Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Sonterra since 2009. She serves her community as vice president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, recently served on the Rezoning Committee for JISD, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for five years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 2,300 members.
COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage
Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC, serves on the Community Library Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to the Williamson County ESD #5 board.
SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS
Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda A. Thornton
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
Sandra Evans • Marilee Goldoni
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Patrick St. Cin
IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne
CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
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All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com
WHO WE ARE
In an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, My Jarrell Monthly constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive—its people and their impact.
Since its inception in 2021, My Jarrell Monthly:
Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,200 homes and businesses monthly.
Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.
Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.
Has, to date, mailed more than 300,000 magazines within the 76537 area.
But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.
In every story, from first responders and community leaders to the latest events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In short, we believe My Jarrell Monthly is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.
As we roll into October here in the Lone Star State, it’s time to wish all our readers a very Happy Texas Halloween—where the pumpkins might sweat more than the kids in costume! While we’re all hoping for a cool breeze to sneak in by the 31st, let’s be honest: there’s a good chance we'll be carving jack-o'lanterns in 90-degree weather. Fingers crossed for a cold front, but until then, enjoy your spooky season with iced cider, sun hats, and plenty of shade!
5:00-7:00pm Pumpkin Patch at the Pool
Come dressed in your costume, scoop a pumpkin from the pool, and snap a photo with one of the Sanderson Sisters! $5 per pumpkin
7:30pm
KIDS & EDUCATION
Beyond Carving:
Pumpkins As Art
Sponsored by InnerSpace Cavern
ASK A PRO:
Jarrell Montessori Why Every Family Needs a Motto
Local Fall Events
Wilco Fair & Rodeo
WORTH THE DRIVE
Texas Renaissance Festival
NEIGHBOR LEIGH
Participation Trophies of Adulthood
PARTING SHOT
My Jarrell Monthly's Most Faithful Readers
ANTHONY CHIROPRACTIC
Personalized chiropractic care, pain relief, and wellness solutions for Jarrell families, helping patients achieve optimal health, mobility, and balance through compassionate, professional treatment.
AnthonyChiro.com/Jarrell-tx 512-883-8048 DTC AIR CONDITIONING
DTC provides advanced HVAC solutions with Carrier® factory- authorized service, expert technicians, and a commitment to innovation, training, and 100% customer satisfaction.
DTCTexas.com 512-887-5091
HALL'S ROOFING & SHEET METAL
Family owned since 1939. Roofing professionals specializing in full-service roof repair, installation, and replacement.
HallsRoofing.net 512-864-7579
JARRELL MONTESSORI
Offering academic and loving care of children from infancy to 5 years old. Jarrell Montessori... Where Families Belong! JarrellMontessori.com
Director@JarrellMontessori.com
8 TH NOVEMBER
10AM-4PM
Vendors 10AM-4PM
Outdoor Games & Crafts for Kids 10AM-4PM Charles Braun Veterans Museum Noon-4PM LIVE Music by JRs Jukebox Noon-4PM Free Hotdogs & Hambrugers Noon-2PM
Cornhole Tournament 1PM
&
KIDS & EDUCATION
by Camy Reynolds
CHALKBOARD PUMPKIN
Pumpkin (real or artificial)
Black chalkboard paint (or spray paint version)
Paintbrush or foam brush (if not spraying)
Chalk (regular or colored)
Damp cloth or eraser
Give your pumpkins a playful twist this year with easy, kid-friendly decorating ideas that make holiday prep as fun as the festivities themselves.
AROUND THE HOUSE PUMPKIN
Choose Your Pumpkin: Pick one with a flat side so decorations will stick better. Wipe it clean and dry.
Plan the Face: Before gluing, lay out googly eyes, a pom-pom nose, and a felt mouth to see how it looks. Move pieces around until you like the expression.
Choose Your Pumpkin: Pick a pumpkin with a smooth surface. The smoother it is, the easier it will be to write and draw on.
Prep the Surface: Wipe the pumpkin clean and dry. If it has a glossy finish, lightly sand it so the paint sticks better.
Apply the Chalkboard Paint: Brush or spray on a thin, even coat of chalkboard paint. Let it dry completely (usually 1–2 hours). Apply a second coat for solid coverage.
