RV-ing the National Parks
By Michael & Kelly Moad
If you’ve ever dreamt of hitting the open road and exploring America’s natural wonders, RVing through the national parks is your golden ticket. Let’s start where it all began: Yellowstone. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, and it’s still a
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Adventure on Wheels!
Magana Family Honored at Fort Bend County Fair
One of Crystal Beach’s very own is part of this honor – Sharon Magana McCurdy
It’s a family affair. The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo’s 2024 Fair honorees will be the Magana Family. Family patriarch Sam Magana and his 8 adult children, Sammy, Roland, Wallace, Melinda, Ricky, Sandra, Sharon, and Barbara have long supported the
Town Hall Meeting brings large crowd
Over three hundred Bolivar residents and property owners packed Crystal Beach Community Church on Monday evening to participate in a Town Hall Meeting organized to discuss issues relating to the recent ‘Jeep Weekend’ and explore ideas to prevent the illegal and destructive behavior during this out of control weekend. Over the last six years, statistics show an increase in
Community Sizzles at Annual Port Bolivar VFD BBQ Cookoff
This weekend, the Annual Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department BBQ Cookoff brought the community together under warm and sunny skies. Fourteen teams fired up the pits to compete in categories like beans, chicken, ribs, and brisket. Adding a little variety, Friday night featured fajitas, and Saturday morning kicked off with Bloody Marys. While the teams cooked, visitors inside
Skyle’s Journey
Setting a World Record for the Most Signatures on a Car
Skyle, the record seeker behind Skyle Hair, is on a mission to set a new Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a car. His journey, marked by a deep commitment to spreading hope and unity, brought him recently to Galveston, Texas, where we had the chance to meet and witness his inspiring campaign firsthand. Skyle aims
OK…Mosquitos
by Kelly Moad
If there’s one life form on Earth that almost everyone could agree needs obliterating, it’s mosquitos.
Many know that the Texas State Bird is the Mockingbird…or is it the Mosquito? It’s hard to tell sometimes, even at the beach. We all love the beach, and mosquitoes do too. Water is a necessary part of the
Entergy’s Generosity Brings Relief from Summer Heat to Bolivar Peninsula Residents
Entergy, our local electricity provider, is once again demonstrating its commitment to the community by gifting fans to those in need. Last Wednesday, 75 fans were delivered to Crystal Beach Community Church (CBCC), which will coordinate their distribution to help residents beat the summer heat. This generous initiative is greatly appreciated, as it provides essential relief
Treasures of the Texas Coast
2024 Adopt-A-Beach Children’s Art Contest Winners!
Each year, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) invites all Texas students in grades K-6 to participate in the Annual Children’s Art Contest. Artwork is based on the theme “Treasures of the Texas Coast” and should depict why the Texas coast is important or special to the student. The purpose of this contest is to
Festival Park gets a new name
The Texas Crab Festival Charities is excited to announce the naming rights sponsorship agreement with Swedes Real Estate for Festival Park located in the heart of Crystal Beach. Under this 10 year agreement, the Festival Grounds will be known as “Swedes Park.” Temporary Signage will be put in place for the Texas crab Festival and a permanent signage will be ordered.
TCFC and FOE team up
Texas Crab Festival Charities and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Sandpiper #3719 Aerie have entered into an Agreement to ensure the preservation of Swedes Park to provide a lasting venue that Bolivar Residents can be proud of for years to come. Swedes Park & The Pavilion at Swedes Park is a growing venue hosting various Community events as well as the annual Texas Crab Festival.
