A Toast to Texas Family Festival at Washington-on-the-Brazos Honors the Signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence
As Texas prepares to commemorate its statehood and independence, the A Toast to Texas Family Festival will take place on March 1, 2025, at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, less than an hour away from Cypress. Presented by H-E-B, the event, which will be free to the public, celebrates the 189th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, a defining moment in Texas history.
Due to ongoing renovations at the historic site, this festival will temporarily replace the traditional Texas Independence Day Celebration, offering a scaled-down yet immersive historical experience for visitors that will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Parking and admission are free, allowing attendees to explore Texas heritage through live reenactments, entertainment, and educational demonstrations.
Commemorating the Birth of the Republic of Texas
The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, known as “Where Texas Became Texas,” marks the location where 59 delegates declared independence from Mexico in 1836, formally establishing the Republic of Texas. The convention, held amidst the backdrop of the Texas Revolution, was influenced by urgent letters from the besieged Alamo, urging delegates to finalize their work. Despite the perilous circumstances, Texas leaders, including Sam Houston, recognized the importance of securing both independence and a governing framework.
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Today, the annual Texas Independence Day celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos serves as a reminder of the state’s legacy, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the struggles and triumphs of early Texans.
Festival Highlights and Schedule
The A Toast to Texas Family Festival will feature a variety of historical reenactments, live performances, and interactive demonstrations, providing visitors of all ages with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Texas history. The event will begin with an opening ceremony at Barrington Plantation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a day filled with activities, including:
Live Entertainment
- Punch & Judy Puppet Show (11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.) – A traditional historic puppet performance adapted for modern audiences.
- Professor Gerard’s Magic Show (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.) – A classic magic act featuring illusions and family-friendly tricks.
- Professor Thompson S. Gunn’s Mystic Arts (12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.) – A theatrical stunt show with fire-eating, glass-walking, and daring performances.
Historical Reenactments & Activities
- Independence Day Dinner Party Vignette (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) – A reenactment of a historical dinner party set in the era of Texas’ independence.
- Independence Ball (2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) – A period dance featuring live music from the 1830s.
- Cannon and Musket Firings (11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.) – The Rolling Thunder historical group will demonstrate authentic 19th-century artillery.
Visitors at Washington-on-the-Brazos can enjoy lively reenactments at the A Toast to Texas Family Festival on March 1, 2025. Republic of Texas Chili Cookoff
- 2nd Annual Republic of Texas Chili Cookoff (Begins at 10:30 a.m., Judging at 1:30 p.m.) – Texas Historical Commission sites will compete for the championship belt, showcasing traditional Texas chili recipes from the 19th century.
Historical Readings & Speeches
- Readings of the Texas Declaration of Independence, historical speeches, and poetry from the 1830s will take place at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Hands-On Demonstrations
- Woodworking & Blacksmithing Demonstrations (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) – Live tradesmen demonstrationsshowcasing skills from the Republic era.
- Educational Booths – Historical organizations will present interactive exhibits and Texas history discussions.
Food trucks will be available onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing visitors with dining options throughout the day.
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The Legacy of Washington-on-the-Brazos
Washington-on-the-Brazos played a pivotal role in the formation of Texas as an independent nation. The convention that took place there in 1836 not only led to the declaration of independence but also to the drafting of a constitution that laid the foundation for the Republic of Texas.
Visitors to the state historic site can explore:
- Independence Hall – A replica of the original building where Texas delegates signed the declaration.
- Barrington Plantation – A living history farm showcasing the home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.
- Star of the Republic Museum (currently closed for renovations until mid-2025) – A museum dedicated to educating visitors about Texas’ early years.
- Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site (temporarily closed for renovations) – A preserved 19th-century stagecoach inn located in nearby Anderson, TX.
Preserving Texas History for Future Generations
The Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation, a nonprofit organization, plays a key role in preserving and promoting the state’s early history. The foundation supports educational programs, reenactments, and celebrationsthat help Texans connect with their heritage.
This event provides an opportunity for Texans to reflect on their state’s history while enjoying a family-friendly festival celebrating Texas independence. For more information, visit the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site website.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