Cure the Surface: Once dry, rub a piece of chalk sideways all over the pumpkin, then wipe it off. This “seasons” the paint so drawings erase cleanly.
Decorate & Redecorate! Use chalk to draw faces, doodles, or messages. Wipe off with a damp cloth and start over as many times as you like.
VARIATIONS
Use colored chalk for extra fun.
Add stripes or shapes by taping off sections before painting.
Write countdowns like “Days Until Halloween!”
Attach the Eyes: Glue on googly eyes or buttons. For a silly look, try different-sized eyes or place them crooked.
Make the Nose: Use a pom-pom, bead, or rolledup piece of felt. Glue it in the center under the eyes.
Add a Mouth: Cut a smile, frown, or silly teeth from felt/foam. Glue below the nose.
Create Hair or Accessories: Glue yarn, feathers, or pipe cleaners on top for crazy hair. Bend pipe cleaners into mustaches, glasses, or whiskers. Add a little hat, bow, or crown for extra fun.
Final Touches: Use paint pens or markers to add freckles, eyebrows, or rosy cheeks.
Let It Dry: Give the glue time to set before moving the pumpkin.
VARIATIONS
Animal Faces: Cat with pipe cleaner whiskers, dog with felt ears, or owl with big button eyes.
People Faces: Yarn hair, pom-pom noses, paper glasses, even mini hats.
Cut the top or bottom with a serrated knife and scoop seeds and pulp until the inside walls are fairly smooth and thin (~ 1 inch thick).
With washable marker, draw dots or outlines—simple shapes (hearts, stars, circles) or patterns (spirals, constellations, nature).
Choose Drill Bits: Small bits = pinprick twinkle lights • Larger bits = bold circles of light. Mix sizes for visual interest.
Place pumpkin on a steady surface, hold the drill straight and gently press through at each marked spot. Wipe pumpkin skin clean as you go (it may become damp or slippery).
DRILLED PUMPKIN
Create Patterns: For geometric: evenly spaced rows or spirals. For nature-inspired: outline a leaf or flower with drilled holes. For freestyle: random dots give a starry night look.
Light It Up: Place a candle or LED light inside. For brighter glow, cluster multiple battery tea lights or use a string of fairy lights.
Display: Turn off surrounding lights to really see the glowing patterns. Perfect for walkways, porches, or as a table centerpiece.
VARIATIONS
Use painter’s tape: Stick tape to the pumpkin, draw your design on it, then drill through. When you peel it off, the pumpkin looks cleaner.
Colored light: Try LED lights in orange, purple, or green for extra Halloween flair.
Double-layer pattern: Drill larger holes first, then fill the spaces with tiny pinholes for depth.
SHAVING CREAM GHOST PUMPKIN
Small pumpkin (white works best, but any color will do)
Foaming shaving cream
Bowl or tray (for the mess!)
Plastic spoon or Popsicle stick
Black construction paper, felt, or googly eyes
Glue or tape
Prepare the Pumpkin: Wipe pumpkin clean and dry. Place on a tray or plate for easy cleanup.
Make the Foam “Ghost” Coating: Spray shaving cream into a bowl. Kids can stir with a spoon or stick for extra fluff.
Cover: Spread the shaving cream all over the pumpkin to create a ghostly, puffy look. (The mess is part of the fun!)
Add the Face: Stick on googly eyes, or cut out big oval eyes and a mouth from black paper/felt. Lightly press them into the shaving cream so they stay in place.
Optional Sparkle: Sprinkle glitter on top while the shaving cream is still wet for a magical ghost effect.
Display & Play: Let kids admire their ghost pumpkin!
Note: shaving cream will dry out in a day or two, so this is more of a temporary, sensory project than a long-lasting decoration.
FAMILY EVENTS FAMILY EVENTS
FAMILY PIZZA & PAINT PARTY
Saturday, October 18
American Legion | 201 FM 487 | Jarrell 3pm-5:30pm
Create a cute or spooky work of art on 8x10 canvas.
$10-All supplies provided with several designs to choose from.
