Rockdale 150th Birthday

Join Us as We Celebrate
Rockdale's 150th Birthday in July 2024!

Everyone is invited to enjoy 12 days of festivities celebrating Rockdale's Past and Future during our Sesquicentennial Celebration. A city-wide affair like this hasn't been seen since Rockdale's 1974 Centennial! This hometown festival will be one to remember. We encourage everyone -- current & former residents, as well as visitors -- to come enjoy and celebrate Rockdale's vibrant history and bright future!
Several dedicated groups and non-profits have worked to collaboratively produce events and activities providing fun for the whole family. There will be something for everyone: A drone show, food, music, art, family activities, historical presentations, vendor events, and more!
Show your commitment to our community by supporting the organizations whose volunteers have donated their time and resources to produce these events -- most of which are free to attend.

Schedule of Sesquicentennial Events

Date	Event	Location
Thurs, 7/4/24: 4P-10P	Rockdale 150 Drone Light and Fireworks Show presented in partnership by the City of Rockdale, Rockdale Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, and Riot Platforms, Rockdale Walmart, Rockdale Downtown Association, and USA Technologies. Sesquicentennial festivities kick-off with a state-of-the-art drone light show on the 4th of July which will light up the night sky with patriotic and customized images reflecting Rockdale's past and present, honoring our community. Drone Show lifts off at 9:00P with fireworks directly afterwards Live Music featuring The Outsiders follows the Show (@ 9:30P) presented by the Rockdale Fair Association * Games & Activities for the Kids provided by the Rockdale Chamber * Food Trucks & Vendors * Beer Concessions by Rockdale Fair Association *NOTE: No Ice Chests or Outside Food or Beverages allowed.* Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy this awe-inspiring evening! Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to this family-friendly event at Fair Park. For everyone's safety, all pets must be on-leash and please clean-up your pet's waste.	Fair Park 200 Walnut St Free to Attend
Fri, 7/5/24: 9A	Rockdale First Friday Coffee: hosted by Main Street Bookshop * El Camino Real de los Tejas Traveling Exhibit on display 6/20/24 thru 7/20/24 Exhibit sponsored by: Milam County Historical Commission * Books-to-Big Screen Movies & Books of the Eras Exhibit by Rockdale's Lucy Hill Patterson Library and the Sesquicentennial Committee, presented in partnership with the Kay Theater * 9-11A: Author Book Signings brought to you by the Sesquicentennial Book Committee and Main Street Bookshop Meet authors Mary Alford, Beverly Daniel, Kris Land, Greg Lawson, Shannon Mokry, and Marshie Morgan. * 10-11A: 1974 Time Capsule Unearthing * 11:30A: El Camino Real de los Tejas Talk by John Pruett PhD - ECR Rancheria Grande Domingo Ramon's New Road to Texas, 1716: Diarist, Priest, and fellow traveler Father Isidro Espinoza (John Pruett) will retell the adventure with the aid of Ramon's diary and with emphasis on the historical assets within the present-day Milam County segment of the trail. Roots in Rockdale Reception presented by Discover Downtown Rockdale Come meet your neighbors who are revitalizing Downtown Rockdale at this come and go reception. Food and Beverages provided. First 100 attendees receive a gift! The Snug 121 E Cameron Ave FREE TO ATTEND	Lucy Hill Patterson Library 201 Ackerman St Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Fri, 7/5/24: 7P	Movie at The Kay Theater: The Hunt for Red October Visit www.kaytheater.org or Facebook @KayTheater for details. Read Tom Clancy's book The Hunt for Red October and enjoy the Books-to-Big Screen Series, a collaboration by Main Street Bookshop, the Kay Theater, Lucy Hill Patterson Library and the Sesquicentennial Committee.	The Kay Theater 350 N Main FREE TO ATTEND
