Downtown 78621 - Elgin, Texas

FAMILY & FASHION NIGHT

Munchkin’s CARNIVAL: 6-10 PM

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

No festival is complete without a carnival. Rides will open at 6 PM with family night and continue through Saturday. ($25 Bracelets for Thursday & Friday) Located at the end of Main & 95 in Memorial Park.

DJ Fernando Carlos: 6:30 PM-10 PM

Dropping all the beats, DJ Fernando Carlos will kick off Western Days at the pavilion starting at 6:30 PM. He will help emcee the fashion show and bring the music back when we are all fashioned out.

Yellow Brick Road FASHION SHOW: 8-9:30 PM -Join us down at the pavilion for Western Day’s Second Annual Fashion Show! We will be highlighting local boutiques and salons to showcase their favorite styles. There will be four age groups from our community represented on the runway, and you will decide who the top models are. This is a new event, and we can wait to share it with you all.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Great Oz GOLF TOURNAMENT

Shotgun: 9 AM

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023

Our Western Day’s Golf Tournament has been a huge success. Grab a team of four and take on the beautiful course at Shadow Glen. Awards will follow immediately for the winning teams, longest drive and closest to the hole. We will start the morning with a breakfast of champions (Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas) and end with a quick lunch. Teams of four are $500, and sponsorships are available.

Toto’s TENNIS COURT DANCE: 7 PM- 11 PM

Everyone’s favorite blast from the past, the annual Tennis Court Dance is back. Last Note Productions will get the music started at 7 PM, and the show will start at 8 PM. Get your boots ready for some dancing, as we will be featuring rising country music artist and Elgin native, Austin English. Grab your friends, your classmates, or your family and let’s bring back the packed park! (Free event)

Munchkin’s CARNIVAL: 6-10 PM

No festival is complete without a carnival. Rides will open at 6 PM with family night and continue through Saturday. ($25 Bracelets for Thursday & Friday) Located at the end of Main & 95 in Memorial Park.

CLASS REUNIONS: Western Days is known as the homecoming of our Elgin Alumni. Don’t forget to put in your free application to be a part of our Grand Parade. This year’s theme is “There’s No Place Like Western Days,” because there really isn’t y’all. We can’t wait to see the creativity that the community puts in for their floats. Be sure to join us in the park throughout the events. It’s a great year to have a great year! Grab your entry form on our website at www.elgintxchamber.com or come by the chamber and see us in person.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023

Western Days F E S T I V A L

Wicked Western Days PARADE: 10 AM

This year’s parade is going to be a blast. With a theme of No Place Like Western Days, we are sure to see some creative floats. The parade starts at 11th street and proceeds on Main Street through downtown. Western Days is home of one of the largest parades in Central Texas.

The Good Witch ARTS, CRAFTS & FOOD BOOTHS: 10 AM

Join us down in Memorial Park immediately following the Grand Parade. There will be close to 100 vendors featuring their art, passions and favorite products. The food court area will offer delicious festival food favorites including funnel cakes, kettle corn, turkey legs and more.

Flying Monkey VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: 11 AM

This popular event is always a crowd favorite. The first eight teams to sign up and pay their entry fee will be eligible to compete for the championship title.

Tin Man 2-MAN HORSESHOE/WASHER

TOURNAMENT

These are two of the longest running events at our festival. There is a $30 entry fee and winners will receive cash and prizes. Sign up is on the day of the event. Limited spots available, so be sure to get there early. Ain’t No Coward Cornhole Challenge: We are spicing things up with this new challenge. As a fundraising event for the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, this challenge is geared towards organizations. (Although individual teams can challenge others as well) How it works: $50 to challenge a team and a $50 to accept the challenge. It is a four-person team, best of three games, and winners get bragging rights and a t-shirt y’all.

Dorothy the Groupie and her LIVE BANDS: 11:30 AM

You can’t have a festival, without music to enjoy. With a variety of genres and three different bands, the music will kick off at 11:30 AM and continue until the festival has come to a close. Be sure and check out the line-up on page 5.

Munchkin’s CARNIVAL: 10 AM-6 PM

No festival is complete without a carnival. Rides will open at 10 AM and will be available with tickets only. Located at the end of Main & 95 in Memorial Park.

