Posted on Sep 5, 2023 in
COVER STORY
It’s finally Fall, and that means back to school, Friday night lights and two-digit instead of three-digit temperatures. In Fort Bend, this season also marks the beginning of Fall fun with many community events. So, what’s happening this Fall in the Bend with our amazing community organizations?
We reached out to several area philanthropies and asked just that: What are your plans for the next few months? What we discovered is there are so many fun and festive ways to support our community organizations over the next several months. So many, in fact, that we put a Community Event Calendar together as a resource for our friends and neighbors to “save those dates” for everything from galas, to toy drives, to festivals!
We hope to see you this Fall as you are out and about in Fort Bend doing what we all do best – supporting our community partners – all while having a great time!
Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
for Annual Flu Shot Toy Drive
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, is offering free flu shots on Saturday, October 21st to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a free flu shot.
To participate in this community event, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, located at 16655 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, Texas 77479, between 8 am and noon on Saturday, October 21st. Registration is required. One flu shot per unwrapped toy. No stuffed animals or clothing items allowed.
To register, please visit join.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7976.
The flu kills as many as 20,000 people a year. The vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Vaccination with the flu vaccine may not protect all people who receive the vaccine. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will distribute a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and who are not pregnant. High dose flu vaccines will not be provided during this event. Please consult with your primary care doctor if high dose flu vaccine is the right option for you.
87th Annual Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo
The 87th annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo will be held September 29th to October 8th, 2023. This “fun for the whole family” event offers something for everyone – from a Diaper Derby for toddlers, Mutton Bustin’ and a Bucket Calf show for youngsters, livestock shows and even a Senior Citizen’s Day event. There are concerts, a carnival and lots of rodeo action.
Entertainment headlining on the Brazos Stage at this year’s Fort Bend County Fair is: Friday September 29th, Josh Ward; Saturday September 30th, Josh Abbott Band; Sunday October 1st, La Energia Nortena; Wednesday October 4th, Braxton Keith; Friday October 6th, Southall; Saturday October 7th, Tracy Byrd and Sunday October 8th, Asleep at the Wheel.
The music continues on the Music Row After Party stage with David Lewis, Southern County Line, Red Ravens, Grupo Vidal, Horizon and Steel Country.
New this year, the BBQ cook-off has moved to the weekend prior to the fair, September 22nd and 23rd. This weekend will include the World Championship Cook-Off, a Cornhole tournament, Horticulture competition and 4-H Precision/Sporter Small-bore Rifle Contest.
Interested in sponsoring? Volunteering? Participating? Supporting the youth of Fort Bend County? Visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com for more information.
It’s Cowboys, Cattle and Cannons at George Ranch Frontier Days
For a great day of Fall family fun on Saturday, October 21st, visit Fort Bend’s famous spread for George Ranch Frontier Days. Presenting Sponsor Polly Shouse, The George Ranch and the Fort Bend History Association have partnered to host their largest living history event of the year. It’s a day filled with cowboys, cannons, history and fun with cattle working demonstrations, historic home tours, battle re-enactments, games, vendors, food trucks, live music and entertainment, hands-on activities and more!
Costumed guides will be on hand to tell tales of 150 years of Texas history, and Sky Kings Falconry will present “Native Birds of Texas” featuring hawks and owls. Other attractions include a Cowboy Fast Draw Contest, music from Grandmas’ Boyfriends Barbershop Quartet and Museum of the Pacific War weapons demonstration.
On Friday, October 20th, schools are invited for Field Trip Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. Schools sign up by contacting Maggie Trinker at 281.343.0218 ext. 220 or mtrinker@georgeranch.org. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.
George Ranch Frontier Days will be open to the public on Saturday, October 21st at the Ranch, located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and children four and under are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.georgeranch.org/programs-events/george-ranch-frontier-days.
Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship: The Path to Success
By partnering with horses, Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship (RSTH) helps people realize their individual potential through customized equine-assisted services (EAS).
Reining Strength is a nonprofit organization located in Fort Bend County and a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). They provide EAS for people ages two through adults, who have physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs. Some examples of the diagnoses that benefit from EAS are individuals with autism, cerebral palsy and PTSD to name a few.
Reining Strength offers both therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted learning. Sessions are taught and facilitated by a Certified PATH Riding Instructor or PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and are available Monday thru Friday. RSTH’s equine-assisted learning program is unique, and they work with organizations like Parks Youth Ranch, Gigi’s Playhouse of Sugar Land and Houston Methodist Hospital. Contact RSTH today to set up customized programming for team building or personal growth for your business.
