Kin Faux, a San Antonio-based Texas red-dirt country band, will be performing Friday night at Summer Sizzle Seltzer in Santa Fe Plaza. The “Seltzer” celebration is being held in conjunction with First Friday, and there will be parties and specials throughout Downtown Temple.

DAVID STONE | August 4, 2022

Get ready for an expanded version of First Friday.

In addition to the parties, food and specials typically associated with the first Friday of every month in Downtown Temple, the Chamber of Commerce will be presenting its annual late-summer bash as well.

The Summer Sizzle celebration is now Summer Sizzle Seltzer, and it is being sponsored by Polar Texas, the nation’s second-largest producer of flavored seltzer waters.

Polar Texas, located in Temple’s Industrial Park, produces beverages for H-E-B and Zevia soft drinks, and will soon make Rambler Sparkling Water.

The company is part of Polar Beverages, a Worcester, Mass., company that is independently owned. Nationwide, they are the second-largest producers of seltzer water in the US behind LaCroix. The Temple plant likely will produce Polar-branded waters in the future.

“This celebration is something we are really excited about,” Polar Texas plant manager Mark Woodford said this week. “We will be bringing water and Orson — our company mascot — and we’ll be having a small hiring fair and a lot of fun. We are thrilled to be part of the Temple community.”

Summer Sizzle Seltzer will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Santa Fe Plaza, and will feature food trucks and an outdoor market.

At 7:30 p.m., Kin Faux, a Texas red-dirt country band based in San Antonio, will perform at Santa Fe Plaza. Those attending are urged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

“This year we have additional entertainment in the form of inflatables for kids and adults, axe throwing and unique vendors  — it is truly a family-friendly event,” said Kaylee Blumenfeld, events director for the Chamber. 

Summer Sizzle Seltzer is part of a huge August First Friday that includes events throughout Downtown.

FIRST FRIDAY DEALS AND STEALS!

J Kowboy Wine Bar – Will be open all evening to serve First Friday guests and will feature a live show by guitarist and vocalist Brian Wenberg.

Ras Kitchen – Will put on an evening of dance called, ‘Savor Latin Night’.  Skilled dance instructor Kate Keiling will help you learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Classes are beginner friendly and there's no requirement to bring a partner. 

Christ Episcopal Church – Will host a classical music choral concert by Las Voces Chorus. This concert will feature a performance of the Fauré Requiem and other choral works by Moses Hogan, Christopher Tin, and Jeanette Gallant. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church at 300 N Main Street.

BJ’s Brewery Tasting Room - Will celebrate Bar-Man Brian Garrison’s birthday with a Summer Sizzle party featuring the Flexin’Texan food truck and live music by David Johnson.

Temple Chamber of Commerce – Will put on a festival at Santa Fe Plaza called ‘Summer Seltzer’ that will include live music, food trucks, an outdoor market, inflatables, and fun for the entire family.

Tour Temple & Corky’s Wine Bar- Will put on a’ Summer Sizzle Karaoke-Night Party’ with    DJ Bryan Hogue.  Also, earlier in the evening, they’ll offer a beer and wine trail bus-tour from 4-8 p.m. 

Mexiko Cafe –  Will offer a ‘Summer Sizzle’ Happy all day with music provided by  DJ Diaz throughout the evening.

‘J & M’s Dogs & Paninis’, at 8 E Avenue A, will hold a ‘Summer Sizzle Trivia Night’ contest with cool prizes and family fun. They’ll also have DJ Alpatrii spinning tunes and they’ll offer free beer the with purchase of a hotdog or panini (while supplies last). 

Green Door –  Will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday, and will put on a live piano show by Russell Boyd.

EZ Pawn Will put on an Summer Sizzle party with free refreshments, and they will offer a 10 percent discount to all First Friday shoppers.

Fire Base Brewing –  Will celebrate summer with an awesome Summer Sizzle Block Party! They’ll close the street in front of their brewpub and they’ll have live music by the band, ‘Free Ransom’, and they’ll offer some great Hawaiian food from the ‘808 Island Grindz’ food truck. In addition, there will be recreational axe throwing, vendors, cigars, and of course ice-cold craft beer!

FoxDog – Will be serving up the finest coffee, craft beer and wine. Guests can come try over 2 dozen local Texas drink options!

Pignetti’s – Will feature Lobster Night and Osso Buco.

Mo’s Railyard Saloon – Will have an awesome Summer Sizzle Party with music by DJ Smooth, $3 frozen margaritas, $3 frozen strawberry daiquiris, and pulled pork sandwiches.

