Houston: Attractions

Armand Bayou Ranger 28' Pontoon Boat Experience

Armand Bayou Nature Center Every Saturday February 2 through December 27, 2008 Saturdays February thru December. Morning or sunset cruises with expert guides. Reservations required. Informative and memorable aquatic safari filled with views of local wildlife and beautiful settings.

Armand Bayou Ranger 28' Pontoon Boat Experienc

 Armand Bayou Nature Center

 Every Saturday February 2 through December 27, 2008 

Morning or sunset cruises with expert guides. Reservations required. Informative and memorable aquatic safari filled with views of local wildlife and beautiful settings.

Farmers Market - Nassau Bay

Erma's Nutrition Every Saturday Every Saturday - 10:00am to 2:00pm. Organic produce, ferns & flowers. Locally produced or grown herbs, plants, jams, goats milk, dairy, baked goods and meats. Earth friendly clothing, hand painted organic cotton items and locally crafted jewelry. In front of Erma's Nutrition - Rain or Shine - 18045 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay. 281-333-4746

Space City Cruisers

Cruise Nights League Park Friday Nights March - November 6pm-9pm 6:00pm to 9:00pm Friday Nights at League City Park. March thru November, 2008

Wine and Stars Party at Haak Winery Haak Vineyards & Winery, Inc.

Saturday, March 1, dusk Saturday, September 27 - dusk Saturday, November 1 - dusk Dusk till about 9:30pm.

Free to attend, bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the night stars. Haak Winery, 6310 Ave T, Santa Fe, Texas For more information visit www.haakwine.com or call (409)925-1401.

The Beginning

African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African American Army units. The units were identified as the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry regiments were later reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments. These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War.

 The Nickname

The nickname buffalo soldiers began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The actual Cheyenne translation was Wild Buffalo. The nickname was given out of respect and the fierce fighting ability of the 10th cavalry. Overtime, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African American soldiers.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Think your child might be the next Matt Lauer or Barbara Walters? Let them show their stuff on camera in this exhibit, which teaches kids and parents what television is like behind the scenes. KID-TV includes a dramatic backdrop of downtown Houston, video cameras, props and costumes, a teleprompter, a story board activity, a sound booth with a computer sound generator, director's board and cut-out figures of multi-cultural men and women who explain the different jobs in video production.

Did you ever wonder why you can't see in the dark? Or how your wireless telephone worked? Or even what really happens when you turn the ignition in your car? This multi-level exhibition challenges you to ask and discover the answers to your own science questions with tons of hands-on, investigative experiences.

 You will explore light and color and can even become part of the exhibit with Light Warehouse, see what makes a car go with the '66 Mustang in Auto Alley, watch your messages be sent via fiberoptics and check out the history of communication in Phone Zone or challenge yourself to discover something new in the Science Station. You can even lift yourself 5 feet into the air to see how pulleys can make life a lot easier with the Kid Lift. 

ON GOING EXHIBIT

The museum has 3 steam engines and 3 diesel engines on site. the steam engines are all on static display. the diesel engines are operable. The greater efficiency of diesel engines compared to steam engines, and the fewer moving parts to be serviced, repaired, or replaced, resulted in steam engines being retired by most major railroads by the late 1950's; a few short line railroads continued to use steam into the 1960's. union pacific is the only major railroad with an ongoing steam program. up operates two steam engines, #3985 and #844, on excursion runs for railfans. most other steam operations are on tourist or private railroads.

ON GOING EXHIBIT

china displays
 in theaters 1 and 2, the museum is proud to announce the addition of over 10 new displays. the displays include "the history of the santa fe" and feature passenger timetables and dining car menus from the 50's and 60's. in addition, the santa fe exhibit features glassware from the super chief and a replica of the famous santa fe warbonnet engines in g scale.

ON GOING EXHIBIT

 In theater 3 is an o-scale model railroad winter wonderland. this layout was donated by carla herron. board members ken douglas and morris gould, assisted by ralph stenzel and victor garcia and members of the beaumont model railroad club, transported the layout from houston, assembled it and installed track, switches, mountains, dwellings, and a special effect that must be seen in person.