Reining Strength’s volunteers are the backbone of the organization! You’ll never find a more rewarding volunteer opportunity. There are so many ways to help – volunteer during lessons, help in the office or join the Derby Day Fundraiser committee. The best way to learn about what RSTH does is to see them in action. Schedule a tour at the Reining Strength facility, located at 7126 FM 359 Road in Richmond, Texas, 77406, visit the RSTH website (for more information on touring, giving or volunteering) at www.Reiningstrength.org or call 832.451.6874.
GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have A Voice Gala”
GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, a non-profit Down Syndrome Achievement Center, is pleased to present the 2023 “I Have a Voice” gala on Saturday, October 14th at The George Ranch Historical Park Arena.
The event begins at 6 pm with a cocktail hour featuring music, entertainment, a silent auction, beer burros, trick roping and games. The main program will be led by Ray Aguilar, who will serve as the Master of Ceremony, highlighting the accomplishments and impact of GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, followed by a live auction. The evening will conclude with live music and dancing. The dress code is “Boots and Bling,” so be sure to wear your dancing boots!
The 2023 “I Have a Voice” Gala is an evening with a purpose, as all funds raised are used to “change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.” GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land changes lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land relies on donors and volunteers to help provide life-changing services to families from as early as a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, all the way to adulthood and career development. For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorship packages visit, gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland/gala.
Exchange Club of Sugar Land Presents
Inaugural Field of Honor® Flag Event
Creating an awe-inspiring panorama, United States flags will fly in a solemn formation at Brazos River Park near the University of Houston Campus-Sugar Land, located at 13850 University Blvd., November 10th thru 12th. This stirring display of hundreds of flags will be displayed in perfect rows for viewing 24 hours a day during the three-day event.
The Sugar Land Field of Honor is designed to bring the community together in a patriotic tribute honoring heroes. Each flag represents an individual and tells a story. Community members may sponsor a flag to honor individuals currently serving in our military, veterans, fallen servicemen and women, first responders, educators, coaches, clergy, family members, co-workers or other heroes in their lives.
“Honoring Heroes in Fort Bend County” is the theme for the Field of Honor display hosted by Exchange Club of Sugar Land. The Stars and Stripes reminds us of who we are as a people and represents our solidarity in creating a brighter tomorrow, uniting us all.
This moving display is a gift to the community made possible through donations, sponsorships and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. This is an experience hard to describe, but never to be forgotten. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land invites the community to visit the Field of Honor patriotic display. The display is open to the public for free. Show your support and gratitude by sponsoring a flag or making a donation. Funds raised will support Exchange Club charities.
For information, visit https://www.healingfield.org/sugarlandtx.
Sugar Land Arts Festival 2K24:Getting Bigger and Better Every Year!
The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation (SLCAF) proudly announces the third annual Sugar Land Arts Fest. The Sugar Land Arts Fest has been a huge success for the last two years, and the SLCAF looks forward to even more Arts, Taste and Music on April 27th and 28th, 2024.
More than three thousand people had a fabulous weekend visiting over a hundred artist booths, drinking hand-selected wines, eating delicious food and enjoying live music. Mark your calendar because the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and The City of Sugar Land will come together once again to bring the Sugar Land Arts Fest on April 27th and 28 th , 2024, to the award-winning Smart Financial Centre Plaza.
“The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is proud of the success of this event and is looking forward to sharing more fun, food and arts with even more of our community in April of 2024. We hope to see you there!” said Tim Stubenrouch, SLCAF President.
The Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit arts organization that exists to promote, connect and empower arts and culture throughout our diverse community. Let’s get together and celebrate the arts in Sugar Land.
“Art” you going to join us? Be the first to know about entertainment, schedules and more by following the SLAF on social media: @SugarLandArtsFest and visiting www.sugarlandartsfest.com.
Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room
Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room is a charitable organization dedicated to helping Fort Bend County children and adults involved with Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS) – Children’s Protective Services and Adult Protective Services.
Fort Bend Rainbow Room is located in the TDFPS building in Rosenberg and is stocked with emergency supplies readily available for Fort Bend County clients. Supplies include clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, diapers, formula, blankets, toiletries, cleaning supplies, school supplies, car seats and beds.