O'Briens Irish Pub – Will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday.

Bird Creek Burger - Will offer half priced appetizers (excluding chili), and happy-hour prices all day with $2.50 domestics, $3 draft beer, and $4 select glasses of wine.  Also, they’ll offer $5 First Friday Frito Pies and $3 Freshly Squeezed Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade.

Vendors Around Town - ‘Artist 2 Artist Showcase’ will stage a Summer Sizzle art show and vendor sale at Main Street Courtyard at 5 S. Main Street. This month, you’ll be able to shop with lots of cool local vendors such as the Wooden Flags Company, Plunder Home Design, Against the Grain Woodworks, John John’s Photos, and Obscurely Wicked Oddities and Antiques. They’ll also have the Petey’s Snow-cones food truck and Pizza BEATS N Wings on site to provide tasty snacks & tunes. It will also be your host’s birthday, so be sure to give your best wishes to Artist 2 Artist’s President: John John Montelongo.

Artist Noel Johnson – Will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O’Briens Irish Pub.

The Yard-Food Truck Plaza – Will offer tasty eats from several food trucks: 

• The ‘Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit’ food truck - Will offer a 10 percent discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

• The ‘Chock Full of Cheese’ food truck – Will offer a 10 percent discount to any guest who mentions First Friday. 

• The ‘808 Island Grindz’ food truck - Will offer a 10 percent discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

• The ‘Mama Lama Mobile Kitchen’ food truck - Will offer a 10 percent discount to any guest who mentions First Friday. 

Darling Décor and More – Will hold a Summer Sizzle Clearance Sale with 20-75 percent Off select items.

Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop – Will be celebrating First Friday all day on August 5th with a Summer Sizzle Spectacular including discounts, product sampling, and a ‘Summer Sizzle’ backdrop for photo ops!! They’ll also have a book signing event with the popular children’s book author: Amber Gabriel.

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom – Will offer discounts on selected beers & wines; and as always, Treno’s pizza chefs will be baking up tasty fresh hot pizza pies.

The Parlour Antiques and Oddities – Will hold a Summer Sizzle party with free snacks and beverages, and all customers will be given a chance to spin the wheel for cool prizes.

The Hub –  Will be open until 8 pm and will offer Summer Sizzle refreshments for First Friday shoppers. 

BJ’s Brewery and Tasting Room – Will have Lulamae’s Cajun Food Truck out front, and as always they’ll be serving up lots of cold craft brews on tap to First Friday guests. 

Cheeves Brothers Steak House – Will let you take your pick of appetizers from their menu which will be 1/2 off from 5-7 pm in their bar and lounge. They will also offer 1/2 priced specials on selected beers, wines by the glass, and call level liquors

PJ’s Tabletop & Catering – Will be open all evening to serve First Friday Guests

Thai Cafe – Will be open all evening to serve First Friday Guests

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi - Will offer the First Friday happy-hour specials on select drinks appetizers and sushi rolls.

Cha Community – Will be open to serve First Friday customers and they will offer a free drink topping and $1 off on food boxes.

On this day in 1898, the Colorado County Feud began. This murderous quarrel between rival local factions was ignited when Larkin Hope, a candidate for county sheriff, was shot and killed by an unknown assailant. Jim Coleman, a family friend of Sheriff Sam Reese, was immediately suspected. He was never charged. Less than a year later Reese was killed in a gun battle on the Columbus Street where Hope had died. Stray bullets killed Charles Boehme and wounded a boy named Johnny Williams. Even though evidence suggests that Reese had provoked the fight, his sons vowed to get revenge. In five more gunfights between May 17, 1899, and May 17, 1907, five more men were killed and several others wounded. No one was ever convicted of the killings. The feud also had a direct effect on the economic well being of Columbus. In 1906 the citizens voted to turn the administration of the city over to the county and Columbus remained unincorporated for twenty years.

DAVID STONE | August 4, 2022

“They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot…”

That’s a line from a famous Joni Mitchell song called Big Yellow Taxi. It also describes Temple’s City Park, aka the Municipal Building parking lot.

It started as a natural green space in Downtown Temple — a place where farm families picnicked during Saturday trips to town. Business men would gather at lunch or in the late afternoon and discuss the needs of the town. The park also served as a place for entertainment and socialization.

In the early days, the park was a bit rough — there were a lot of areas with tall grasses and bushes, and rabbits were everywhere. A small bandstand was constructed in the middle of the park, and a group that called themselves The Temple Band performed frequently.

