Palo Duro Canyon State Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 233rd year of independence this 4th of July weekend, one of America's most beloved landmarks will also mark a milestone. Deemed the "Grand Canyon of Texas, " the Panhandle paradise of Palo Duro Canyon State Park is commemorating its 75th anniversary with free admission and an array of activities.
A profusion of pyrotechnics over the Pioneer Amphitheater will dot the sky red, white and blue on July 4th after a musical salute to the Lone Star state, "Texas." The same stage will rock with guitar riffs when Boz Scaggs performs on July 5th.
If you've got a hankering for some down home food, Amarillo eatery The Big Texan will serve up samples of their cuisine before both the musical extravaganza and the concert. The steak dinner costs $16.95 for adults and $12.70 for each child. Tickets to "Texas" are available, ranging from $9.95 to $29.95, while tickets for dinner and the Boz Scaggs concert run from $50 to $100. Although not required, it is recommended that attendees buy their tickets in advance.
When: July 4 - 5, 2009
For more information:• visit
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/parksFor tickets:• visit
www.texas-show.com
Post card photo from the Texastripper collectionLabels: Amarillo, July Festivals, Panhandle Plains
posted by Grace Sydney @ 1:08 PM
Stay in Amarillo and Win Cash
Headed to Amarillo this spring or summer? Your stay in a local hotel, motel or B&B could win you $1000!
The Contest: From March 1 through September 31, stay a night in an Amarillo hotel, motel or B&B, send us a copy of your receipt, and you’ll be entered in a drawing for $1,000. Stay two nights and we’ll enter your name twice; stay three nights and get three entries- up to a maximum of 10 entries for 10 nights. There will be 10 drawings during the summer, so a total of $10,000 will be given away.
“It’s a challenging time for everyone to plan a trip. But for 10 lucky winners, chances are their entire trip to Amarillo will be more than paid for,” says Jerry Holt, Vice President of the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council.
For Complete Rules:For More Information:Labels: Amarillo, Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 1:47 PM
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Town of Shamrock
St. Patrick's Day Festival
When: March 13 - 15, 2009
Where: Events take place throughout the town of Shamrock.
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the wearing of the green than with a trip to the Texas Panhandle town of Shamrock for an annual three-day salute to the Emerald Isle. Here are a few of the events listed on the Irish-themed itinerary:
Do you have the luck of the Irish? Find out as you try to win a stuffed animal at one of the midway games at the carnival after waving at the procession of floats and marching bands that promenade down Main Street during the parade.
Fans of anything on four wheels will get revved up over the Motorcycle Rally at the Shamrock Area Community Center and the Antique, Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at the Route 66 landmark U-Drop Inn.
From jigs to jams, adolescents can move feet to the beat at Area Youth Night at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center while grown ups get down at the Adult Dance, which lasts until midnight.
Irish eyes will be smiling on stage as a lineup of cute contestants participate in the Lad 'n' Lass Beauty Pageant at the Shamrock High School Auditorium. Spectators can also cheer for the winner of the Miss Irish Rose title as the beauty queen is crowned.
No festival is complete without a roster of rocking tunes. Live acts will make the kickoff banquet and the dances even more lively.
Sightseers hoping to find a souvenir of their stay in Shamrock should stroll among the vendor booths at the Arts and Crafts Show.
For more information:
• visit
www.shamrocktx.netLabels: Festivals, holidays, March Festivals, Panhandle Plains
posted by Grace Sydney @ 1:01 PM
POTD: Helium Time Columns, Amarillo
The Helium Time Columns Monument and Museum, located in Amarillo just outside the Don Harrington Discovery Center, definitely ranks as an unusual Texas sight. The four columns are filled with books and memorabilia about life in 1968. Why 1968? Why, that was the 100th anniversary of the year when helium was discovered.
To make things a little more unusual, the books are sealed in a helium-filled atmosphere, one that's not to be opened until the year 2550.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 5:24 PM
POTD: Route 66
The historic Route 66, sometimes called the Mother Road, traveled right through Amarillo, Today the stretch of that famous former route is lined with antiques shops and an attraction in its own right.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 5:18 PM
POTD: National Ranching Center, Lubbock
Early life on the plains is recalled at the National Ranching Center in Lubbock, located at Texas Tech University. The center, composed of historic buildings from throughout the region, hosts several special events throughout the year including a Christmas on the plains event which draws many visitors.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 4:34 PM
Palo Duro Canyon SP Will Remain Open This Winter
This winter season, Palo Duro Canyon State Park will remain open through the winter months. In recent years, the park closed facilities past Water Crossing #1 to public access, including many trails and campgrounds. The park also reduced staffing and hours at the front gate.