Scan to register
CCC Fall Festival
Hosted by Cactus Cantina & Coffeehouse
Saturday, October 25
375 CR 3001 | Jarrell 11am - 8pm Free Entrance
Food, Games & Crafts, Food Trucks & Vendors, Pumpkin Patch & Hay Maze, Carving & More
Games, Featuring Tyce Delk
Scan for More Info
HOCUS POCUS AT THE PARK
Friday, October 17th
Cool Water Amenity Center 401 Fighting Seabees Run | Jarrell
5:00pm - 7:00pm Pumpkin Patch at the Pool Come dressed in your costume, scoop a pumpkin from the pool and snap a photo with a Sanderson Sister! 7:30pm "Double, Double Toil & Trouble..."
Enjoy a FREE showing of Hocus Pocus on the big screen! Bring blankets, chairs & favorite snacks
FALL FESTIVAL
Hosted by Upwards Church
Saturday, October 18
1460 CR 313 | Jarrell
1pm - 4pm | Free Event
nBounce Houses, Cake Walk, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Games & Prizes, Hay Rides, Balloons, Popcorn, Cotton Candy & Hot Dogs
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Hosted by Jarrell Community Church Sunday, October 26 801 County Road 314 | Jarrell 4pm - 6pm
Trunk or Treat
Hosted by Wilco ESD #5
Saturday, October 25
Jarrell Fire Station 1 212 N 5th Street | Jarrell 5pm - 7pm
Scan for Registration Info
Fall Festival
Hosted by Kids'Zone
Kids'Zone West Friday, October 17 ∙ 6:30pm
Kids'Zone Downtown Friday, October 24 ∙ 6pm
Kids'Zone East
Thursday, October 30 ∙ 6:30pm
MILITARY APPRECIATION DINNER
Saturday, November 8
Upwards Church | 1460 CR 313 | Jarrell
For Active Duty Military & Veterans & Family | Also including spouses & immediate family of deceased military veterans. Scan to register - Please RSVP with QR code by November 1
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
by Ann Marie Kennon
• photos courtesy Kelley Hernandez-Host
A LEGACY OF TRADITION, COMMUNITY, and FAMILY FUN
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO • OCTOBER 22-25
When the gates swing open at the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, families from across Central Texas are welcomed into more than just a weekend of rodeo, music, and carnival rides. They’re stepping into a living tradition—one rooted in Williamson County’s heritage and built for the generations to come.
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Fair & Rodeo has cemented its place as the premier fall event in the county.
“We’re not just putting on a fair...” Executive Director Kelley Hernandez-Host
“We’re bringing together tradition, family fun, and quality entertainment while spotlighting our youth, agriculture, and history. It’s everything that makes Williamson County special.”
BUILDING A LEGACY
The story of this event is one of vision, persistence, and community support. Early champions—including Kelley, Board President Nathan Winstead, Scott Heselmeyer, and former County Judge Dan A. Gattis—saw the potential of a countywide fair and rodeo. Together with the leadership of Clint Chitsey, then executive director of the Expo Center, they navigated the red tape, secured county support, and laid the foundation for what would become a legacy event.
Nathan, who has worked in farm credit for over a decade, sees the event as a means of preserving rural America and passing on heritage. “Being part of this from the beginning has been a privilege,” he says. “We wanted to create something that not only entertains but also preserves our agricultural roots and showcases the best of Williamson County.”
Judge Gattis is known across Texas for his leadership at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo before serving as county judge. He was instrumental in paving the way for the Fair & Rodeo’s launch and his legacy continues to shape its growth. Kelley adds, "This event would not be possible without the help and support from the very beginning from Judge Gattis and the Commissioners Court who provided the initial seed money."
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
YOUTH AT THE CENTER
From the start, the Fair & Rodeo has been about more than broncs and bulls. Each year organizers ask, “How can we involve more kids?” The answer has led to scholarships, hands-on exhibits, and new traditions that help prepare the next generation.
Over just five years, the association has awarded $50,000 in scholarships to local students. The addition of the Children’s Business Fair, coordinated by Stephanie Tyler of Round the Rock, gives young entrepreneurs a platform to test their ideas and practice old-fashioned business skills—shaking hands, making eye contact, and pitching products face to face. Some participants have already turned their projects into thriving businesses.
“Watching those kids light up as they introduce themselves and share their work— it gives me hope,” Kelley says. “These aren’t kids hiding behind screens. They’re engaging, confident, and ready to build something lasting.”
