SAN BENITO – The reenactment of the historic Battle of the Alamo, featuring battle skirmishes by costumed actors, will be highlighted at the Texas Independence Celebration Saturday, March 9 at the San Benito Fair Grounds on FM 510 and Cesar Gonzalez Parkway from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Battle of the Alamo, Battle of Gonzalez and finally the final clash, the Battle of San Jacinto will be performed by reenactors dressed in period attire representing Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna, and Texians who were residents of Mexican Texas and, later, the Republic of Texas.
The story of the Texas Revolution began when colonists, primarily from the United States in the Mexican province of Texas, rebelled against the increasingly centralist Mexican government. After a decade of political and cultural clashes between the Mexican government and the increasingly large population of American settlers in Texas, hostilities erupted in October 1835. Texians (English-speaking settlers) disagreed on whether the ultimate goal was independence or a return to the Mexican Constitution of 1824. While delegates at the provisional government debated the war's motives, Texians and a flood of volunteers from the United States defeated the small garrisons of Mexican soldiers by mid-December 1835.
A Market Fair and art show, along with food, music and BBQ judging are also a part of the day’s events. Awards will be presented at 10:30 a. m. for the art show. Other performances and events are scheduled throughout the day. For vendor information, call Victor Rosas at 367-3448.
Scheduled at 10 a. m. is a presentation of the Lone Star Dream, a musical performed by Ed Downs Elementary School students. Fourth Graders from the campus will present the 40-minute program that commemorates the great Texan and Tejano heroes who fought and died in the Alamo for our independence and liberty.
The first skirmish performed by reenactors is scheduled at 12:00 noon, followed by awards for
A Texas History Symposium is also planned in conjunction with the celebration on Saturday, March 2 at the San Benito School District Administration Building at 240 N. Crockett Street beginning at 8:30 a.m., featuring historians speaking on aspects of Texas History. Registration for students and the general public is $10 and includes lunch. A $40 fee is charged for teachers.
The IBCA Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off will be conducted March 8-9, also at the Fairgrounds. Categories include Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Chicken and Desserts. Cash prize money will be awarded to the top cookers. For more information, call Federico V. Garza at 956-245-6980 or Carolina Garza at 956-245-4202. Registration forms can be found at www.happybirthdaytexas.com.
Events on Saturday begin at 8 a.m. with Market Day.
The first skirmish performed by reenactors is scheduled at 12:00 noon, followed by awards for the Art Show, BBQ Cook-Off Judging, and then at 2 p.m. with the Battle of the Alamo reenactment. The final skirmish, the Battle of San Jacinto will begin at 4 p.m.
Events conclude with an invitation for viewers to “sign” the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico and live music.
Reenactors wishing to participate may contact event liaison Bruce Kidd at 956-873-2959. Practice sessions will be required.
Admission is free of charge, with a $5 donation for parking on the fairgrounds.
For more information, please contact Fred Garza at 956-245-6980.