Diamond SPONSOR:

Western Days Sponsors

•Elgin General Store

•Rush Chevrolet

Platinum SPONSOR:

•Acme Brick

•Carr Lane Manufacturing

•HEB

•Leaf Landscape Supply

Gold SPONSOR:

•Bluebonnet Electric Corporation

•Solid Ground Storage

•Frontier Bank of Texas

•Aqua Water Supply Corporation

•Prosperity Bank

•TRC

•Independence Title

Silver SPONSOR::

•Elgin Main Street Program

•Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, Inc.

•Elgin Funeral Home

•Cox Irrigation

•Smart Painting

•Graham Land & Cattle Co.

•Dr. Jodi Duron

•Evergreen Farms

•Carter & Denham

Bronze SPONSOR:

•Elgin Farmers’ Market

•Edward Jones - Jay Sutton, AAMS®

Friends of Western Days SPONSOR:

•Nanny Goat Salsa

•Rhonda Janak - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

Fashion Show SPONSOR:

•Classic Bank of Bastrop

•The Nitsche Group

Great Oz Golf FULL DEAL SPONSOR:

•Carr Lane Manufacturing

Great Oz Golf - Breakfast of Champions

SPONSOR

•First National Bank – Bastrop

Hole-In-One SPONSOR

•Edward Jones - Jay Sutton, AAMS®

•Leaf Landscape Supply

In-Kind SPONSOR:

•City of Elgin

A ustinEnglish: FullCircle

Austin English, a hard to miss, 6’6 Elgin-native has been pounding on the door to stardom, for well over a decade. But, as every good story goes, he had to get his start somewhere.

Austin was raised here in Elgin, where he was actively involved with FFA and played on the golf team. It was 2003 when Austin made his debut as a musician, playing with The Crop Dusters during the Saturday lineup at the one and only Western Days Festival. In an interview, Austin stated that his favorite part of Western Days was always the Tennis Court Dance, where he and his buddies would go hang out and listen to music.

Austin went on to graduate from Elgin High School in 2004 with a graduating class of close to 350 students. He continued with The Crop Dusters for several years before branching out to make a name for himself. Since then, English has commanded some of the biggest stages in the country (Highway 30 Music Festival, Texas Hall of Fame, Boot Barn Hall, Fox Theater, Troubadour Festival, White Elephant Saloon, Rodeo Austin, and Gruene Hall) and has wowed as an opener for national artists (Charlie Daniels Band, Granger Smith, Eastin Corbin, Daryle Singletary, Tracy Byrd, John Conlee, Reckless Kelly, Gary Allan, and Radney Foster)

In 2019, English released a trio of singles, “Pieces,” “7th Street,” and “Heartache in a Small Town.” Later notching his first top-30 hit on the Texas chart, he widened the door of opportunity to explore his music on a national scale. Springboarding upon this success, English signed with 40 West Entertainment, and aligned with the top songwriters and producers in Nashville to release “Willie Nelson T-Shirt” and “Goodnight Marie.”

When asked where his favorite places to perform are, Austin answered with ease. “Montana for its natural beauty, Nashville is always a blast, Idaho has amazing hospitality, but Texas, Texas is home.” His top three venues he has played at include Fox Theater, (Hays, Kansas) Coupland Dance Hall, (Coupland, Texas) and Dosey Doe. (Woodlands,

Texas)

When Austin is not performing, he likes to spend his time fishing, traveling, song writing or hanging out with his wife and sweet six-month-old baby. He tries to make it back to Elgin every few months to spend time with his parents. Although he says that hitting up one of our BBQ places is a must for every visit, he enjoys coming home to unplug and embrace the quiet of our small town.

English is currently in the studio working on a new full-length album. His most recent single “Walk Away Slow” was released on February 24th and his new album will be released at the end of this summer before his fall tour.

The Elgin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Austin English as our headliner for the 2023 Western Days Tennis Court Dance, bringing him full circle for his 20th year anniversary of being a musician. We hope you will join us Friday night as we welcome him home!

Everybody loves the story of a smalltown guy that has made his dreams come true.

Saturday Music Lineup.

Briana Adams

11:30 AM – 1: 00 PM

She’s not exactly a rebel, but with her musical mashup of Waylon, Skynyrd, and Janis Joplin, you could be forgiven for thinking she is. In reality, Texas/ songwriter Briana Adams is a sweet-natured Southern crooner that really just wants to share her music with the world.