The band was all volunteer and provided their own instruments and uniforms. Crowds would attend their concerts, but when a lot of people gathered the rabbits came out and played — and stole the show. At one point, the band refused to continue its regular concerts until the city cut the grass and bushes so the rabbits would move elsewhere.

On Feb. 4, 1904, the park became home to a beautiful library, a gift in part from wealthy tycoon Andrew Carnegie, who built libraries across America in an attempt to boost literacy. Carnegie matched dollar-for-dollar local contributions, and Temple opened its pocketbooks. The result: One of the nation’s finest libraries was built in Downtown Temple.

The fund-raising drive was headed by Mrs. WS Banks, and once built the library was filled with thousands of volumes.

Unfortunately, the Carnegie was short-lived. On Sept. 22, 1918, the building burned and almost all books that were in the library were destroyed. Luckily, it was a busy library and well over 1,000 books were checked out at the time of the fire and were gathered for a new temporary library.

Temple City Park was home to a charming statue of a boy and girl holding an umbrella, which was on the square from 1899 until 1928. It later stood in the Babyland section of Hillcrest Cemetery until the early 1970s when it was vandalized.

After the Carnegie Library burned, the land eventually returned to a park-like setting. Sunday afternoon band concerts — mostly rabbit free — were held and politicians conducted frequent rallies there during campaign season. Trees planted in Temple’s infancy had grown and provided ample shade for children’s games. Eventually, part of the trees and grounds were bulldozed to form a circular drive used by farmers selling produce.

In the 1940s, Downtown had grown to the point that parking was in short supply. The park and farmer’s market were converted to a large parking lot complete with parking meters. Eventually the meters were removed and today the parking is free.

But, the land’s days as a parking lot could be numbered. At least part of the land — some of which is used as a monthly vendors market sponsored by the Temple Small Business Coalition — may become home to a new Temple City Hall,

The Temple Municipal Building, aka City Hall, was built as a theater and concert hall in 1928 and has served the city for decades. In early June, City Council heard a plan to explore building a new city headquarters or expanding the existing facility.

Either way, the new or upgraded City Hall likely would be built in the parking lot just west of the current facility. The new building would be nearly 35,000 square feet and could include a parking garage or underground parking levels.

What’s next for the old rabbit-infested park may be determined in the near future.

¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues

The latest exhibit, Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues, will be on exhibit at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum through Oct. 8.

Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance

A new exhibit, Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance is open at the Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center in Temple. The exhibit runs through Oct. 1

Thursday, August 4

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• Dungeons & Dragons at Temple Public Library. 5 p.m.

• Back-to-School Teacher Appreciation Party at FoxDog. 4 p.m. We LOVE our teachers! All teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff will get 15 percent off their tab with a valid school ID

• National White Wine Day at Corky’s. Specials on select whites.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trive at Fire Base Brewing featuring Miss Kedra.

• ‘Bring Your Own Songs’ Open Mic Night at Knead Peace. 7-10 p.m., Originals Night for all those singer/songwriter types out there. No cover tonight. Feel free to bring a chair, hammock, picnic blanket, snacks and cooler. Family friendly event!

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

Friday, August 5

• The choral group Las Voces will present The Faure’ Requiem at Christ Episcopal Church in Temple at 7 p.m. Tickets and additional information are available at LasVocesDebut.eventbrite.com

• Summer Sizzle First Friday Block Party at Fire Base Brewing featuring Free Ransom Band starting at 630p.  Food Truck will be 808 Island Grindz.  Several vendors including Rowdy Axe Co, Rollin N' The Dough, Rolling Stogies Mobile Cigar, Candelaria Artistry & more.  We will also be collecting school supplies for the Temple Blue Santa Program - every school supply donation will receive $1 off their first drink all First Friday!

• Sing-A-Long Piano Show at Green Door every Friday at 10

• Wes Perryman live at Barrow Brewing. 7:30 p.m.

• First Friday Karaoke Party at Corky’s. 8 to close.

• Plein Visions in Miniature: A collection of work by the Outdoor Painters Society at Cultural Events Center. Reception is at 5 p.m. on August 5. Art and refreshments. Elegant Savagery by Aaron White. The Trees Speak to Me by Linda Nickell. Western art by Mat Tindell.

• Summer Sizzle Seltzer at Santa Fe Plaza sponsored by Texas Polar Bottling Co. Food trucks from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Outdoor market from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Live music featuring Kin Faux, a Texas Red Dirt Country band.

• Savor Latin Night at Ras Kitchen. Join us to learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Then take what you've learn for a night of social dancing. 7-11 p.m.