A WEEKEND FOR EVERYONE
The rodeo itself is October 22-25 at the Williamson County Expo Center, drawing competitors and families alike. Thursday is Veterans Night, with free admission and special recognition of service members. Friday and Saturday bring live music with local acts like Suede, All Hat No Cadillac, and rising Georgetown artist El Townley, recently nominated as Texas Young Artist of the Year. Family favorites like mutton bustin’, pig races, and the petting zoo return, while new features like the Bill Pickett Barbecue Cookoff and Adventureland’s hands-on Ag experiences broaden the fun.
And then there are the traditions in the making—like “Old Blue,” a vintage pickup decorated as a photo stop. Families pose year after year, creating mile-marker memories that echo what the fair is all about: continuity, connection, and community.
GENERATIONAL IMPACT
For Kelley, Nathan, and their team, the Fair & Rodeo is about creating something that will endure. “We’re already planning next year before this year's event even begins,” Kelley admits. “We want this to be a 125-year tradition for Williamson County, the kind of event families grow up with and pass on.”
Sponsors and volunteers play a critical role in sustaining that vision. From local businesses that invest in scholarships to headline sponsor Nyle Maxwell, whose contributions help attract top rodeo talent, the event thrives because the community rallies around it.
As Williamson County grows, the Fair & Rodeo stands as a reminder of what makes this place unique: a blend of history, hard work, and heart. It’s a weekend of fried food and carnival lights, yes—but more importantly, it’s an investment in the future, in the kids, and in the spirit of Texas itself.
Founders’ Legacy
The Williamson County Fair & Rodeo was built on vision and persistence. Early champions who helped Judge Gattis bring the dream to life:
Scott Heselmeyer was instrumental in the organizational groundwork and early planning.
Clint Chitsey, former executive director of the Expo Center, who provided leadership in the venue’s launch and support for the rodeo’s start.
Nathan Winstead, founding board member and now president, committed to preserving rural heritage and youth involvement.
Kelley Hernandez-Host, executive director of the association, has shepherded the event into its fifth anniversary and beyond.
Together, these leaders laid the foundation for a generational celebration of community, tradition, and Texas spirit.
FROM SURVIVAL to SPORT
TRACKING THE TRADITION OF HUNTING
WHAT MAKES TEXAS
“TEXAS”?
by Linda A. Thornton
Long before brisket and Friday night lights, hunting defined the way Texans lived, worked, and passed down traditions. From bison on the open plains to white-tailed deer in the Hill Country, the pursuit of game has shaped not only survival but also culture, conservation, and even the state’s economy. Today, hunting remains a thread that ties generations together—part heritage, part sport, and all Texas.
BISON
Once upon a time, the American buffalo was Texas’ all-inone resource—meat, hides, and bones for tools. On the open plains, Paleoindians hunted them with stone-tipped spears, and later, Native tribes perfected communal methods like the buffalo jump. Early settlers declared Texas “a hunting paradise,” and professional hunters supplied booming markets until bison were nearly wiped out. Today, their story is less about harvest and more about heritage—reminding Texans of the deep ties between survival and stewardship.
DEER
White-tailed deer are practically woven into Texas identity. Native peoples hunted them with patience and ritual; settlers relied on them for food and hides. By the early 20th century, however, unregulated hunting drove deer numbers to dangerously low levels. Enter conservation: the Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission (now Texas Parks and Wildlife) rebuilt populations with laws, stocking programs, and habitat management. The result? Texas is now home to more white-tails than any other state—about 3-4 million animals—and deer season is a rite of passage for countless families.
FERAL HOGS & DOVE
Not all game is a success story. Feral hogs, descendants of domestic pigs gone wild, are destructive invaders. They tear up fields, spread disease, and multiply at staggering rates. Because of that, hunters are allowed to pursue them year-round, even by helicopter, in a uniquely Texan blend of necessity and adventure.
By contrast, mourning and white-winged doves bring another tradition—Texas leads the nation in dove harvests, with opening weekend often resembling a statewide holiday.
TALK THE TALK
Some Hunting Terminology
Bag limit: The maximum number of animals you may legally harvest in a day or season.
Blind: Camouflaged shelter used to conceal hunters.
Button buck: A young buck with small antler nubs.
Glassing: Scanning the landscape with binoculars or a spotting scope to locate game.
Harvest: Ethical term for successfully taking game.
Rutting: Breeding season for deer when bucks are most active.