Her songs are a honky-tonk trip of classic dancehall and 70’s outlaw country rolled into a tight-knit package, all headlined by a big Texas voice! For the last 12 years, Briana has been touring all over Texas. She has opened for some Texas Country/Red Dirt greats along the way too! Including: The Bellamy Brothers, Randy Rogers Band, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, & Charlie Robison.

Dry County Band

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Dry County has been filling Texas dance floors since 2018. Country music is in their blood with influences from Waylon, Willie, George and Merle. You will find them at home in small honky-tonks, historic dance halls and larger stages such as Austin Rodeo. No matter where, if Dry Country is there, you can count on a good time dancing to your favorite country songs.

Just Hannah

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Arizona native turned Texan songstress! Hannah’s grandmother still sings in her church and her uncle was a rock and roller in San Francisco in the 60’sfrom the two, JustHannah’s style was born.

Blues, Americana, Rock and anything else it takes to lift and inspire the human soul. We have been able to enjoy JustHannah performing locally at The Rising Sun Vineyard, Lightnin’ Bar and Music in the Park.

JUNETEENTH

Friday, June 9th STREET DANCE - 8 a.m. - Midnight Veterans Memorial Park

Saturday, June 10th GRAND PARADE - 10 a.m. (Line-up at BTW Elementary by 8 a.m.)

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park

For more information, call (512) 825-2512 or email elgin_juneteenth@yahoo.com

The Elgin Juneteenth Festival Committee organizes a street dance, parade and festival on the second weekend of June to celebrate Juneteenth in Elgin Texas. The theme this year is Discovering Our Roots and everyone is invited to enjoy the street dance Friday night on Depot Street in downtown Elgin, the parade on Saturday morning which starts at Booker T Washington Elementary School and proceeds north through downtown on Main Street and then the festival at Veterans Memorial Park downtown. All events are free. A variety of vendors will be offering delicious food and beverages Friday night and Saturday. On Saturday, the festival vendors include clothes, jewelry, arts and crafts and more! Bring your chairs and blankets and plan to spend the weekend visiting and celebrating together!

WHAT I

LIKE

ABOUT JUNETEENTH: Friends, Family, Gathering, BBQ and listening to the old saints talking about all the struggles they had to endure and made it better for children and grandchildren. We should always

remember the trials and tribulations that our forefathers had to endure, working tirelessly in the cotton fields, and loved ones being sold and separated from each other. No formal education, nothing but manual labor from sun up to sun down. Because of their struggle and suffering they made it better for us, so we should never, ever forget the sacrifice they made.

-- CHARLES MATTHEWS

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH? The reason is for our ancestors who shed their blood, sweat, tears, & gave their life for freedom that I’m able to enjoy. Black Independence Day is why we give praise to God & attend services, gatherings with food and music. We thank God for health and freedom, Amen.

DEACON WILLIE L. THOMAS SR.

I love Juneteenth because it is a very important day in African American history. Juneteenth or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationality celebrated in commemoration of the ending of slavery

Juneteenthperspectives

in the United States. My favorite part of Juneteenth is the street dance on Friday night and the parade on Saturday.

--BETTYE LOFTON

Why is it important to celebrate Juneteenth? As Black Americans we have a very rich heritage, we experienced some good bad and ugly. We celebrate this day we call Juneteenth so our future generations will understand that a lot of blood sweat and tears paved the way for them to be free and enjoy what they have achieved and obtained today. The struggle is real. Juneteenth is every day for us. --

REVEREND RONALD W. & LADY CAROLYN CARTER

What I love about Juneteenth is why we celebrate it and the beautiful history around it. It is also a time where beautiful African Americans can get together and truly celebrate freedom and how far we have come.

CHARLES “BAM” WILSON

It is important to celebrate Juneteenth in order to keep the memories alive. I’m

BISHOP MAYES

part of four generations that celebrated Juneteenth. Because of Juneteenth, the history, stories and traditions related to Juneteenth and life were passed down to younger generations. --

My favorite part of the Elgin Juneteenth festival is the street dance, parade, the food and seeing all my old friends and family. --

DEACON J.C. WILLIAMS JR.