Sat, 7/6/24: Parade Starts 10A	Rockdale 150 Parade presented by the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Kick off the morning with a Star-Spangled Sesquicentennial Parade, starting Downtown traveling down Hwy 79 to Fair Park. Join the Watch Party at The 1895 at 140 W Cameron Ave (9-11A) presented by Vision Historic Preservation Foundation featuring live music by Charlie Weyler (9A) Support the VFW Auxiliary: Come enjoy Breakfast Tacos at The 1895.	Downtown Hwy 79 Route: Green Street to Fair Park Free to Attend PARADE SIGN UP FORM
Sat, 7/6/24: 11A-6P	Big Splash Birthday Bash at Rockdale's Fair Park presented by Rockdale Fair Association Bring the whole family to enjoy the fun at Fair Park! Beat the heat at the Water Park of water slides and obstacle courses. * 8A - Steak & Ribs Cook-Off begins * 10:30A - Waterslides and Rides Open * 11A - See a High-Flying Acrobatic performance by Lone Star Disc Dogs (Show Barn) * 1P - Corn Hole Tournament Sign Up (Tournament Begins 1:30) * 11A-2P - Rockdale VFD Water Polo Challenge See Rockdale VFD Teams battle out their fire hose skills in a Water Polo Challenge! Food Trucks and Beer Concessions by the Rockdale Fair Assoc. *NOTE: No Ice Chests or Outside Food or Drink Allowed*	Fair Park Arena 200 Walnut St Free to Attend COOK-OFF SIGN UP FORM
Sat, 7/6/24: 11A-2P	Sesquicentennial Car Show presented by Rockdale Speedshop in collaboration with the Rockdale Fair Association Come check out the Hot Rods and Cool Classics at the Sesquicentennial Car Show. See SIGN UP FORM for participant information. Misting Tent Cooling Station by Rockdale Rotary Club	Fair Park Grounds Free to Attend *CAR SHOW SIGN UP FORM*
Sat, 7/6/24: 6P	Alcoa History Panel Discussion Presented by Riot in collaboration with Alcoa Retirees Join Riot for a moderated panel discussion between Alcoa retirees. Their work experience includes smelter, atomizer, construction, safety, environmental, power plant, mines, and engineering areas.	Kay Theater 350 N Main St Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Sun, 7/7/24: 11A-12P	Native Edible & Medicinal Plants presented by Victoria Everett, Master Naturalist Commonly available native plants having edible and medicinal properties will be identified and uses discussed. Victoria Everett offers onsite consultations to identify wild edible plants on your property.	I&GN Depot 11 Main Street *Indoor Cooling Station*
Sun, 7/7/24: 3P	Movie at The Kay Theater: The Jungle Book Visit www.kaytheater.org or Facebook @KayTheater for details. Read Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book and enjoy the Books-to-Big Screen Series, a collaboration by Main Street Bookshop, the Kay Theater, Lucy Hill Patterson Library and the Sesquicentennial Committee.	The Kay Theater 350 N Main St FREE TO ATTEND
Sun, 7/7/24: 12-7P	Historic Churches Tour & Musical Performances Self-Guided Tour of Rockdale's Historic Churches * 1-2P: First Baptist Church Tour^ - 240 Green St * 1-3P: St. Thomas Episcopal Church^ - 302 E Davilla. Performance by Matinee Musical Club: 2P * 12-1P: First Christian Church^ - 231 Burleson * 2-4P: St Joseph's Catholic Church - 234 San Gabriel. Tours at 2, 2:30 & 3, plus refreshments; Choir Performance at 3:30P * 3-4P: St John's United Methodist Church - 1700 Hillcrest Dr * 3-5P: Peace Lutheran Church - 303 Meadow Dr * 4-5P: First Presbyterian Church - 1600 Alcoa Ave * 5-7P: Springfield Baptist Church^ - 232 E 3rd St. Performance by Rising Star Baptist Church: 6P Quilt Exhibit *1-5P: Peace Lutheran Church Sanctuary - 303 Meadow Drive	Free to Attend ^ indicates Texas Recorded Historic Landmark marker Indoor Cooling Stations