In addition to the emergency supplies, the organization also hosts two annual projects. The Back-to-School Project provides school clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, backpacks and school supplies to Fort Bend County children involved with Children’s Protective Services. This project provides the necessary supplies for the children to attend school in a manner like their peers. Proper school supplies and clothes are important to the development and self-esteem of these children as attendance and learning may be impacted by the lack of proper supplies.
The annual Christmas Project provides gifts to Fort Bend County children and adults involved with TDFPS. Children and adults are allowed to submit a wish list for Santa. Through the generosity of the community, gifts from their wish lists are purchased while others host toy drives to help fill the wish lists. The adult clients also receive care packages including hygiene items, cleaning supplies and blankets along with their gifts.
For more information, call Tonya Lewis at 832-595-3029 or email at tonya.rr15@yahoo.com.
Wild West Brewfest Set for 2024
Next spring the Rotary Club of Katy will host the 2024 Wild West Brewfest (WWBF), a weekend full of great beer, live music, food and more. The K-Town Throwdown will kick-off the multi-day event on Thursday, March 21st, followed by the Launch Party on Friday, March 22nd. The official WWBF will be Saturday, March 23rd. The entire weekend of events will be hosted at Typhoon Texas in Katy, Texas.
The WWBF showcases some of the best liquids, including over 800 different beers, plus a fantastic wine garden. Voted the #1 Brewfest in North America by BeerYeti.com for multiple years in a row, the WWBF is an experience you won’t want to miss. And the event is more than just a great time; it’s about helping others in need through its proceeds. Founded in 2011 by Katy Rotarians, the event was volunteer created, continues to be all-volunteer run and 100% of all proceeds are given back to the local community in student scholarships and donations to charitable organizations. Since its inception, the WWBF has raised and donated over $1 million, and it has its sights set on $2 million!
Tickets to the 2024 WWBF are already on sale. Early bird prices are available for a short time, so get your tickets today! Plus, all hotels are within walking distance, so make it a weekend and stay in Katy. Visit www.wildwestbrewfest.com for details. To stay up-to-date, like/follow on social media as we countdown to the 2024 Wild West Brewfest!
Golf Fore Autism Swings into Action October 2nd
Golf Fore Autism, presented by Landmark Charities for the eighth consecutive year, will take place at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land on October 2nd. Proceeds benefit the local autism nonprofit, Hope For Three, which provides resources and support to families with autistic loved ones.
Golfing and networking are only part of the fun while taking on both courses, doubling the impact in raising funds and awareness. Creative contests at various holes, lunch, food on the courses (thanks to Lopez Mexican Restaurant and Top Gun Smokehouse BBQ), live and silent auctions, incredible raffles, wine pull and more, engage supporters during the dinner and awards ceremony immediately following the tournament.
“Participating in this golf tournament can change a child’s future along with the well-being of their family,” said Jessica Jubin, Hope For Three Philanthropy Director. “Funds raised aid in accessing life-changing treatments and therapies families may not otherwise acquire due to high-cost or inaccessibility.”
Event sponsors include OCuSOFT, Regions Bank, Trusted Senior Specialists, GFL Environmental, Cooltime Services, Albemarle Foundation, Liberty Engine-South Texas, Primeway FCU, Global Wealth Advisors and more. Supporters offer individual play for $150, a foursome for $600 and numerous sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Hope For Three is accepting all donations or bottles of wine valued at $50, or above, for the impressive wine pull. Registration begins at 9 am with breakfast sponsored by First Watch, The Daytime Cafe.
The tournament starts at 11 am. To register a team, sign up as a sponsor, volunteer or donate, visit, https://www.hopeforthree.org/events/golf-fore-autism-23/.
New Church in Sugar Land: Trinity Church Sugar Land
Join us for the launch of Trinity Church Sugar Land – A Celebration of Faith, Fellowship and New Beginnings!
Trinity Church Sugar Land is thrilled to invite you to the highly anticipated launch of a traditional Methodist community. Come join this Methodist renewal of fellow Christians pursuing an authentic, biblically led faith journey on September 10th at 10 am at the Colony Meadows Elementary School, located at 4510 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.
The launch event includes an inspiring worship service led by our esteemed Reverend Dr. Ralph du Plessis, a fellowship time after worship to meet new friends, mingle with fellow attendees and members of our church, and a special meal for all. Embrace the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and beliefs. This service promises to instill the spirit of unity, hope, and inspiration as we embark on a new chapter in our spiritual journey together.