October 25, 2008

Join us for our biggest celebration yet for our 25th Annual Texian Market Days. For 24 years, Texans (long-time residents, new neighbors and "temporary" Texans) have enjoyed a living view of Texas' past. On October 25, 2008 folks will gather again at the George Ranch Historical Park to celebrate Texian Market Days. Texian Market Days is a celebration of Texas history that includes costumed historical interpreters and volunteers presenting vignettes of daily lives and heroic moments from the early days in Stephen F. Austin's colony (1830s) through the late years of the Great Depression and World War II (1940s)along with toe-tapping old-time tunes, an antique tractor show and pull (in collaboration with the Texas Antique Tractor Pull Association), arts and crafts from around the region at the Texian Market Place and so much more.

Join us for a holiday celebration like no other as the George Ranch Historical Park presents Campfire Christmas on Friday and Saturday evenings December 5 - 20, 2008.

Experience the beauty of the holiday season with guided tours of the 1860s Ryon Old Prairie Home and the 1890's Davis Victorian Mansion decorated in the spirit of the season. Finally, travel through the park in a mule-drawn hay wagon then join the Ranch cowboys around the campfire with caroling and story-telling to celebrate the season. In true Texas tradition,

Campfire Christmas will be held regardless of weather. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Campfire Christmas sells out quickly. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Texas celebration. Call the George Ranch Historical Park at 281-343-0218 ext 258 and make your reservation today!

Fridays & Saturdays, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20

Join us for a holiday celebration like no other as the George Ranch Historical Park presents Campfire Christmas on Friday and Saturday evenings December 5 - 20, 2008.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Adults: $45.00 Seniors/Children/Groups 10 or more: $40.00

Times begin at 6:00 pm and rotate every 30 minutes until 8:00 pm. Campfire Christmas sells out quickly. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Texas celebration. Call the George Ranch Historical Park at 281-343-0218 or email education@georgeranch.org for more information about Campfire Christmas 2008 today! Interested in a private Campfire Christmas for your group? Call 281-343-0218 or email events@georgeranch.org for more information.

Vintage Baseball Classic Saturday, February 21, 2009

For more information on this Vintage Baseball Tournament contact Robert Hurley at 281-343-0218 ext. 230 or email rhurley@georgeranch.org

Runaway Scrape Saturday, April 4, 2009

Join us at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm for an exciting re-creation of the Runaway Scrape, the fleeing of the Texians from Santa Anna's army marching east towards San Jacinto.

 See the Texians in action as they battle for independence. Try your hand at muster and musket handling while running from cannon fire and advancing soldados. Watch these historical events unfold leading up to the Battle of San Jacinto on the Texas Independence Trail.

Gulf Greyhound Park, the world's largest and #1 greyhound racing operation, offers a unique entertainment package. The air conditioned complex features 3 levels, each offering a variety of dining and view options. Other unique features include 318 teller windows, over 1,100 closed-circuit televisions throughout the facility and parking to accommodate over 8,000 vehicles.

Live world-class greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering are offered at Gulf Greyhound Park, year round, rain or shine.

Evening performances are as follows: Thursday through Saturday - doors open at 6:00 p.m. and races begin at 7:00 p.m.

Matinee performances are held Wednesday at noon doors open at 11:00 a.m.,

Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Galveston Farmers' Market Second Saturday of Every Month

9am - Noon The Galveston Farmers Market is located at Saengarfest Park (23 Street & The Strand) in the Center of Galveston's Historic Downtown District.

The Market is held April thru December on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Galveston Farmers' Market offers a variety of regionally grown and produced goat cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fresh Gulf shrimp and catch of the day - as well as gifts, crafts, and much more. This event is free to the public. It is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership.

September begins with a monumental new exhibit at Galveston County Historical Museum that will tell the story of African Americans’ service in World War II.

