(Seguin) – The celebration of Texas Independence Day returns this weekend to the heart of downtown Seguin. The Seguin Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas invites the public to participate in a Toast to Texas celebrating 189 years since declaring the Republic of Texas free and independent on March 2, 1836.
Julie Sheldon, the president of the DRT Abishai Mercer Dickson-Seguin Chapter, says after last year’s successful move from the Sebastopol House to Central Park, the group has officially decided to now host this celebration on the first Saturday in March from here on out.
“We had record attendance and an abundance of local support (on a Saturday). We were excited about that because that would give students the opportunity to come with their family to also to enjoy the program itself and to honor Texas Independence Day. So, we thought well, let’s just do the first Saturday of March because March is Texas History Month. It’s all encompassing and we talked with the city and with the parks department who have been such tremendous support with us to be able to bring this to the community. We wouldn’t be able to do it to the extent that we are moving without their support there,” said Sheldon.
Sheldon says with this new move, also came the opportunity to add more entertainment and activities for the entire family.
“Opening entertainment will be a German Edelweiss Kinderchor and Kinder Tanzen with mariachi and or folklorico to follow. Sharing local information of interest at this year’s event will include The Seguin-Guadalupe Heritage Museum; the Seguin Conservation Society; Magnolia Hotel; Guadalupe County 4-H Shooting Sports Club; Guadalupe County Texas Master Naturalist; Wilson Pottery Foundation; Sebastopol House Historic Site; Seguin Art League and demonstrations of blacksmithing techniques from the 1800s,” said Sheldon.
Seguin’s 39th annual Toast to Texas event begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. It will be followed with the annual ceremony at 1:30 p.m., and the official Texas Toast at 2:10 p.m.
“We will help them gather at 1 o’clock to take their seats and at 1:15 p.m., the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Posse will deliver a proclamation and musical entertainment will be performed by Clint Taft and the Seguin High School drumline. It was very impressive last year when the Jefferson Drumline was able to perform but this year, we have the high school so having it now on the first Saturday in March just lends us the opportunity to share it with the community. Then towards the end of the program, there will be a toast led by Floyd McKee. Attendees do get their small flag, spring water and program to follow along with,” said Sheldon.
Also, marking the occasion this year will be a pilgrimage walk past a collection of historic buildings in downtown Seguin. Sheldon says this new added tradition falls in line with the group’s mission “to perpetuate the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas.”
“After the ceremony, visitors will be invited to join a pilgrimage walk past the Magnolia Hotel on the way to the Heritage Village, a couple of blocks away. DRT ladies will lead the procession. At the village, Conservation Society docents will offer a glimpse into the past through its collection of historic buildings. It’s the spirit of all people of what has been achieved and maintained because we wouldn’t be able to do the things that we do without that perseverance,” said Sheldon.
Upon arriving, residents are encouraged to stop by the DRT booth to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet. Sheldon says folks will be encouraged to follow the clues around downtown. She says the hope is that each person leaves this year’s event with a little more history under their belts.
All events are free and open to the public.