District breaks ground on Harvest Ridge Elementary School to open in 2024

Elgin Independent School District on April 5 broke ground on its fourth elementary school, Harvest Ridge Elementary, within the Harvest Ridge master planned community. The construction marks a significant milestone in projects funded through a voter-approved 2021 Elgin ISD Bond Referendum. The bond package included funds for two new elementary schools, the first of which will be Harvest Ridge. Just over $38.4 million was set aside in the bond issue for the elementary school. “This is such an exciting moment for the Elgin community,” said Elgin ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jana Rueter. “Harvest Ridge Elementary will provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn and grow, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Future staff and students will benefit from the school’s overall design, which reflects Elgin ISD’s commitment to providing high-quality education for its students. We are excited to celebrate this investment in our community, and our children, and to see this new facility come to life.”

Homes, an Austin-based homebuilder and community development company, marks the first time in the school district’s history that residential developers have donated land for a public school. “We are honored to donate the land for Harvest Ridge Elementary and to partner with Elgin Independent School District on this exciting project,” said Brohn Homes co-founder Adam Boenig.

Harvest Ridge Elementary will be located on Harvest Ridge Boulevard, just northeast of Elgin High School.

“We look forward to how this new elementary school and the Harvest Ridge development will positively impact the City of Elgin, Elgin Independent School District, and the community as a whole. In addition, we look forward to seeing students, staff and community members thrive in their new learning environment.”

The 12-acre land site, donated by Brohn Homes, an Austin-based homebuilder and community development company, marks the first time in the school district’s history that residential developers have donated land for a public school.

The 12-acre land site, donated by Brohn

Harvest Ridge Elementary will be located on Harvest Ridge Boulevard, just northeast of Elgin High School. The new school, designed to accommodate between 800-900 students, will be built on the principles of creating a caring space, a sense of community, collaboration at the center, and a connection to the outdoors. The school is scheduled to open in Fall 2024. More information on Harvest Ridge Elementary School may be found online at www.elginisd.net/Bond

Photo by Erin Anderson

Now Open Now Open

Noble Smith Realty | 11 N. Main Street Elgin, TX 78621 | (512) 354-2524

Since 2010 I’ve been helping friends, family, new friends, and business owners fulfill their real estate needs! Whether it’s your homestead, business/ store, or investment I’m here to make your real estate dreams a reality!

LoFi Coffee House & Studio

30 N. Main Street | Elgin, TX 78621 www.loficoffeehouse.com

loficoffeestudio@gmail.com

Lo-Fi Coffee House & Studio is your local craft coffee and artisan destination. We will be offering a full-service coffee bar, handmade goods for your home, Wi-Fi, and include workshops and classes!

Wild Things Photography

203 Central Avenue | Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 980-0189

We are a photography studio specializing in portrait photography and newborn shoots. With our unique touch of occasionally incorporating live props like baby calves and bunnies, we create captivating images that capture the essence of your most precious moments. Join us as we transform cherished memories into timeless treasures, embracing the artistry of photography in our dedicated studio space.

Imagine the Possibilities in Downtown Elgin

Long Bookkeeping Solutions

2 Depot Square, Suite C | Elgin TX 78621 (512) 761-7378

kathy@longbookeepingservices.com

Long Bookkeeping Solutions has more than 30 years’ experience and specializes in supporting small businesses. They have extensive experience in tax preparation services.

coming soon

Smoking Burnouts Smoke Shop

116 N. Main Street | Elgin, TX 78621 smokingburnouts@gmail.com

Smoking Burnouts Smoke Shop was established in 2017 in the office of a motorcycle garage (hence the name).

1st mission is to keep Tobacco and Tobacco products out of the hands of minors. 2nd mission is to ensure that all of our visitors leave with the best vape or smoke experience possible, with the best price possible.

Elgin Freedom Learning Center

111 West 2nd Street

www.ephesuseducation.com

Self-directed learning community.

Depot Lounge |202 S. Ave C. Elgin TX 78621

Live music venue with food.

Find out about residential space, properties for sale or for lease and check out the Guide to Doing Business Downtown online and with Kristina Alvarez, Main Street Manager call 512-229-3232 www.elgintexas.gov or www.downtowntx.org

ACC Elgin Campus is Home to Some Unique Community College Programs

Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Elgin Campus is nestled on Hwy 290 at County Line Road, and is home to one of our most unique community college features, a 17-acre sustainable farm and greenhouse run by ACC students. The Sustainable Agriculture program at ACC is offered exclusively at Elgin Campus and includes multiple degree pathways in Central Texas’ growing agriculture economy.