Camping & Cabins: All campsite and cabin reservations are handled through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s central reservation system at 512-389-8900 or visit
www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
Winter Hours: Winter hours for Palo Duro Canyon State Park are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The park may close occasionally due to weather. The direct phone number for the park is 806-488-2227.
TEXAS: One part of the park that will be closed this winter is the outdoor musical drama TEXAS which always closes in the winter. Its 2008 season starts in early June. For information call 806-655-2181 or visit
www.texas-show.com.
About the Park: Palo Duro Canyon State Park has grown in recent years to more than 26,000 acres, one of the largest in the state park system. It is located about 25 miles southeast of Amarillo at the end of State Highway 217. The canyon is one of the largest canyons in the U.S., stretching for miles in a northwest/southeast direction. Within the state park, the canyon’s maximum depth may reach 1,000 feet.
Activities include camping, from primitive to RV, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping (bring your own horse or, weather permitting, join a trail ride from the private stable in the park) and star gazing (the stars are very bright during the winter months). Visitors can also stay overnight in cabins on the canyon rim or in the Cow Camp located at the end of Park Road 5.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, State Parks
posted by Paris and John @ 9:04 AM
Amarillo Plans Holiday Events
Amarillo has a full calendar of holiday events during the coming weeks. We've just received an email from the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council with a rundown of the events sure to put you in a holiday mood:
- The Amarillo Little Theatre presents A Christmas Carol weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 16. For more information, call 806-355-9991 or visit www.amarillolittletheatre.org.
- Center City of Amarillo presents “Holidays in the City – Electric Light Parade” on November 30 at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 806-372-6744 or visit www.centercity.org.
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Holiday Open House is December 7 and 8. No admission charge. For more information ,call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.
- The Lone Star Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker December 7-9. All new this year. For information, call 806-372-2463 or visit www.lonestarballet.org.
- Stroll and shop along Historic Route 66 during the 2007 Holiday Festival on December 8 from 4-9 p.m. For more information, visit www.amarillo66.com.
- Enjoy the 42nd Annual Winter Night Ceremonials as the Kwahadi Indian Dancers perform on Dec. 28 & 29 at 7:30 p.m. (there’s a 4 p.m. matinee on Dec. 29). For information,, call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.
- Amarillo Symphony Uncorked returns with a bang featuring pianist John Bayless. After the concert, dance until midnight and join in a champagne toast to the New Year. For information or tickets, call 806-376-8782 or visit www.amarillosymphony.org.
- Check the complete December arts calendar in Amarillo at www.artsinamarillo.com.
For More Information on Amarillo, contact the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council:• Call 800-692-1338
• Visit
www.visitamarillotx.comLabels: holidays, Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 8:54 AM
POTD: Dugout, Palo Duro Canyon
Dugouts like this one provided shelter for early Panhandle settlers in the Palo Duro Canyon area near Amarillo.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:53 PM
POTD: Buddy Holly Statue, Lubbock
Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas as Buddy Holley (his name was misspelled as Buddy Holly on an early contract), this Lubbock legend is remembered with a statue on the downtown walk of fame.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 8:38 AM
TEXAS Drama to Start Offering Steak Dinners
You've no doubt heard of Amarillo's Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the 72 ounce steak that's free if you eat it and all the fixings. And the TEXAS outdoor drama is one of the state's largest tourist attraction and is the country's best-known outdoor drama.
This summer, the two powerhouses will partner together; visitors to the TEXAS performances can enjoy a steak dinner before the show from the Big Texan Steak Ranch. The partnership will be offered throughout the 2007 season which runs June 5 through August 18.
Prices for the steak dinner will range from $8.95 to $13.25 a person, depending on the age of the diner and whether they are part of a group pricing program. All meals are subject to an additional 6.25% tax.
Ticket prices for TEXAS will range from $10 to $27.50, depending on the location of the seat, the day of the performance and the age of the attendee.
