Elgin Sesquicentennial

August 20 - Founders Day: You are cordially invited to the official Founder’s Day Birthday Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. The event will kick off with a formal program at 10 a.m. in the Gymnasium. The program will recognize Elgin founder’s aged 90+, honor our Hogeye roots, pay homage to our railroad and agricultural ties, and recognize the role that Booker T. Washington played in our past, all while looking forward to and celebrating a much brighter future. Attendees can also record oral histories and learn about our cultural heritage during the event at History in the Halls where over 20+ local and regional organizations will be set up sharing various historical aspects of the community. Immediately following the formal program, enjoy a variety of musical performances, sit down and relax with your community, and help us celebrate 150 years of history at our old-fashioned style birthday party celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities, children’ s birthday party favorites such as balloon animals and face painting, interactive local history games, a car show, festival fare and ice-cold treats, and of course a birthday cake worthy of turning 150! Don’t miss this historic, once in a lifetime event.

August 20 - ETX150 Gala: In addition to the Founder's Day Birthday Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th the Sesquicentennial Committee is hosting the official Founder's Day Gala: Full Steam Ahead at 7 p.m. This fabulous event will raise funds for the Veteran's Memorial Park Expansion, the Sesquicentennial Committee’s legacy project. The curated evening will feature a steak dinner, limited edition Sesquicentennial label wine from Rising Sun Vineyards, dinner pairings from Circle Brew, a silent auction, and more! Interested businesses, organizations, and individuals wanting to be a part of this historic event can do so by expressing their intent to purchase a table by making a reservation. The tables are $1500 and include 8 seats. If you are unable to attend or unable to fill a table of 8 but would still like to contribute to the event by sponsoring a table, Full Steam Ahead Event organizers will be able to help fill your table with local dignitaries and/or community founder's. To make your reservation please email Sarah or Veronica at  infoetx150@gmail.com or veronicaseever@elgintxchamber.com Tables are limited and expected to SELL OUT. We encourage you to make your reservations by July 15^th so that an official Full Steam Ahead event invitation can be sent to you in mid-July with invoicing to follow at the beginning of August. Additionally, if you or your business would like to donate a unique or high value item to the silent auction, please contact Veronica or Sarah, as it would be greatly appreciated. Questions? Please call us at: 512-229-3227.

November 5th - Texas Arbor Day & T.R.E.E. Project: Commit to plant one or more trees this fall to help “green” the City of Elgin! Can’t plant a tree? No problem! You can join Elgin Parks & Recreation on Nov. 5^th to add trees to the Edible Arbor Walk or host a table that provides a craft or activity for the public! Email parks@elgintexas.gov with any questions.

December 31 - Glowing in to 2023: ETX 150 New Years Eve Celebration: Ring in the new year at the Elgin VFW as we celebrate the last day of the Sesquicentennial and look forward to the next 150 years of Elgin with fireworks, entertainment and more!