Skunked: Returning from a hunt without harvesting any game.
A LICENSE TO LONGEVITY
If hunting sounds like “old Texas,” here’s the modern twist: it still shapes the future. Texas leads the country in hunting licenses sold, and 100 percent of those dollars are reinvested in conservation through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. That provides funding for:
Wildlife management that keeps game herds healthy
Land and habitat conservation across millions of acres
Texas Game Wardens enforcing laws and keeping the outdoors safe.
Every license purchased is an investment in tomorrow’s Texas.
DID YOU KNOW?
Deer Country: Texas has more white-tailed deer than any other state—over 3–4 million animals.
License Leader: Texas sells more hunting licenses than any other state.
Opening Day Energy: On the first weekend of dove season, more than 250,000 hunters head to Texas fields.
Hog Wild: Feral hogs cause an estimated $500 million in damage to Texas farms and ranches each year.
Big Land, Big Hunts: The legendary King Ranch covers 825,000 acres—bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
TEXAS HUNTING TRADITIONS
TRACKING TEXAS CULTURE & RITUALS
Hunting here isn’t just for landowners or big spenders. It is an inexpensive and family-oriented opportunity. The annual public hunting permit ($48) opens more than one million acres for family-friendly hunting.
But, hunting in Texas is more than a pastime—it’s a cultural marker. From family deer leases to wild game dinners, from youth hunter education to conservation funding, the tradition reflects what makes Texas, Texas: wide-open land, respect for natural resources, and the understanding that something as old as survival still has the power to bring people together.
For most hunters, the sole purpose isn’t the kill— it’s the chase, the camaraderie, and the camp. The real reward comes in the packing, the traveling, and the time away with friends and family. In the woods, skills are sharpened: eyesight fine-tuned, hearing honed, patience tested. Passing those lessons to the next generation becomes a rite of passage, sometimes complete with a family’s own version of hand signals or whispered “sign language” to communicate quietly during the hunt.
Tradition also finds its way into the gear. A blaze-orange hat, vest, or jacket—required by law to be worn for safety—is often passed down to a young hunter, with the explanation that while the fluorescent color is highly visible to people, deer see it only as shades of brown or gray. Along with the gear comes a deeper lesson: the responsibility of a hunter is not only in the taking of an animal but in the respectful practice of field dressing and preparation.
And for some, even ancient customs live on. Dating back centuries, the “blooding” ritual is still observed, where the blood of a first harvest is smeared on a hunter’s face as a mark of respect, celebration, and initiation into a tradition that binds generations together.
contributed by Shannon Black
WHY EVERY FAMILY NEEDS A MOTTO (AND HOW TO CREATE YOURS)
Back when I would say goodbye before my son, John, got on the bus in his early elementary years, I realized I needed something more to set the tone for his day. I asked him what our family motto was before he left for school.
“Work hard, act nice.” Short, sweet, and easy to remember – and a reminder of our family values.
After talking it over with my husband, Rob, we decided this phrase summed up what we wanted for our family — effort and kindness. Every morning, I would say, “I love you, have a great day! What’s our family motto?” And John would proudly respond, “Work hard, act nice.”
After a while of this, he sometimes tried to sneak out the door without saying it. But I wasn’t about to let that slide. If I had to chase him down the street in my pajamas or loudly declare to the neighbors all the reasons I loved my son, I had no shame. Embarrassment can be a powerful motivator. “Jeez, Mom! Stop! We work hard and act nice! There, I said it! You know people can SEE you, right?”
Mission accomplished.
WHY IS A FAMILY MOTTO IMPORTANT?
Part tradition/part parenting tool, a family motto shapes identity and character over time!
A strong family motto:
Gives your child a sense of identity
Guides them when they’re unsure
Builds character and confidence
Think of it as part roadmap, part shield. Just as good manners protect children when you’re not around, a family motto can serve as a guide for life.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FAMILY MOTTO
Ready to start your own tradition? Gather your family around and ask:
Who are we at our best?
How do we want people to describe us when we’re not in the room?
What do we do when tested or challenged?
Write down everyone’s answers, then brainstorm words or short phrases that capture those ideas. The best mottos are short, clear, and easy for kids to remember — like a family tagline.