Swinging Success
Recap of the Soaring Eagles Golf Tournament
The Soaring Eagles Golf Tournament took flight last Saturday at The Range, drawing 42 enthusiastic golfers ready to showcase their skills. Teams were formed through a random draw the night before, adding an element of suspense to the competition. Despite battling windy conditions, participants eagerly took on the challenge, vying for
The Bolivar Beach Report, sweet April Edition
And the countdown to the Crabbiest Festival in the world
By J. Lee Austin
There oughta be a name for the lull on the peninsula in between the wild and crazy Spring Break and the summertime shebang … perhaps we could call it something like … the annual Slow-tweener. Ok maybe I’ll work on that some more. While things are certainly slower, excitement is building. Could be all about the
Eagles and Salty Mermaid join together
By Linda Elissalde
Fraternal Order of Eagles 3719 (FOE) hosted a second Salty Mermaid Style Show. The success of an earlier one prompted requests for a second. An SRO crowd agreed that the April 17th presentation was just as fantastic as the first one. Money from this event supports Eagles multiple charities. FOE President, and Chamber of Commerce
Birds of a Feather
By Elinor Tinsley
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, a group of 37 of us “birds of a feather”, including 22 Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation members, 14 guests and our illustrious speaker, Winnie Burkett, went to the Smith Oaks Sanctuary (Rookery) in High Island to immerse ourselves in the spectacle of this one of a kind place alongside birders from
Community Excellence Shines at the Chamber Awards Banquet
The Bolivar Peninsula Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet “Night with the Stars” was a hit on Wednesday night. It was a packed house as the community turned out in their finest attire to honor the Educator, Volunteer, Business, and Citizen of the Year. Jose’s Cantina was transformed into a Hollywood-like setting, setting the stage for an evening of recognition and celebration.
A Smokin’ Good Time
By Jim Denys
Wow what a great weekend for some awesome BBQ on the Bolivar Peninsula!! A tremendous turnout for the Crawfish Boil Friday Night while listening to Hamilton Loomis and again Saturday for the fabulous Crenshaw Children Performers, Chicken Poop Bingo, Silent Auction, Live Auction, as well as the best BBQ on the
Easter Sunrise Service
Inspiring Music, Celebration, Scholarships
For over 30 years, the Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by the Ministerial Alliance on Bolivar, was held on the beach. Last year, weather and tides forced a move to Camp Margaritaville Park. At its new home, the annual Sunrise Service continued this cherished tradition. Lawn chairs and blankets were set on the infield around the stage as
When a Turkey is a Good Thing
By Elinor Tinsley
Did you know three strikes in a row in bowling is called a Turkey? Well, when a group from the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation went on our outing last week to the Galveston Primetime Bowling Alley on the Seawall, several of our players knew the term, but sadly, none of our 16 participants were able to
Oh! The People You’ll Meet At THE BIG STORE
By Linda Elissalde
What was it? Military Carrier? Strange RV? Something from Outer Space? I had never seen anything like this unique vehicle. AND, it was parked in front of THE BIG STORE in Crystal Beach, Texas. There was a young lady sitting in the passenger seat. So, standing on
The Totally Sparkling Bolivar Beach Report
A Dazzling Display of Dinoflagellates …it was LIT y’all!
By J. Lee Austin
Spring breakers were treated to something special last week when a cute little dinoflagellate named Noctiluca scintillans (aka Sea Sparkle) went into full bloom and lit up the otherwise dark night beach waves in a breathtaking display of luminescent beauty. Words cannot fully
Swing for the Fences
The Majesty and Challenge of Baseball
By Mike Moad
As the weather warms and flowers bloom, baseball season ignites the passion of fans across the globe. With 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams competing, the sport weaves a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and excitement. Baseball’s roots extend deep into American history,
Battleship Texas Refloated in Galveston
The Battleship Texas was successfully refloated in Galveston after being docked for the past 18 months for repairs. The historic ship received a fresh paint job and 700 tons of new steel. Although this phase is complete, there is still work to be done, with another 2 years needed to rework the deck and interior. Commissioned in 1914, the Battleship Texas is the only remaining battleship that served in
New vessel added to Galveston ferry fleet
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) proudly unveils its latest maritime marvel, the Galveston to Port Bolivar ferry, in a momentous dedication ceremony honoring the esteemed pioneer of Texas transportation infrastructure, Esperanza “Hope” Andrade. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first ferry to be named after a woman and the first to be named after
Spring Fest Jeep Show Takes Over Festival Park
A Day of Fun and Fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Hospital
Festival Park was packed with Jeep enthusiasts and families last weekend for the Spring Fest Jeep Show. Dozens of tricked-out Jeeps competed for trophies in various categories, while live music and a Cajun food truck kept the crowd entertained. The event was organized by local Jeep enthusiast Matt Willoughby, who also
THANK YOU, Very, Very, Very Much!
(Lyrics from the musical SCROOGE)
By Linda Elissalde
My birthday is February 14. There are some people who claim that I tell this to everyone I meet. (Surely they jest.) In many ways my birthday celebration(s) seem like a musical show. First is the anticipation, then the overture, several acts and a finale. This year my 83rd