For more information:• call the Big Texan at 806-372-6000 x 102
• call the TEXAS office at 806-655-2181
Labels: Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 10:25 AM
Amarillo Celebrates Christmas
Amarillo is gearing up for Christmas with several special events:
• The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum presents A Really Rockin' Christmas, Friday, December 1 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 2, from 2-6 p.m. Admission is free. Children's choirs and instrumentalists will sing and play in the Derrick Room and Santa will be in the People of the Plains exhibit to hear wish lists. Enjoy Pioneer Town with storytellers and guests in costume. For information call 806-651-2244.
• The Amarillo Little Theatre presents the regional premiere of the new Broadway musical A Christmas Carol, based on the story by Charles Dickens and set to a music by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, from November 30 through December 17. This will be the biggest, most spectacular production in ALT's 79-year history. For information or tickets call the ALT 806-355-9991.
• The Harrington House is open for Christmas tours through December 21. This historic home is decorated just as Mrs. Harrington did using her original decorations. Tours are Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m and 12:30 p.m. There is no charge but advance reservations are required by calling 806-374-5490. The home is located at 1600 S. Polk St.
• The Amarillo Gorillas celebrate the holidays two ways. Participate in the Bridge Foundation Toy Drive and receive a coupon for a discounted ticket to the December 19 game. Or ring in the New Year at the December 31 game, with entertainment following the game. All home games played at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum. For tickets or information call 806-378-3096.
• • Center City's annual Electric Light Parade is December 1 starting at 10th & Polk and finishing at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts for the lighting of the city tree. Parade starts at 6 p.m. with tree lighting about 7 p.m. For more information call 806-372-6744.
• The Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum hosts the Nights of Lights in the Kiva Theater in December. The Trading Post has its once-a-year sale of 25% off all gift stock from November 30 through December 23. The Winter Night Ceremonials are December 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm and at 2:30 pm on December 31.
• • The Amarillo Symphony pops its cork on New Year’s Eve, featuring tenor Eric Barry and violinist Keith Redpath. Also includes food from around the world and the popular Amarillo jazz band The Martinis performing in the lobby of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts after the concert. The night will culminate in a midnight champagne toast. Tickets (concert, food, beverages and glass of champagne) are $75. For tickets, call 806-376-8782.
• The Lone Star Ballet presents the The Nutcracker. Performances are December 8-10, three evening and two matinee, at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium. This annual treat is performed in partnership with the Amarillo Symphony. For tickets call Panhandle Tickets at 806-378-3096.
• The Amarillo Youth Choirs has its Sounds of the Season Concert on December 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Globe News Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $5 for adults; $2 for children 8 and under. Call 806-372-1100.
For More Information:• visit
www.visitamarillotx.com
Labels: Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 9:18 PM
World Championship Ranch Rodeo Coming to Amarillo
In just a few days, the 11th Anniversary World Championship Ranch Rodeo will be coming to Amarillo. Sponsored by the Working Ranch Cowboy Association (WRCA), this rodeo is unique in that its participants are the men and women who make their living on horseback on the many ranches throughout the Southwest.
Each ranch qualifies for this event by winning a regional ranch rodeo sometime during the year. A team of 4-6 hands usually competes for the ranch, but frequently the entire ranch brings family and friends with them to the event.
The Events: The ranch rodeo events, such as team branding, wild cow milking and team penning, have their roots in the regular ranch chores of 100 years ago, many of which are still performed today. As part of the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, visitors can watch the annual working Ranch Horse Show sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Journal. Great ranch horses ridden by the best cowboys, many representing legendary ranches, will go head to head in one of the toughest ranch horse competitions held in the country.
Performances: Rodeo performances are 7 p.m. on Nov. 9, 10 and 11 with a final matinee performance scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 12. Other cowboy events, open all day leading up to the rodeo performance, include a top-notch cowboy art show and sale, an authentic bit and spur show, cowboy poetry and music performances, Pokey the Clown’s Jr. Ranch Rodeo and a ranch exposition trade show.
Tickets: All events are under one roof in the Amarillo Civic Center and all events are included in one ticket price. Tickets are available through Panhandle Tickets either on-line at
www.panhandletickets.com or by phone at 806-378-3096. Ticket prices range from $15 to $24, depending on the date of the performance and the seat location. Saturday night’s performance usually sells out.
For More Information:• visit the
Amarillo CVC web site
• Visit the
WRCA web siteLabels: Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 4:53 PM