Launching in Fall 2023 as a new associate degree, Farm to Table Entrepreneurship will be a partnership program between ACC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program and Culinary Arts Program. The new degree combines culinary, agriculture, and small business management courses to prepare students to start food businesses that source or grow local and sustainable agriculture products. The degree allows students to choose their electives from various agriculture and culinary courses to design their degree to fit their business needs.

More into animals? ACC’s Veterinary Technology Program –– a nationally accredited program at Elgin Campus –– prepares students for one of the fastest-growing career fields in Health Sciences. Students get hands-on experience treating animals through surgeries, dental, and treatment plans.

From core curriculum to dedicated workforce programs, the campus provides students access to various programs and courses that cater to their specific interests. Whether you want to start a new career or transfer to a four-year university, ACC’s Elgin Campus can help you achieve your goals.

ACC FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. Classes begin Monday, August 21. For information, visit austincc.edu/fall. Opened in 2013, ACC Elgin is designed to allow area residents to achieve their higher education and career goals through a wide range of college classes and hands-on career training. The campus is strategically located to serve Bastrop County and portions of Williamson and Travis counties. It’s home to dedicated, experienced faculty committed to each student’s success. Here, students can access ACC’s full menu of support services, including free tutoring, counseling, and career services.

The Sustainable Agriculture program at ACC is offered exclusively at Elgin Campus

Nationally accredited program at Elgin Campus –– prepares students for one of the fastest-growing career fields in Health Sciences

Elgin’s Annual Cardboard Boat Race

Saturday | August 26 10:00 AM – 12:00PM Morris Pool | 802 N. Ave. C

The annual Cardboard Boat Race is back with both youth and adult races! It's not too early to start planning your boat designs for either the Youth Boat Race or the Adult Boat Build Competition. There will be great designs, lots of fun and friendly competition.

YOUTH BOAT RACE:

Build your boat in advance at home and arrive by 9:45AM to check in and take photos of your boat.

ADULT BOAT SPEED BUILD COMPETITION:

Arrive no later than 10:30AM to get signed in and have supplies allotted to you. Teams will be permitted 15 minutes to build a sea-worthy boat with the supplied cardboard and duct tape.

POOL SEASON!

POOL OPENS

JUNE 5TH

For details, scan QR code below:

TO REGISTER FOR BOAT RACES

or ADULTING 101, scan QR Code below:

>> Visit elgintexas.gov and search for Morris Memorial Pool

>> On Facebook >> ElginTXParks

>> Call (512) 285-6434

>> email parks@elgintexas.gov

The Elgin Recreation Center is hosting 100% free “Adulting 101” classes every Saturday in June, July and August from 12PM – 2PM.

Adulting 101 is a series of educational sessions for participants aged 15 - 19 and are designed to be interactive and help students prepare for the new school year, college and life in the future.

Circle Brewing Grows with Elgin

We joined the Cricle Brewing team for a walk at the new Elgin Farm before the grand opening May 6. The brewery feels full of promise for them and for our growing community. We hope you enjoy a walk in the woods sharing locally crafted beer, sparkling beverages of all kinds, delicious food and a deep sense of community at The Elgin Farm 816 Lexington Road.

What sparked the idea of crafting beer?

Jud and I have been brewing beer since we were kids in Nashville, even though it started with one of those beer kits and wasn’t particularly good. So building a business around a passion seemed a natural fit.

What were you looking for that you found in Elgin?

We were looking for enough land to grow the ingredients to use in the brewing process, but also a dynamic community that we could be a part of and grow with.

What is something that people may find surprising about Circle?

We are North Austin’s oldest microbrewery! On December 9, 2010, we successfully brewed our first batch of Envy Amber. Since then, we’ve been sharing our passion for craft beer and supporting the Austin (and now Elgin!) communities.

How are your 2 locations different from and similar to each other?

Working with local organizations and charities like Equality Texas, Divine Canines, and the VFW has always been core to our brewery and we look to expand upon that at both locations. Our Austin location sits

in the hustle and bustle of North Austin, just 1500 feet from the Q2 Stadium where Austin FC plays, while our Elgin location is a relaxing destination on 23 acres. And of course, both of our locations carry only the finest Circle beer!