Examples could be:
Always kind, doing what’s right
Work hard, play fair
Love big, laugh often
Over time, repeating these words becomes second nature. They remind your child who they are, even when you’re not around.
OUR FAMILY'S MOTTO
For us, “Work hard, act nice” is more than just words. It’s the compass we’ve tried to live by as parents and the reminder our 21-year-old carries with him as he navigates life as a young adult.
Out of all the things I’ve given my son, this is the one I’m most proud of. Well… that, and the unforgettably frightening image of his mom sprinting down the street barefoot as he tried to escape her. Love (and the need to hear the family motto) can make a mom do crazy things.
~ Shannon Black, founder/co-owner of Jarrell Montessori. You can read this blog post and many others at JarrellMontessori.com.
Texas Renaissance Festival
21778 FM v Todd Mission, TX
The Nation’s Largest Renaissance Festival
Now in its fifth decade, the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, Texas (just outside Houston) is the largest event of its kind in the country, drawing more than a half-million visitors each year. The sprawling 55-acre village was built to feel like an authentic European town square, complete with cobblestone lanes, castle gates, wooden bridges, and more than 400 shops, stages, and food booths. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by performers who never break character, whether they’re jesters, pirates, or wandering royalty.
by Ann Marie Kennon
Step through the gates of the Texas Renaissance Festival and you’ll feel as if you’ve left modern life behind and entered a bustling 16th-century village — one filled with costumed characters, delicious food, lively music, and more merriment than a king’s court could muster.
Just 2.5 hours from Jarrell, this October getaway offers an experience that is equal parts fantasy, history, and family fun.
Themed Weekends for Every Taste
Each weekend in October offers a fresh reason to return. Oktoberfest kicks things off with bratwurst, polka dancing, and beer fit for Bavarian lords. "1,001 Dreams" fills the grounds with fairies and elves for a magical escape, while Pirate Adventure invites you to raise a mug of grog with swashbucklers. The Halloween-ready All Hallows Eve weekend features costume contests, spooky performances, and just enough chills to make it festive fun for the whole family. These themes keep the festival fresh and give guests a chance to return dressed in costumes that match the mood.
Feast Like Royalty
One of the festival’s biggest draws is its food. Where else can you find giant turkey legs, Scotch eggs, crepes, roasted nuts, steak on a stake, and international dishes from Greek gyros to Polish pirogies? Add in mead, craft beers, and themed cocktails, and you’ve got a culinary adventure around every corner. The festival also hosts special dining events, including tea with the queen or a royal wine tasting.
Entertainment That Fills the Day
There are more than 200 daily performances across 20 stages and visitors can cheer for armored knights in a full-contact joust, laugh at bawdy comedy troupes, or tap a foot to Celtic music. There are fire eaters, jugglers, acrobats, and magicians, along with family-friendly shows designed to keep kids
WORTH THE DRIVE
entertained. Shoppers will enjoy browsing handmade jewelry, leather goods, clothing, art, and unique treasures you won’t find in a mall.
Make It a Weekend
For those who want to linger, the festival offers its own campground just outside the gates. Many visitors treat it like a weekend retreat, arriving Friday night and enjoying bonfires, drum circles, and themed camping communities. If you prefer more comfort, nearby towns like Magnolia and Conroe have plenty of hotel options.
Perfect Timing
October is the ideal time to visit. The Texas heat is finally breaking, the themes are especially festive, and the fall air makes wandering the shaded grounds even more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a unique date, a family outing, or a chance to gather friends for a road trip, it is a celebration that offers something for everyone.
WHEN: Weekends, October 11 – December 1 (plus Friday after Thanksgiving). Gates open 9am–8pm, rain or shine.
TICKETS: Advance online purchase at TexRenFest.com recommended, often cheaper than onsite. Children under 13 free on Sundays.
PARKING: On-site parking available; preferred lots and shuttle service are extra.
MONEY: Many vendors accept cards, but cash is handy for food stalls and smaller purchases. ATMs onsite.
ATTIRE: Costumes welcome but not required. Comfortable shoes are a must—the grounds are large and unpaved. October weather can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings, so dress in layers.
FAMILY TIPS: Strollers and wagons allowed, but expect uneven terrain.
by Ann Marie Kennon
"PARTICIPATION TROPHIES" of ADULTHOOD
Apparently adulthood has its own participation trophy system, and it’s called customer satisfaction surveys. They slip into your inbox or get left on your doorknob like my most recent sacred parchment: “Please rate your pest control experience from 1 to 10.”
