As the second-largest state in the U.S., Texas prides itself on maintaining a spirit of individuality while celebrating the place it holds in American culture. Visitors can find something entertaining to do year-round. In January, there are a number of massive festivals and events in the state ranging from the patriotic to the relaxing.
From mid-January through February, Laredo, Texas, offers perhaps the most exciting and certainly the largest celebration in honor of George Washington's birthday. Despite the fact that the state of Texas didn't even exist when George Washington was born, Laredo has been hosting this massive party every year since 1898, drawing crowds of about 400,000 visitors each year. With a goal of promoting understanding between all Americans, this birthday bash offers activities and entertainment for people of all ages. Events typically include street festivals, music by military bands, youth dance performances, wine tastings, George Washington-themed theater performances, air shows, a carnival and plenty of parades and parties. The entire festival is punctuated by an enormous fireworks display on the last night, as any self-respecting American celebration should be.
Washington's Birthday Celebration Association
1819 E. Hillside Road
Laredo, Texas 78041
956-722-0589
main.wbcalaredo.net
The Cotton Bowl has been offering college football entertainment to fans for 75 years. Hosted at the impressive Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington and sponsored by AT&T, the game attracts nearly 100,000 fans, who come to witness the Big 12 Conference and the Southeastern Conference champions face off. There are also a number of other events happening in the area to entertain the many visitors to Arlington, including New Year's Eve celebrations and parades.
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
One Legends Way,
Arlington, TX 76011
888-792-BOWL (2695)
www.attcottonbowl.com
The Houston Boat show is hosted twice a year, in January and June. It is one of the largest boat shows in the country, usually featuring 1,000 different boats and more than 400 exhibits. Upwards of 150,000 guests visit every year. The show also features a number of seminars on topics ranging from getting a boating license to water-sports. Also offered at the show are a variety of carnival foods and entertainments, including a fishing competition for kids.
Houston Boat Show
2600 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 1000
Houston, Texas 77098
713-526-6361
www.btamh.com
Held on the historic San Antonio River Walk, the Mud Festival is certainly one of the most unique celebrations offered in Texas. In January, thousands of visitors flock to San Antonio take part in the event. It is at this time that the city Operations Department drains a section of the river for maintenance purposes. But, rather than closing off this muddy, drained portion of the river, the Paseo del Rio Tourism Association decided to host a festival in honor of the copious amounts of mud. Guests engage in mud sports, mud pageants (where the top honor is to be named Mud King and Mud Queen) and mud-art competitions. There is also a parade in honor of mud, and local bars and restaurants usually feature special celebrations during the event.
The San Antonio River Walk
110 Broadway, Suite 500
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-227-4262
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