Tell us about the farm - walking trails, gardens etc?

Our Farm sits on 23 acres of land, with a 3/4 mile walking trail. Half of our property is wooded, and we have plenty of forest seating so that everyone can enjoy our beers while they explore our land. Our Farm and test garden sits at the front of the property right when you drive in on the left. Using our spent grain on site and farming in a sustainable and regenerative way is something that we are passionate and very excited about. As we open up, we plan on growing our own wheat, barley, and hops so that our beer is 100% Texan from farm to table and seed to glass.

How long does it take to make one of the year round beers like Envy?

It typically takes a day to go through the entire beer making process for all of our beers. After that, we need to let them ferment and condition for about 3 weeks before we are able to serve them. But each beer is different and some styles can take up to two months before they are ready.

What does creating a new beer look like? What’s that process?

It always starts with a concept, whether that is a new twist on a traditional style or trying to brew a classic style. We often try to brew beers to target a season, like heavier, darker beers in the Winter and

crisp, lighter beers in the Summer. From there, we work up a recipe and start throwing around ideas for a name. Even after all these years, naming a beer seems to be the hardest part.

What inspired Ladybird?

The Ladybird is inspired by the endless bluebonnets and slow drives through the Texas Hill Country.

Will there be an Elgin beer?

Elgin Premium Lager is the first signature beer for Elgin and it will pair perfectly with famous Elgin sausage!

What else is available at Circle drinks / food?

For non-beer drinkers we have wine and cider. For non-alcohol drinkers we offer sparkling water and soft drinks. We will also have Elgin favorite Smash Daddies on site with us permanently!

What is exciting for you about being in Elgin - raising your families here and growing Circle?

Seeing the growth in Elgin over the last few years has been incredible. We’re just excited to be a part of this community and look forward to the days ahead.

Come see us soon at 816 Lexington Road!

Circle Brewing is located at 816 Lexington Rd. Elgin, Texas 78621.

Hours of Operation: Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Small Business

by Veronica Seever, Elgin Chamber of Commerce President

As our community grows, so does the membership at Elgin Chamber of Commerce. We have been watching the trends and believe that these four businesses will play vital roles in shaping the future of our community.

BIG IMPACT Forging Their Way

T Wo the Point Blade Sharpening and Sales has been in Elgin for just over 2 years and they bring a unique perspective to a lost art. While you can go into the store and purchase a new knife, Grizz and Tana have made a name for themselves by keeping Texas sharp with hand forged knives, cutlery and more. They have been featured on a tv show called YOLO Texas and even have their own knife show that will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, September 30- October 1st. Grizz and Tana expect to have thousands of attendees and we can’t wait to check it out.

Hobby to Hustle

e have all been in awe of the work by Jess Bernstein, owner of La La Balloonza. What started as a hobby when she was decorating at home for her kids birthday parties, has become a true business hustle for Jess. Her elaborate balloon arches and decorations are the perfect photo backgrounds or a great way to make an entrance. Jess’s work has been featured at the Hyatt Regency, 150th Gala, Elgin’s New Year’s Eve Bash and more parties than we could count. She prides herself in her creativity and can make a match for any occasion.

Vision & Variety

The Clever Tiger has become quite the staple in our historic downtown. Artist and owners, Ashley and Kyle Smith, had a vision that they have brought to life. From high end art shows, to showcasing the work of Elgin students, there is always something to see at their gallery. In order to use their space to its full potential, they also host a variety of classes, camps and even adult game nights. They keep a jam packed schedule of events and sit on many boards in town. Ashley and Kyle have invigorated the art scene and the many artist that call Elgin their home.

Treasure in Trash

xTrash.com knows the importance of making a big impact in a small town. Owner Randy Ballard wowed the crowded streets during Elgin’s Christmas Parade, while his truck shot out snow like foam that made the kids squeal in excitement. After the ice storm this February, Randy stepped up immediately and provided an extreme discount to folks that needed help removing downed limbs. From trash services to demolition removal or even dirt work, (and if you are outside of the city limits) he is your go to. We think it’s a treasure to support a small business that supports the community it is in.

