Archive: February 2003

February 18, 2003	Eastland
On this date, exactly 75 years ago, a tiny Texas legend was born. After his 31-year entombment in an Eastland courthouse cornerstone, Old Rip the horned lizard was discovered alive and kicking. Although today, Feb. 18, is actually the anniversary, the Eastland commemoration will be held on Monday the 24th. Event organizer Bette "The Toad Lady" Armstrong has arranged for Bill Wood, grandson of Ernest Wood, to be in attendance. Ernest Wood was the county clerk who originally placed Old Rip in the cornerstone in 1928. In an effort to pass on the town's history to posterity, Bette has arranged for local schoolchildren to play a major part in the celebration. Everyone, however, is encouraged to attend and to take the Old Rip Oath, in which participants vow to pass on the horny toad's legend. So, call in sick to work on Monday and help to celebrate Old Rip's semisesquicentennial (half of one-and-a-half of a century) or sesquisemicentennial (one-and-a-half of half a century), however you want to abuse your Latin. Read the Special Report on Old Rip's 75th Anniversary Commemoration.

Related Information:

Old Rip: Miracle Horny Toad Eastland Visitors Guide

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On Your Marks, Get Set ... Goat!

February 17, 2003	Eldorado
The town of Eldorado (pronounced el-doh-RAY-doh), about 40 miles south of San Angelo, will hold this weekend the first of what may be the most stubborn race in history. Modeled loosely after the legendary Alaskan Iditarod, the Elgoatarod will replace dogs with goats, snow with a courthouse lawn, and sleds with just about anything that can be pulled by goats over lawn. The race, which is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Jim Runge (pronounced RUNG-ee), is the latest in what appear to be a series of far-out competitions that may make Eldorado the state model of shamelessness. In fact, time trials for the Elgoatarod were held in October during the Armchair Decathlon, a contest of not much at all. In addition to the race, the weekend-long event will feature a goat-milking contest, a best-dressed-goat contest, a goat/owner-look-alike contest, goat kissing, stupid goat tricks and more. Further events will include goat-pill flipping, much like cow-patty tossing, but involving the flicking of pellet-like goat manure with the thumb. Those interested may contact Jim Runge at (915) 853-2434 or (915) 853-3678. Be sure to tell him you heard about the event here at Texas Twisted.

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7 Months, 13 Days and Counting

February 13, 2003	Dallas
Climb up on those treadmills, folks. You'll want to get a head start in making some waistband room for the 2003 State Fair of Texas! As Texas Twisted fans know, food is a priority for any visit to the fair. This season, however, it will be the main focus. Fair organizers have officially decided on the theme for 2003, which will be "Taste and See." Pavilions reflecting the theme will feature celebrity chefs, food, and food-related activities, providing even further opportunities for unabashed consumption. According to fair spokeswoman Nancy Wiley, runners-up for this year's theme included "Beauty and the Feast" and "The Garden of Eatin'." The dates for this year's fair are Sept. 26 to Oct. 19. Texas Twisted will once again attend, hoping to modify the theme "Taste and See" to its own variation, "Taste Yourself Blind."

Related Information:

The 2002 State Fair of Texas Wrap-up BigTex.com - The State Fair of Texas

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Two Decades of Looove ...

February 10, 2003	Valentine
"Deep in the heart of Texas" may be a lot further west than you think. For one month every year, the town of Valentine, about 160 miles southeast of El Paso, becomes the "Love Station" of Texas. Thousands of love-struck postal patrons send their cards and letters to the Valentine post office every year, hoping to add a special touch to their holiday correspondence. When the letters arrive, they're stamped with a special Valentine postmark and sent on their way. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Valentine stamp program. According to Postmaster Maria Carrasco, the program started in 1983 when the post office was issued a special cancellation stamp for use in the month of February. The first stamp was a simple heart-shaped mark for use on all outgoing mail. The design has varied every year since. In 1993, Valentine began holding a contest in which local schoolchildren compete to have their design chosen for the following year. This year's stamp was drawn by 8th grader Veronica Calderon, whose design depicts a cupid on horseback, casting a heart-shaped lasso. Patrons who wish to receive the special Valentine, Texas stamp should address their cards to the desired recipient, add the proper postage, then slip that inside another envelope addressed to: POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 VALENTINE TX 79854 Be sure to include the proper postage on both envelopes. If you don't think your card will reach Valentine by the 14th, be sure to include a note requesting the holiday stamp, which can be used for up to 30 days after Valentine's Day. It doesn't hurt to also include a valentine especially for Maria.

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