This time, I wasn’t even home. I have no idea if he annihilated hornets and fire ants with the cold intensity of a Terminator, or if he just stood in my driveway playing Candy Crush. He did leave a checklist that basically said, “Yes, I did the things.” So I gave him an 8. Respectable. Solid. That’s a “you did your job and I have no complaints.”
But no. An 8 in the hellscape of our Yelp-verse was apparently throwing shade. The survey system spat back: “We’re sorry you weren’t happy with your service.” Dude? I wasn’t unhappy—I was just grading like a reasonable adult. Since when does “8—leaving room for improvement because only Jesus is perfect” land on customer service ears like total collapse? Rigged ratings turn “feedback” into a test of my perceptions rather than his fearless face-offs with spiders and wasps.
But since I gave him an 8 for “killed bugs appropriately” and not a 10 for “Yard awash in palmetto bug carcasses and I want to write him into my will,” I’m left wondering if on his next visit he’ll do the pest control equivalent of spitting on my hamburger.
I once had a boss who was considered too harsh for giving competent employees 3 out of 5 stars on annual reviews. But was he wrong? His scale: 3 meant “you did what you’re paid for,” 4 meant “you do the work of three people,” and 5 meant “you walk on water with the building on your back.” Thanks to our high school GPA trauma, “average” feels like failure. But a 3 is actually fine, poppets— it’s called doing your job.
everything was fine—but there was an inevitable follow-up question: “What went wrong?” Okay, patient portal, maybe next time the doctor could burst in with his hair on fire, wave a wand, and cure my arrhythmia for all time. Then Ryan Reynolds hands me a cup of tea and a $40 co-pay for being such a delightful patient. That will be a 10.
But customer surveys don’t want honesty—just inflated reviews in exchange for a free pen or 5 percent off my next blood panel. They know we don’t have time to craft essays about every haircut and oil change, but they’ll still brag about a b’zillion 5-star ratings on Google. It seems a 10 isn’t excellence anymore; it’s the minimum grade to prove you’re not a raging Karen demanding to speak with the manager.
And those Google ads? They’re about as trustworthy as Amazon reviews—the ones where every off-brand blender, vitamin, and heated eyebrow massager gets five stars because people were bribed with a $5 gift card or a free garlic peeler.
So here we are: swimming in a sea of fuzzy 5s and 10s, where “meh, functioned as expected” gets filed under “customer deeply dissatisfied.” A 6–8 should mean “you did your job.” If you want a 10, that’s extra credit—juggle fire ants, turn my heart into an Olympian muscle, and don't forget my coupon.
Participation trophies for children at least come with a plastic figurine. Participation trophies for adults? Just a guilt trip and endless explaining to avoid hurt feelings.
Really, wouldn't most of us prefer an honest review? Maybe plant Leigh somewhere on a scale between zero and Nate Bargatze so I know whether I'm just skating by here in the back pages or actually landing the jokes. Nothing like people politely nodding then rolling their eyes at all these talks when Leigh's back is turned.
And it’s not just household help. I once gave my cardiologist a 9 out of 10—because again, great visit,
P.S. - You get an un-ironic 10 for reading to the end!
PARTING SHOT
by Camy Reynolds
Our publishers recently had the pleasure of running into Don and Rosie Litman, a wonderful couple who call Jarrell home. They shared that they have collected every single issue of My Jarrell Magazine since we began publishing in 2021! Don and Rosie told us how much they enjoy the stories in each issue and how they’ve learned so much about our community through the pages of the
magazine. From local events to updates on businesses and exciting things on the horizon, My Jarrell has become their go-to source for staying in the know. Hearing how the magazine connects with readers like Don and Rosie is exactly why we do what we do—it reminds us of the importance of sharing stories that strengthen our community and bring 76537 closer together.
Summer's Still Sessionin
Jarrell Animal Hospital serves to deliver gold standard veterinary medicine with a best practice approach.
JAH Memorial Garden
We are currently building our Jarrell Animal Hospital Memorial Garden to serve our clients and the Jarrell Community. Please stop by to visit when you have a moment to enjoy the tranquility of our brand new garden!