Trinity Church Sugar Land is a church we call family. We have dedicated activities for children and youth to ensure they and their place in our community from day one, engaging Sunday School programs, fun-filled games and age-appropriate teachings to guarantee an enriching experience for all young souls.
We are happy to tell you more about Trinity Church and answer any questions you may have. Email us at info@trinitychurchsugarland.org. Come be a part of our story and family!
East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc:
Serving the Community for Over 30 Years
East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. (EFBHNM) has been a mainstay in the community since 1990, providing food, financial support and a friendly smile to our Fort Bend neighbors facing food insecurity.
Food Pantry services are provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis, and no one is turned away hungry. Each nutritionally complete food order is tailored to the size and special needs of each household. The Food Orders include supplemental groceries for three to four days and are available weekly.
EFBHNM also participates in the Backpack Buddy Program. Each Friday they provide children with nutritionally balanced, non-perishable packets of food to take home. Kid Sacks are included in food orders to families with children with bags of easy-to-prepare food designed for children ages two to 18 years of age. In addition, Holiday Baskets are provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks to help supplement their celebration meal. For families with children celebrating a birthday, EFBHNM provides a Birthday Bag with a small gift, a sweet treat and balloons and candles to help celebrate.
EFBHNM also has a Financial Assistance Program where clients may receive help with short term housing and utility expenses. Once assistance is approved, the funds are paid directly to the creditor.
Another EFBHNM initiative is the Tri-City Churches Resale Shop, which has been a vital part of our community since 1975. The Resale Shop is a great source of inexpensive clothing, household items and furniture. All the proceeds from the Resale Shop are reinvested back into the services provided by EFBHNM.
For more information about the EFBHNM, visit www.humanneeds.org.
Red & Blue United –
A Sugar Land First Responders Tribute Debuts October 15th
The Finest and Bravest Foundation of Sugar Land (FBFSL) announces its first annual “Red & Blue United – A Sugar Land First Responders Tribute,” Sunday, October 15th at The Smart Financial Centre. Back the Blue and The Firefighters Gala have joined efforts and are now one event raising funds and awareness for all of Sugar Land’s First Responders: Police, Fire and EMS.
Event Co-Chairs Debbie and Marvin Marcell and KK and Scott West are thrilled to invite the community to this exciting inaugural event, which includes a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience Sponsor Dinner complete with Police, SWAT, Fire and EMS equipment followed by an amazing concert. Texas’ own Aaron Watson will serve as the headliner for the event. “We want the community to join us for a boot scootin’ good time, and most importantly, join us in supporting those who always come when we call and help keep us safe every day,” said Co-Chair Debbie Marcell.
The Finest & Bravest Foundation of Sugar Land was formed to create one, joint non-profit organization to partner with the community, creating awareness and support for the vital efforts of our First Responders. Co-Chair Scott West said, “It’s one event, and it will be fabulous. While you only need to attend once, you can give twice as much!”
Proceeds will support both departments in three ways: purchasing life-saving equipment, funding educational opportunities and meeting urgent needs of First Responders and their families with a Compassion Fund.
To Sponsor the event or purchase tickets to the concert, visit www.RedAndBlueUnited.com. For questions, email info@finestandbravestsugarland.org.
The Arc of Fort Bend’s “Best in the West” Moves to November 11th
The 45th annual “Best in the West,” presented by Prosperity Bank, has a brand-new date for 2023: Saturday, November 11th at the George Ranch Arena, located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond.
Still filled with all your favorites – BBQ dinner, live band, dance, silent auction corrals and a grand live auction – “Best in the West” is an evening of boot scootin’ fun all for a great cause. The event benefits the Arc of Fort Bend County supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and this year’s co-chairs are Jenny Gortney, James Patterson and Ann Smith.
“’Best in the West” is the best little fundraiser in Texas,” said Co-Chair Jenny Gortney. “We are excited about hosting our annual event a week early this year at our old stomping grounds – The Geroge Ranch – and invite the entire community to join us.”
“Best in the West” will feature their signature silent auction corrals filled to the brim with great gifts just in time for the holidays. The live auction boasts several amazing items including trips, parties and hunting excursions.
New to the event this year is a raffle for a restored 1967 Mustang convertible. Tickets for the raffle are $50 and only 2,000 tickets will be sold.