The exhibit opens September 1. This traveling exhibit shows how, despite segregation and discrimination, they met great challenges and served with distinction and honor. The exhibit, entitled African Americans in World War II, was developed by the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and continues at the museum thru November 24th.

Daily through the month of October, Ashton Villa will host "Are We Haunted" Tours at the top of the hour from noon to 4pm.

Is Ashton Villa haunted by the spirit of Miss Bettie, the daughter of the house's first owner, James Moreau Brown? Maybe. Maybe not. See for yourself during these hauntingly-enjoyable tours

Historic downtown Galveston will come alive the last weekend of October when two premier fall events share the same weekend: October 24-26, 2008.

 Kicking off Friday evening, October 24, the 27th annual Island Oktoberfest will begin a fun, family weekend of great music, authentic German food, libations, auction, raffle, games, and much more on the grounds of and streets adjacent to First Lutheran Church, 24th and Winnie. This event will continue Saturday, October 25th, from 11am-7pm.

 Next, the 11th annual ARToberFEST will get underway - just a few blocks down the street in the heart of the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District - on Postoffice between 21st and 23rd Streets, from 10am-6pm on Saturday, October 25th and continuing Sunday, October 27th from 10am-5pm.

Teacher Training for “Where Is My Family”

11/3/2008 09:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: Avrohm I. Wisenberg Multipurpose Learning Center

 Speaker: Dr. Mary Lee Webeck and Cynthia Capers Holocaust Museum Houston’s permanent exhibit “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers” culminates with a video of survivor testimonies. To facilitate the use of survivor testimony in educational classrooms the Museum created a special DVD and curriculum guide entitled “Where Is My Family?” This DVD contains survivor testimony segmented chronologically so that it may be used daily during a Holocaust teaching unit. This special teacher training will focus on the use of “Where Is My Family?” as well as allow teachers to meet the survivors whose testimony is contained within the DVD. Training will be geared to K-12 teachers and college professors who want more resources on video survivor testimony in their classrooms. The content learned in this session could be used not only to teach history, but also to deepen and enrich a study of literature. Registration fee is $30, and includes a copy of the DVD, the accompanying curriculum guide and lunch. Visit www.hmh.org/register.asp by Oct. 27 to register online. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 123 or e-mail teachertraining@hmh.org Invite Friends

Teacher Training for “Choices in Little Rock” 11/16/2008 

Location: Avrohm I. Wisenberg Multipurpose Learning Center

Please join us as we explore the Facing History and Ourselves resource book “Choices in Little Rock,” a collection of teaching suggestions, activities and primary sources that focus on the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. These efforts led to a crisis that historian Taylor Branch once described as “the most severe test of the Constitution since the Civil War.” These resources explore a range of civic choices. Those decisions, both then and now, reveal that democracy is not a product but a work in progress. In this two-day workshop, participants will consider ways to engage students in the issues raised by this history and its civic implications for their lives today. “Choices in Little Rock” can be used not only to teach history but also to deepen and enrich a study of civics, government and literature. Participants will receive the "Choices in Little Rock" teaching guide, which contains suggestions for lesson plans, reproducible readings and copies of documents for students to analyze. Registration fee is $65, and includes a resource guide and lunch. Visit www.facinghistory.org/choiceshouston to register. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 123 or e-mail

Cultivating Coexistence: Student Forums for Middle and High Schools (High School)

11/19/2008 09:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Location: Avrohm I. Wisenberg Multipurpose Learning Center The Cultivating Coexistence forums are interactive, student-engaged programs that bring together students from different schools to learn about ways to create a more peaceful and coexistent learning and community environment. The program includes a tour of Holocaust Museum Houston, a panel discussion of community leaders and time to focus on prejudice reduction and peaceful coexistence in students' schools and living communities. Sessions are free, and lunch is provided for participating students and faculty, with bus travel reimbursement of up to $150. Schools must register by Sept. 12 to participate. For more information or to register, call 713-942-8000, ext. 118 or e-mail education@hmh.org

Teaching Training for the Curriculum Trunk Program (High Schools)