Sun, 7/7/24: 7P	East Side Celebration at Sumuel Park Cool off and enjoy refreshments at Sumuel Park's Splash Pad as we celebrate the history and accomplishments of Rockdale's east side community. Musical performance by Flower Chamblee	Sumuel Park MLK & 4th Avenue Free to Attend
Sat, 7/6/24 – Sat, 7/13/24	Community Art Exhibit presented by Rockdale ISD Education Foundation Cool off and enjoy a multi-media art exhibition by students and adults from the community and peruse an exhibit of the 1974 Time Capsule contents.	Patterson Civic Center 609 Mill Ave Free to Attend *Indoor Cooling Station*
Wed, 7/10/24: 11:30A	Lunchtime Historical Presentation: George Sessions Perry by Annette Stone Learn about Rockdale native George Sessions Perry American novelist, World War II correspondent, and one of the highest paid popular magazine contributors of his time. He is remembered best for his 1941 novel Hold Autumn in Your Hand. Enjoy this slideshow and discussion of his life and work *3-6pm Screenings of Rockdale ISD recorded performances: - High School One Act Play - Intermediate Play - Elementary Play Don't miss this chance to see these recorded performances of RISD students! This is a great opportunity to share the experience with friends and family in the comfort of the Kay Theater. Thanks for supporting the Kay Theater by enjoying Concessions & Popcorn.	Lucy Hill Patterson Library 201 Ackerman St Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Thur, 7/11/24: 11:30A	Lunchtime Rockdale Art History Tour by Annette Stone Enjoy this informal walking tour of the 22 paintings bequeathed to Rockdale's Lucy Hill Patterson Library by Dr. George Patterson. Discussion will include information about the artists and paintings.	Lucy Hill Patterson Library 201 Ackerman St Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Fri, 7/12/24: 9A	Rockdale Friday Coffee: hosted by: Rockdale Historical Society * El Camino Real de los Tejas Traveling Exhibit on display thru 7/20/24 Exhibit sponsored by: Milam County Historical Commission * Books-to-Big Screen Movies & Books of the Eras Exhibit by the Sesquicentennial Committee & Rockdale's Lucy Hill Patterson Library * 9-11A: Author Book Signings brought to you by the Sesquicentennial Book Committee and Main Street Bookshop Meet authors Nathan Bryan, Susan Cole, Tamara Powell, Shari Seifert, Kristie Self, and Martha Wells. * 10-11A: Presentation about Dr. Lucile Estell's "Images of Rockdale"	Lucy Hill Patterson Library 201 Ackerman St Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Fri, 7/12/24: 7P	The Fallback Plan Concert presented by The Kay Theater Come enjoy the ROCKIN' acoustics of the Kay Theater with local Rock Band The Fallback Plan. The Fallback Plan is a southern punk rock band from central Texas, established in 2020 by frontman/lead guitarist Luke Garrison. The band uses its love for country roots and nostalgic punk youth to create a sound that has been said to be too rock for country but too country for rock. Doors open at 6P. Visit www.kaytheater.org or Facebook @KayTheater for details.	Kay Theater 350 N Main St Free to Attend
Sat, 7/13/24: 9A	Rare Reptiles and Amphibians of Milam County by Paul Crump, PhD Herpetologist for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Diane Barber, Fort Worth Zoo Join biologists from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Fort Worth Zoo to learn about the rare and special reptiles and amphibians that occur in Milam County. Get the opportunity to meet the elusive Houston Toad and everyone’s favorite Texan, the Horned Lizard, as well as learn about their habitat needs and conservation.	I&GN Depot 11 Main Street Free to Attend Indoor Cooling Station