Event tickets are $75 per person and tables of 10 are $750. To purchase tickets to the event or raffle, or for sponsorships, visit www.BestInTheWest.givesmart.com.
The Ultimate “Tailgate” Party Happens January 27th
The Homeless Pet Placement League’s (HPPL) second annual fundraising event, the Ultimate “Tailgate” Party, will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land. Don your favorite jersey and join the party from 6 to 10 pm that features an open bar, big board, silent auction, wine pull, door prizes and the dog toy “wine” pull!
HPPL Vice President Eileen Akerson, co-chairs Vivian Douglas and Vicki Stevenson and the pawsitively fantastic “Tailgate” committee are preparing for a fun-filled event to support homeless animals at a time when shelters are filled with pets needing forever homes. “The Ultimate ‘Tailgate’ Party is a fun, casual, football-themed event to celebrate the tireless efforts of our compassionate fosters, volunteers and community partners,” said Akerson. “Their important work would not be possible without the generosity of our kind donors and supporters, and we are thrilled to bring the ‘Tailgate’ Party back for a second year in support of our mission.”
Funds raised will be used to support and expand the mission of the HPPL and its programs and services in the community. HPPL asks the community to lend a paw by supporting this event. “Now, more than ever, we need the community’s assistance as we strive to rescue, rehabilitate, foster and place homeless animals in forever homes. There is no greater love than the love of a rescued animal,” shared Akerson.
Tickets are $75 and sponsorships range from $1000 to $7500. To find out more about the Ultimate “Tailgate” Party, email gala@hppl.org or call 281.658.6592. The HPPL is a registered non-profit animal welfare organization. For more information, visit www.hppl.org.
The Great Pumpkin Round Up: Open Saturdays October 14th
through November 25th at The George Ranch
Just in time for the fall season and fabulous photo ops, The George Ranch’s popular fall-themed event, The Great Pumpkin Round Up, presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, returns this October, bigger and better than ever!
For the third year, The Geroge Ranch will showcase a fantastic fall feature created by local designer Lucas Chavez. Chavez has spent months working with pumpkin producers in West Texas to design an autumn display exclusively for the Ranch that includes a hay wagon, training carriage, giant sugar cane vat and, of course, pumpkins galore! The design will feature more than twenty types of gourds, pumpkins and squash along with mums and fall plants.
The perfect place for families and visitors of all ages to spend a fall-themed Saturday of fun taking photos, picnicking and touring the historic sites at The George Ranch, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is presenting The Great Pumpkin Round Up.
“The Great Pumpkin Round Up is such a treat for our visitors,” said George Ranch Site Director Adrienne Barker. “We can’t wait to see the new design Lucas Chavez creates for us this year!”
The Great Pumpkin Round Up is included with the purchase of a regular admission ticket to The George Ranch where visitors can explore what life was like in Texas decades ago. The Great Pumpkin Round Up debuts Saturday, October 14th and runs through November 25th, 2023.
To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org/general-admission/.
Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Enriches
Fort Bend Families with Hands-On, Minds-On
Learning Opportunities Onsite and Beyond
Named “2019 Best Local Museum” by Fort Bend Star and listed as one of Sugar Land’s top attractions by TripAdvisor, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – A Very Special Project of Children’s Museum Houston, is a Playground for Your Mind™. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning.
Converting the historic Imperial Sugar mill into a museum for the community, the Discovery Center serves families with children ages 12 and younger by presenting a wide array of learning opportunities through exhibits and special events all year round. Last year, the Discovery Center welcomed nearly 63,000 visitors of whom more than 16,000 received free admission through the “Open Doors” program, which ensures access to low-income families. The Discovery Center served an additional 6,400 people through its extensive parenting engagement programs delivered in schools, community centers and events all around Fort Bend.
The Discovery Center houses five exhibits which use Building Blocks for Learning rubric, ensuring alignment with national learning standards and 21st century skills. Kidtropolis, USA focuses on civic engagement, economics, math and literacy; How Does it Work? explores physics and simple machines; Amazingly Immature, based on the best-selling KLUTZ® book series, fosters STEM learning through quirky challenges; Cum Yah Gullah, created in partnership with Penn Center, explores African American culture of the Sea Islands of Georgia and South Carolina; and Tot*Spot provides developmentally appropriate experiences for infants and toddlers.
Get involved by visiting www.childrensdiscoveryfb.org. Support the Discovery Center by donating, volunteering or becoming a member.