12/6/2008 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 Location: Avrohm I. Wisenberg Multipurpose Learning Center Holocaust Museum Houston invites teachers to familiarize themselves with our dynamic curriculum trunk program and to request trunks for use in class. Trunks are designed especially for use by elementary school, middle school, high school and college educators to assist them in teaching, not only the historical facts relating to the Holocaust, but more importantly, the lessons of prejudice awareness and the consequences of apathy in society. Training is provided at all levels of proficiency of Holocaust knowledge, and trunks are shipped nationwide and around the world to requesting teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. Training is free but teachers must register one week prior to the event. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 118 or e-mail teachertraining@hmh.org Invite Friends Register to attend this event

Teaching Training for the Curriculum Trunk Program (High Schools)

12/6/2008 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 Location: Avrohm I. Wisenberg Multipurpose Learning Center Holocaust Museum Houston invites teachers to familiarize themselves with our dynamic curriculum trunk program and to request trunks for use in class. Trunks are designed especially for use by elementary school, middle school, high school and college educators to assist them in teaching, not only the historical facts relating to the Holocaust, but more importantly, the lessons of prejudice awareness and the consequences of apathy in society. Training is provided at all levels of proficiency of Holocaust knowledge, and trunks are shipped nationwide and around the world to requesting teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. Training is free but teachers must register one week prior to the event. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 118 or e-mail teachertraining@hmh.org Invite Friends Register to attend this event

Free and Easy

There are many free opportunities in the Museum District!

 FREE ALL THE TIME: Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Holocaust Museum Houston Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Houston Center for Photography The Jung Center of Houston Lawndale Art Center The Menil Collection Rice University Art Gallery The Rothko Chapel

Specific Free Hours: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (Mondays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) The Children's Museum of Houston (Thursdays - Free Family Night: 5 - 8 p.m.) Houston Museum of Natural Science (Tuesdays: after 2 p.m. - General Admission Only) Houston Zoo (Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day & the Friday after Thanksgiving) The Health Museum (Thursdays 2 - 5 p.m.) John C. Freeman Weather Research Museum (Thursdays 12 - 4 p.m.) The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

Located 35 minutes from Houston, La Porte has something for everyone. 

 The La Porte-Bayshore area blends the romantic history of early Texas and old Sylvan Beach with the civic pride that makes La Porte a unique town. Want to find that special gift or unique items for your home?

Park the car and stroll down Main Street and Broadway. Relax and enjoy the tennis courts, wave pool, golf course, museums, fishing, the Historical trail and the cool breezes off Galveston Bay. La Porte offers outdoor recreation year round for the entire family.

Second Friday of every month

6:00 -  9:00 PM  215 West Main

Great Music and Fine Dining

Second Saturday of each month

11 AM - 6 PM

Hosted by Sylvan Beach Art League

Original works of art

Opening Day of Grand Canyon 3D

Date: 03/15/2008

IMAX 3D Theater Description: Check out our new feature, Grand Canyon 3D, at the IMAX 3D Theater at Moody Gardens®. Set against the immense backdrop of the majestic Grand Canyon, this film will take audiences on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the company of a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues. Grand Canyon 3D will run through October 31, 2008.

Opening Day of Pokemon 4D

Date: 03/15/2008 Location: 4D Special FX Theater

Check out our new 4D movie, Pokemon 4D, at the 4D Special FX Theater, where special effects like rumbling seats, leg ticklers, back pokers and more bring the on-screen film to life! Pokemon 4D will run through October 31, 2008. 

10/18/2008 Location: Aquarium Pyramid Lobby Description: Birding 201 classes will allow participants, led by an instructor, to visit areas on the island and spy some of the tremendous variety of birds here. Classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants should meet in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby.

 The cost for the class is $5.00. Moody Gardens® will provide the transportation and soft drinks. Birding 201 classes will be offered the third Saturday of each month. To reserve a spot, please call 409-683-4105 no later than the Wednesday prior to the Saturday class.

