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The Texas Side Of Things...

published: July 23rd 2010
by: Jim Banner

Two weekends ago Mason, Texas celebrated their annual Roundup Weekend.  To be honest with you this is a big annual event for Mason consisting of a parade, a Jack Ass race around the courthouse square, the queen’s coronation and later that evening an amateur rodeo.  Now I’m guessing if you’re from a large city like San Antonio then you are probably reading this and thinking to yourself how boring!  But if you are fortunate enough to be from a small town like Mason or one of the other small towns scattered across our great state… then you know exactly what I’m talking about when it comes to small town fun.
     I really don’t know what it is about small town celebrations that make them as much fun as they are?  I guess it’s the feeling of security being around people you know while seeing the happiness and excitement on everyone’s face…especially the children.  It’s like a homecoming weekend when a lot of the people that grew up their and for whatever reason moved away, come home to see family and old friends.
    In Mason a large crowd gathers around the beautiful old courthouse which is shaded by big pecan trees and a nicely manicured lawn where they visit and wait for the parade to begin.  And you know when the parade is ready to begin because they always start the siren from one the local fire trucks and with flashing lights they lead way around the courthouse and down the street where viewers are waiting.  Local businesses sponsor most of the floats but also floats from other towns like Fredericksburg, Brady and Junction send their representatives to be in the parade which is a sign of good will.  That’s the way it been done ever since I was a little boy.
    But this year’s celebration was even more special for me because Myles, my middle daughter, competed in the Queens Coronation.  It was about seven years ago that Augusta, my oldest daughter who is now in college, competed in this same contest. Now it was my other little girl that was showing the maturity and confidence of a young lady.  She received a first place for her float decoration, she also received the Congeniality Award and was crowned a duchess…in fact I now call her the Duchess of Mill Creek Road.  No doubt about it…she is now all grown up and has turned into such a beautiful young lady but when I look at her I still see the little tomboy dressed up in her leather Pocahontas outfit that she wore ever day.
    For you that don’t have ties to a small town then I’m guessing you don’t have a clue of what I’m talking about.  But for you that do, then you can relate to why country people will always be willing to sacrifice the inconvenience of a small town for the tension associated with a big city. It’s the friendly people, the easy going lifestyle and the simple pleasures that we are fortunate enough to receive.  I’m very fortunate because I get to see and live in both environments but I always prefer it when I’m back at home in the country.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THINK TEXAS!!!