Sat, 7/13/24: 11A-12P	Railroad Historical Talk at the I&GN Depot presented by Rockdale Historical Society	I&GN Depot 11 Main Street Free to Attend *Indoor Cooling Station*
Sat, 7/13/24: 10A-6P	Heritage Celebration at The 1895 presented by Vision Historic Preservation Foundation Details at www.VisionRockdale.org or Facebook @VisionRockdale * Historic Murals & Essays Exhibit * Live Music & Performances Featuring: - 12P: Scott D Taylor's Blues Band who will pay tribute to Rockdale Blues Guitarists Peewee Crayton and Tyler D Bell - 2P: Mariachi Los Tres Martinez will commemorate Hispanic Heritage and celebrate Rockdale's La Escuelita and La Recluta. - 3:30P Robert Lawhon & Triple Threat playing new & traditional country + classic rock with special guest Brooke Graham sitting in. * 10A-2P: Historic Downtown Walking Tours * Tours of The 1895 * Yard Games, Sidewalk Chalk, Activities * 10A-12P: Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos by Girl Scout Troops 12345 & 34000 Misting Tent Cooling Station by Rockdale Rotary Club	The 1895 140 W Cameron Ave Free to Attend
Sat, 7/13/24: 10A-2P	Historic Downtown Walking Tours presented by Vision Historic Preservation Foundation in partnership with Milam County Historical Commission, Rockdale Historical Society, and the Sesquicentennial Committee Docents at 6 Downtown "History Hotspots" sharing stories about Rockdale. Get your History Passport stamped at each location and return them to Main Street Bookshop at 202 W Cameron for a chance to win prizes!	Pick-up History Passports at the Library, The 1895, the I&GN Depot, or Main Street Bookshop Free to Attend
Sat, 7/13/24: 6-11P	Rockdale 150 Birthday Party Gala Dinner & Dance featuring Kenny Orts presented by City of Rockdale Sesquicentennial Committee *Come as you are or wear your favorite era attire from 1874-2024 for this Costumed Birthday Party Gala Dinner & Dance featuring Live Music by Kenny Orts.* Doors open at 6P: Cash Bar & Appetizer Reception Menu Includes: Charcuterie & Fruit Appetizer, Carved Roasted Pork Loin, Jalapeno Cream Corn, Fresh Spring Salad, Rolls and Tea. Enjoy a variety of cakes for Dessert. *Other Highlights:* * Fun Photo Booth * Dance with Live Music by Kenny Orts * Cash Bar $75 per person. All proceeds benefit the Rockdale Sesquicentennial to make this event possible as well as support the community non-profits producing the Sesquicentennial Celebration events.	Knights of Columbus Hall 7014 US Highway 79 THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!: BUY GALA TICKETS NOW
Sun, 7/14/24: 3P	Movie at The Kay Theater: The Wizard of Oz Visit www.kaytheater.org or Facebook @KayTheater for details Read Frank Baum's book The Wizard of Oz and and enjoy the Books-to-Big Screen Series, a collaboration by Main Street Bookshop, the Kay Theater, Lucy Hill Patterson Library and the Sesquicentennial Committee.	The Kay Theater 350 N Main St FREE TO ATTEND
Sun, 7/14/24: 5P-9P	Community Birthday Party Picnic in the Park & 2024 Time Capsule Ceremony presented by the Communities in Concert Band, City of Rockdale, and Rockdale's Sesquicentennial Committee Pack your picnic cooler and bring your blankets & lawn chairs for a community birthday party and musical picnic at Rockdale's Veterans Park! 1-6p Enjoy FREE POOL ADMISSION, dunk tank, waterslide, and birthday cupcakes at the Community Birthday Party Picnic courtesy of the City of Rockdale. 6P - The Communities in Concert Band will perform Sousapolkapalooza! a concert of polkas and music by John Phillip Sousa. 7:30P - Join us as we commemorate Rockdale’s 150th Birthday with a 2024 Time Capsule burial ceremony. The 2024 Time Capsule will archive achievements and contributions from the Community.	Veterans Park 1900 Mistletoe Ln Free to Attend SUBMIT AN ITEM FOR THE 2024 TIME CAPSULE