Ghostly Gardens Date:

10/26/2008

Children can enjoy free trick-or-treating at various locations throughout the complex, "Creepy Crafts" and a costume contest. 2pm-4pm. Families with at least one costumed member in tow can visit each attraction for just $5.00 per person.

Texas Renaissance Festival :

October 11 - 30 Saturdays & Sundays. October 11th - November 30th.

 Texas Renaissance Festival is located 35 miles west of Shenandoah. Stay in Shenandoah & take a Shuttle to the Festival for FREE! Call 800-207-9463 for more information! Phone: 800-458-3435

The astronaut gallery is an unparalled exhibit outside northrop grumman theater featuring the world's best collection of spacesuits. astronaut john young's ejection suit and judy resnik's t-38 flightsuit are two of the many spacesuits on display.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also known as The Health Museum, is a unique health and science education facility with a fantastic main attraction: the Jim Hickox Amazing Body Pavilion, a larger-than-life walking tour through the human body.

The Museum is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of the human body and inspiring a life-long commitment to health. 

CHALLENGE GALLERY This new addition, located next to the Amazing Body Pavilion's exit, dares visitors to perform at the top of their game, test their reflexes, master the wacky wire, flex their mental muscles and dance their hearts out. At each of the exhibit's six stations, visitors must use a specific muscle to complete the activity. Activities include Mindball, where the most relaxed player wins by pushing a ball toward their opponent using calm brain waves.

Another activity in the Challenge area is the Dance Challenge. Players have a chance to show off their best dance moves as they test their muscle memory by stepping on lighted panels and following along with the on-screen performer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hands-on problem solving is the focus of Brain Teasers, a collection of 20 different games that challenge the whole family to tackle puzzles, solve number games and manipulate intriguing shapes.

 A wide array of challenges for individuals of all ages

Test your dexterity by tying and untying knots Solve tangram puzzles and intriguing number games

Balance 14 nails on the head of one nail And much, much more! These mind benders are guaranteed to challenge even the most experienced problem solver!

McGovern 4D Theater - Opens September 6

Experience science in 4D at Houston’s first and only 4D theater, the McGovern 4D Theater. Enjoy a 3D feature in a fully digital, surround sound environment with special effects like rain, lightning, scents and more!

Join us September 6-7 for the Grand Opening of the McGovern 4D Theater!

Featured film: Expedition 3D: The Cell. Zoom through the body and push through the cell wall with our exploration team as they take a closer look at how cells fight disease.

The long-term agreement between the MFAH and the National Museum of Korea includes the loan of Korean National Treasures and serves as the foundation of the Korean Art and Culture Initiative, at the heart of which is the establishment of a larger, permanent MFAH gallery for Korean art of the highest aesthetic and cultural significance.

This gallery has been established with support from the Korea Foundation. The Korean Art and Culture Initiative also calls for the introduction of a comprehensive interpretive program for visitors and involves the local Korean community.

In the Forest of Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to Monet

On view July 13 - October 19, 2008 at the Audrey Jones Beck Building

Houston Collects: African American Art

On view through October 26, 2008 At the Caroline Wiess Law Building

 This exhibition of works from Houston art collections traces social and artistic themes.

The Dead Weight of a Quarrel Hangs: Selections from The Atlas Group Archive

On view September 12 - November 23, 2008

At the Glassell School of Art The Glassell School of Art´s Core Exhibition Program continues this fall with The Dead Weight of a Quarrel Hangs: Selections from The Atlas Group Archive, featuring work by the provocative Lebanese-American artist Walid Raad.

The Sounds I See: Photographs of Musicians

On view September 20, 2008 - January 19, 2009 At the Audrey Jones Beck Building

This exhibition of photographs conveys the varied personalities, styles, and statures of the musicians as performers

7th Annual South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival

October 18, 2008

Four themed wine tasting pavilions & a Here’s the Beer Pavilion, culinary demonstrations, live entertainment on two Stages, Grape Stomp, 5 local restaurants, upscale vendors, artists exhibits, classic & luxury car displays. Produced by League City Chamber of Commerce.

