The San Saba County Chamber of Commerce hosted “We the People July 4th Extravaganza” at Mill Pond Park during July 2nd - July 4th. The mission of our Chamber is to bring commerce, business, boost local economy, and support to each and every member. Although this July 4th celebration was quite a huge undertaking, as we certainly faced some challenges, we are proud to report that this first event is now in the record books.
The outstanding Committee Members were as follows: Committee Chair and Co-Chair - Deryl Hoyt and Devon Hoyt; Parade - Bill & Regina Baker; Booths and Vendors - Mae Gonzales; Stan Weik “Stomp out Cancer Fun Run” - Coach Rachel Eubanks; Kickball Tourney - Jen and Paul Stewart; Car Show - Albert and Kay Stowell; Cornhole Tourney - John Romero; and Old Glory Golf Tournament - Michael Whitley.
Contributing organizations and partners of the Chamber are as follows: City of San Saba, Found Media, Hamilton/San Saba EMS, City of San Saba Police Department, County of San Saba Sheriff’s Department, Pepperbelly’s, Napoli’s, Fantasia Hoyt, Kristie Owen, Diggs Restaurant, Joann Weik and family, Boy Scouts of America with Troop Leader Randal Hawkins, San Saba Rotary Club, Alamo Pecan and Coffee, San Saba Prynt Shop, Cherokee Home for Children and Friends, Tim and Mindy Sebastian, Jake Lackey, and the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department.
The event kicked off on July 2nd with a Kickball Tournament which filled the park with eight teams of challenging and funfilled competition. Then, July 3rd sparked up the park with a tribute to our former City Manager, Stan Weik. The Stomp Out Cancer Fun Run began at 7 a.m. and was a highlight for the Chamber in appreciation of the partnership shared with our departed friend and fellow San Saban – Stan Weik.
As runners were finishing up the race, the explosive efforts of Albert and Kay Stowell were on display as they lined up and received participants in the Car Show on Commerce Street in the parking lot of Wedding Oak Winery. Then, it was on to a booming vendor setup as over 40 booths filled the inner and outer areas of Mill Pond Park and Civic Center.
At 11 a.m., Bill and Regina Baker organized and directed the beautiful Patriotic Parade up Commerce Street and into the Mill Pond Park. Due to the uncertain weather conditions, the Cornhole Tournament was held at the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department beginning at 1 p.m. under the professional coordination of John Romero. By this time, our award-winning Mill Pond Park was filling up with large crowds and swimmers to the Sunny Beach and bounce splash pad.
Overall, families were enjoying themselves by chatting with vendors or listening to the incredible line up of musical entertainment. Featured entertainers included: Over the Moon duo, Jeb Bridges Band, and then onto one of our locally adopted and amazing performers, Rick Trevino. Rick lit up the park with his amazing talent, music, and popularity as he definitely won the crowd over.
The moon glistened over Mill Pond Park, and the excitement of the festival filled the air. We moved on to the activities of July 4th, beginning with a 10-team Old Glory Golf Tournament, organized by Michael Whitley, with an 8 a.m. tee time at “The Best Kept Secret in Texas,” our San
Saba City Municipal Golf Course.
Meanwhile, back at Mill Pond Park, the vendors and activities had begun to bring in quite a crowd of visitors and locals. The second round of the Cornhole Tournament commenced at noon, once again at the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department. And, because of his love of performing and this community, the Jeb Bridges Band took to the stage once again late in the evening on Sunday, July 4th.
The crowds seemed to grow 10 times over from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., as there wasn’t a patch of grass that was unoccupied. The Sunny Beach and swimming area was full of swimmers, pets, children, and adults of all ages enjoying the fellowship and happenings at the park. Vendors all reported that sales went through the roof as the park swelled with people in excitement for the upcoming Firework Exhibition.
About 9:11 p.m. in coordina-tion and assistance from Tim and Mindy Sebastian and Jake Lackey, the San Saba County Chamber of Commerce did not disappoint in lighting up the sky over Mill Pond Park with fireworks of gleaming lights and unbelievable beauty!
This was definitely the shows of all shows, and so well received and appreciated. As noted, we learned so much as an organization, and we will be eager to begin the planning for 2022. We are thankful for all our partners, directors, and the community that teamed up to celebrate our love of County, Country, and America – our beloved Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
Stay tuned for additional photos and articles with details of winners of all the individual competitions. Thank you from all your Board of Directors of the San Saba County Chamber of Commerce.