For more information on these businesses and all of our other members, check out our website at www.elgintxchamber.com

OnePointe Solutions Expands Operations

OnePointe Solutions, a leading laboratory and industrial furniture manufacturer, announced its business expansion in Elgin. OnePointe designs, engineers, manufactures, and installs its furniture across North America. They provide high-quality customizable solutions for use in laboratory, industrial, government, and educational settings, as well as more recently catering to the commercial sector.

In 2018, OnePointe Solutions relocated to Elgin from Austin. Currently they operate in a 63,000 square foot facility on six acres off Swenson Blvd in Elgin Business Park I. Since then they have

seen more than a 115% increase in sales and a substantial increase in its workforce The additional 18,000 square feet of warehouse space is under construction and expected to be completed by June 2023. “We’re excited about this expansion and what it means for our customers,” stated TR Costello, Vice President of Design. Costello started at OnePointe Solutions in a position on the production floor and has since been with the company for over 10 years, where he specializes in forecasting manufacturing, improving efficiency, and new product development. Today, the company employes 109 team members. The expansion will create more pro-

NowHiring!

duction capacity to fulfill orders and add to the product line. OnePointe Solutions is an integral part of the Elgin community that continues to support community efforts, including volunteering and coordination of the Annual Hogeye Festival Road Hog Car Show.

“Our commitment to providing high-quality, custom furniture solutions for commercial, industrial laboratory, government and educational settings remains unchanged. With this new addition, we will be able to better serve out customers. We are glad to continue growing in Elgin!” said TR Costello Vice President of Design.

Hey Dan! I’ve got some family coming in town for graduations and reunions over the summertime. Any suggestions on some cool places for family photos?

Well hey there loyal reader! That’s awesome! Make sure to bring them downtown for some shopping too!

For real-zies though, there’s a lot of cool places around downtown Elgin to take some family photos. Here are a few thoughts:

DOWNTOWN MURALS: So, I have a strange obsession with alleyways. It came to my attention years ago that Elgin has a lot of really atypical alleys, notably in the neighborhoods on the east side of Main Street sort of between Taylor Road and Lexington.

Now that said, I probably shouldn’t be encouraging you to just be hanging out in alleys, but when you get towards downtown proper there are a lot of cool murals in some of the alleys

There’s one of a horned toad in the alley between Independence Title and G&M Drygoods. There’s another cool one outside of Advocacy Outreach by a local artist named Tom Besson. That one is a neat take on the history of Elgin. There’s an art wall by the railroad tracks near the Depot Museum with some cool spray art on it. Please be careful by those railroad tracks though. There are trains coming through frequently. There are some newer ones right along Main Street that you can see from the road, includ-

ing one honoring Elgin’s African American community leaders on the side of the new Downtown Elgin Café & BBQ building. Take a walk around downtown and see what you can find!

MORRIS MEMORIAL PARK: Morris Memorial Park is my favorite park in town and sort of a hidden gem. It’s not terribly visible from the road, but it’s right off Avenue C, behind The Fleming Center, with the pool.

My favorite part of that park is the duck pond. There’s a cute little bridge over it that I’ve taken some pictures with friends on before and they always turn out great. It’s also a great place to play basketball since the courts there aren’t usually full when I swing by. I personally prefer the rims on those hoops because they’re like the ones I remember from the 90s that give you basically no bounce at all! For a guy like me who can’t shoot a lick, it helps.

Dan Kleiner, So I’ve got a bone to pick with you. What’s this I hear about you not hosting the Horseshoes and Washers Tournament at Western Days this year?

It’s true! After being your Horseshoes and Washers Tournament hosts for the last few years, Rachel and I are going to have to miss it this year. Why, you ask? Because we’re getting married! A friend of mine is filling in, so please be nice to him! But anyone who just wants to find a shady

place to hang out and chill for a while should stop by the Horseshoes and Washers Tournament between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. this year.

We’ll be sitting on a beach at an undisclosed location drinking colorful drinks with tiny little umbrellas in them. We’ll see y’all next year! Unless someone offers us jobs running fishing charters or solving mysteries with the help of a colorful group of local misfits!

JUNE 22-24

Dan Kleiner is originally from Houston and spent time in Wimberley, Karnes City and Madisonville before finally finding his home in Elgin in 2014. His favorite parts of living in Elgin are being able to walk around downtown, seeing all of his friends at citywide events like Western Days, the Hogeye Festival and the Farmers Market, and seeing how interesting and creative so many people are in town with their businesses, hobbies and passions.