 Tickets & schedule available online at www.southshorefestival.com or 281-338-7339 Located only a few miles from all Seabrook Hotels & Bed & Breakfasts.

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Oct. 25th — 26th

Come join us as we welcome back the USAF Thunderbirds to the 24th annual Ron Carter Wings Over Houston Airshow! The USAF Thunderbirds will thrill you with their close formations, tight turns, and solo head-on passes. The Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing

The Wings Over Houston Airshow will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, 2008, at Houston"s Ellington Field. Gates will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for static displays. Aerial performances begin at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Flight times are subject to change.) For details and ticket information visit the Wings Over Houston website @ http://www.wingsoverhouston.com/

Lifting Off at the NASA/ Johnson Space Center

Oct. 31st — Nov. 2nd

This unique weekend of fun takes place at NASA/ Johnson Space Center - on October 31st – November 2nd, 2008. The NASA/Johnson Space Center site transforms into the location of the RE/MAX® Ballunar Liftoff Festival. It is a one-of-a-kind tribute to human flight - from the beauty of mass hot air balloon ascensions to the high-tech world of modern space flight.

Visit this exciting and educational family-oriented event at NASA/Johnson Space Center and enjoy hot air balloon competitions, evening balloon glows, skydiving exhibitions, commercial exhibits, concession booths, food from local restaurants, arts & crafts exhibits, entertainment and various aviation equipment displays. For more information visit the official website at http://www.ballunarfestival.com/

More than 50 VW Beetles, vans, dune buggies and more will roll into Traders Village on Sunday, October 12th when the North Houston Volkswagen Club brings its annual Volks In The Village car show to the market.

Show cars, vintage junkers, a swap meet and vendors featuring VW memorabilia will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Red Expo and adjoining covered sheds. You will go "buggy", at the market, for the "Volks at the Village" Show, featuring all types of Volkswagons. Check out classic Bugs, vans, Ghias, and Things, plus a VW swap meet, too.

For more information, please visit www.nhvwclub.org. The market is just minute's northwest of downtown Houston on North Eldridge Road off of Highway 290. Free to the public, parking $3.

Throw on your best Halloween costume and get ready to do the Monster Mash as Traders Village presents the annual Boo Bash, the biggest free spooktacular for kids in Houston.

On Saturday afternoon, October 25th from 1 to 4 p.m., Traders Village will be loaded with more Halloween entertainment and fun than ever before. Boo Bash 2008 will present continuous live musical entertainment and activities, and monster-sized Trick-or-Treating. From 2:30-3:30 p.m. children aged 12 and under can Trick-or-Treat for thousands of pieces of candy at participating shops throughout the market, while supplies last, with their free Trick-or-Treat bag compliments of Traders Village.

The Haunted Hallway is seven creepy-rooms of scares and goodies, for little guys. Every child attending will receive a Halloween gift and Trick-or-Treat bag while supplies last. The first 250 kids to arrive in costume will get a special gift from Traders Village.

A two-day Native American Pow Wow with colorful tribal dance contests, an Indian artist and traders arts & crafts tent, teepee, visiting with old friends, making new ones, honoring ceremonies, singing, dancing and much more will be part of the 19th Annual Texas Championship Indian Pow Wow.

The event will take place at Traders Village Houston on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 & 9, 2008 and presented by the Dallas-Fort Worth Inter-Tribal Association. Several hundred Native Americans, representing dozens of tribes from across the United States will take part in this celebration of culture and heritage. Dancers in full regalia of feathers, buckskin, bells and beadwork will be competing for prize money and awards in eighteen different dance categories. Participants will range in age from two-year old toddler’s to grandmothers in their 80's.

Presented by the General Go Texan Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Champion chili cook teams from across southeast Texas will compete for the title, Houston's Best Chili Cook. Tons of award winning cook teams from throughout Houston will be cooking up some of the best chili and beans in Southeast Texas. There will be a live auction and taster's cups available for a donation to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

 Awards will be given in Open Chili, Open Beans and People's Choice categories.