• Come dance to Branded Heart at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

• Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker.  For tickets and showtimes, visit

  https://templecivictheatre.com

• First Friday activities, bands, deals and dinners throughout Downtown Temple.

• UMHB Choir Auditions, 2 p.m., Presser Hall, 404 Band Hall.

Saturday, August 6

• Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker.  For tickets and showtimes, visit

  https://templecivictheatre.com

• Holy Trinity Celtic Disc Golf Tournament at Crossroads Park. 18 holes, flex start 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Entry is $35 for adults and $25 for students. Players will receive a HT Swag Bag which includes two discs, a mini disc and many items from sponsors. There is still time to register for the tournament Registration Link: tinyurl.com/HTDiscGolf. For additional information, contact Renee Morales, rmorales@holytrinitychs.org or (254) 771-0787.

• Dig It Family day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Want to test your dinosaur knowledge or learn how ancient civilizations played music? Join us at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum Saturday, August 6th to find out what real archaeologists and paleontologists do. Discover how digging in the earth can reveal the secrets of the past! This is a FREE family event.

• Happy Hour Theme Trivia - Beer, Wine & Cocktails at Fire Base Brewing!  Come test your knowledge of your favorite hour of all time!  730 pm

• Texas Red’s Name that Tune Bingo at Bold Republic Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Bell County Comic Con at the Bell County Expo Center. Come dressed up in your favorite costume! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Taylor Graves live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m.

• Come dance to Dave Jorgenson at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Dave s no newcomer to country music.  From a young age he has been slinging a guitar strap and entertaining audiences with songs that reflect his personal life and the real world of Midwestern America. He will be supporting his music with a cast of band members that carry his unique Texas country music to dance halls.

• Karaoke at Green Door, 9 p.m.

• Salado Legends at Tablerock. Salado Legends, is an outdoor musical written by Salado resident playwright Jackie Mills. It was chosen by the Library of Congress to serve as a record of life in America during the 1850’s and “to preserve our nation’s diverse cultural traditions for generations of Americans, present, and future. Meal: 7:15. Show, 8:15. Tickets: centraltexastickets.org

• Saturday night Comedy Showcase at Corky’s. Show at 8 p.m. Corky’s is now open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, August 7

• Bell County Comic Con at the Bell County Expo Center. Come dressed up in your favorite costume! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

• Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker.  For tickets and showtimes, visit

  https://templecivictheatre.com

• Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing with Dr. Ray Eary discussing dream interpretations. Live music at 4 with Erica Michelle.

• Margarita Madness at Corky’s. Specials 1 to 7 p.m.

Monday, August 8

• Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403. 

• $1 Summer movies at The Beltonian Theatre. 10 a.m., 1, p.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Smallfoot

• Drawing on the Bible: Bowden Collection at the UMHB Baugh Center for Visual Arts. 9  a.m. to 4 p.m.  A collection of drawings and sketches illustrating stories from the Bible, with works dating from the mid-1600’s to the 21st century.

• Native Plant Society of Texas meeting at Barrow Brewing. 6 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9

• Drawing on the Bible Gallery Talk at the UMHB Baugh Center for Visual Arts. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Curator Sandra Bowden will discuss a collection of drawings and sketches illustrating stories from the Bible, with works dating from the mid-1600’s to the 21st century. Limited seating, free ticket required, pick up in Art Office.

• Czech Movie Night at The Beltonian. 2nd Tuesday of each Month at 6 pm. The Search starring Montgomery Clift. An American soldier takes care of a boy left alone during World War II.

• O’Pen Mic Night at O’Briens Irish Pub. 8 to midnight. O'Briens Open Mic Is Back! Every Tuesday 8 p.m. This is an acoustic open mic. will be using our in house sound system! Come on out and let's have fun!

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

Wednesday, August 10

• Drawing on the Bible Gallery Talk at the UMHB Baugh Center for Visual Arts. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Curator Sandra Bowden will discuss a collection of drawings and sketches illustrating stories from the Bible, with works dating from the mid-1600’s to the 21st century. Limited seating, free ticket required, pick up in Art Office.

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library, 11:15 a.m.

• School Aged Story Time (K-3rd Grade) at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.

• Kid Movie Night on the Lawn at Treno’s Pizzeria. 5 p.m.

• Trivia at Green Door. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Trivia Night at Barrow Brewing with Chad. 7 p.m.

• Comedy Open Mic Night at Corky’s. 7 p.m.

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing hosted by SmokinMaxx.