history fair, and even a memorial service for Elizabeth Crockett - Davy's wife who settled with her family in Hood County, and who is buried in Acton Cemetery, the smallest state park in Texas. Much of the celebration is free and family friendly, but "Bull Riding on the Beach," on Saturday afternoon requires tickets, which may be purchased day-of at the gate.
Wild wonders at Texas Land & Cattle March 2-31: It may have spread to 26 locations in 5 states, but TXLC keeps its namesake holy in March with a special independence menu from the 2nd through the 31st. Offerings include Texas stuffed quail, bison burgers, and Pecos pecan trout, plus a special "Border Gimlet," made from Absolut Texas vodka, fresh lime, agave nectar, cucumber, and a kick of jalapeno. That's not all. According to the official, every TXLC location stocks craft beers brewed in the Lone Star State.
Texan treats at House of Blues on March 6: HOB's annual Texas Independence Day event features "tempting Texas treats" in the Foundation room, including a Herman Marshall whisky tasting, starting at 7:30 p.m. Another tantalizer on the menu? Live music by Dallas' own Deidre Thornell, whose four-octave range and sassy style oozes "Texas Independence" right down to the last note.