Hooray for Family Central Texas October 2023

C e lebrating 20 Year

Happy October!

Fall is Here!

We’re are excited about this season and thrilled to present our October edition of Hooray for Family. Within these pages, you’ll discover a bountiful collection of handpicked activities, events, and resources tailored to make the season truly unforgettable for your children. From pumpkin patches to fall festivals, our guide is your compass to navigating the countless treasures this vibrant time of the year has to offer.

You can find our guides and calendar as well as directories online 24/7. We’re always on the lookout for the most fun and exciting kid and family activities to keep you entertained all season long. From birthday party places to after school activities, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on any of the action – stay connected with our website, social media, and make sure you’re signed up for our e-newsletter to ensure that you’re in the loop with all the hottest events and happenings.

Hungry for savings? Save $$ eating out with our Kids Eat Free Guide that lists places to get free, or really cheap, kids meals every day of the week!

Advertising Information:

Michele Berger

(254)723-3696

Publisher: Michele Berger

Creative Director: Jerri Denson

Office Manager: Melissa Talbert

Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure

Social Media: Elizabeth Senn

Hooray For Family™ 2023. All copy, photographs and information contained herein is protected by copyright and is not to be reproduced. Publisher reserves the right to decline any advertisements.

The Exchange Event Center

By Jessa McClure

Rocket Federal Credit Union of McGregor, and The Exchange Event Center have teamed up this year to bring fall to Central Texas with Halloween fun and harvest happenings. On Oct. 31, vendors will be set up inside the event center for the third annual Hay Barn Halloween and in the parking lot to give away candy to costume-clad kids.

“[The Exchange] is the city designated trick-or-treat area,” said Cassie Thomas, Event Center Manager for The Exchange. “The city tries to direct everyone here because it's a safe trick-or-treating space where kids can run around and have fun without the worry of crossing busy streets.”

The event takes place at 300 S. Jefferson St. in McGregor at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 and runs until 9 p.m. Children can enjoy a trunk-or-treat outside, as well as inflatables courtesy of Connections.

“The fire department will bring out one of their vehicles, and we usually have the state troopers and an ambulance if they aren’t on a call.”

Other hidden treasures of the Hay Barn Halloween event include full-sized candy bars courtesy of the American Legion and hot dogs handed out by the McGregor Lions Club.

The Halloween-themed event wraps up the spooky season and helps usher Central Texas into the holidays. Rocket Federal Credit Union will use the Oct. 31 event as a jumping off point for their Harvest Festival.

“With the Harvest Festival, we draw away from the Halloween aspect, like replacing jack-o-lanterns with pumpkins and candy with games,” said Terry Sloan, Rocket Federal Credit Union Manager/CEO. “We really want McGregor to become holiday central not only for [this area], but for the entire southwest region. We would love for the Harvest Festival to kick it off and then our Texas Country Christmas event to finish it off.”

Along with additional vendors for shopping and eating, the event, which will take place on Nov. 1 and 2, also promises exciting family activities like corn tossing and a deer corn pit.

“All the sponsors [and organizers] want to give back to the community,” Sloan said. “We want families to be able to come and have a good time in Mcgregor and not have to spend a lot of money.”

For more information about these fun fall events, call The Exchange Event Center at (254) 236-8400.

Presented

SPECIAL OFFER!

FOREVER FAMILIES

Community partners helping local children find a brighter future

By Jessa McClure

This sweet boy has a bright future ahead of him, and he’s looking for a forever family to walk alongside him. Payton is a wizard with electronics and plans to be an engineer when he grows up. He loves tinkering with electronics, playing with video games, and being outside playing soccer or tennis.

Fourteen-year-old Payton is also very helpful around the house and hopes to have a pet to care for in the future. This teen wants a family that will show him love and affection and help him achieve his academic goals. He would do best in a two-parent household with a family that can provide consistency and structure.

If you’re interested in adopting Payton, or want to find out more about adoption, visit www.partnershipsforchildren.org/heartgallery/payton-profile.

Photo by Amy Mikler Photography