Maypole alive and well in Beaumont, Texas

My father once bragged that he refused to do the Maypole at his elementary school spring function and I've always wondered what that entailed and just why he objected. Then I participated in one at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge and had a blast. Guess it's not much of a guy thing, but if that's the case today's men should forgo the macho attitude and partake. 

You can dance the Maypole in Beaumont this month, on May 13 at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. This free, third annual event  will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and families can wander through the gardens, feed the koi, meet local artists and even encounter a mystical fairy or two along the way, according to the city's press release.  The blessing of the crops and the wrapping of the Maypole with multicolored ribbons by young Beaumont dancers will begin at 4:30. There will be food and drinks available from food trucks.

Cheré Dastugue Coen is a food and travel writer living in South Louisiana who is the author of several Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire and the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.

Thar she blows! Spindletop celebrates 115th birthday

The nation’s first oil boom happened deep in the heart of Texas (actually more like along the southeast coast) and this year the Spindletop gusher, located just outside Beaumont, celebrates its 115th anniversary of the Lucas Gusher discovery that changed the way we use energy. When the gusher blew on Jan. 10, 1901, the flow was so intense, oil spewed forth for nine days before the well could be capped.

The Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown Museum will celebrate the anniversary of the Lucas Gusher discovery on Jan. 9, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the Spindletop Anniversary Celebration. Re-enactors will take visitors back to the early days of the oil rush town with demonstrations and craft-making of blacksmithing, butter churning, soap-making and more and there will be live entertainment and an old-fashioned “drillers’ lunch.” Of course the day won’t be complete without the blowing of the Lucas Gusher.

The celebration continues into the next day, with free admission to the Boomtown Museum all day on Jan. 10.
            For more information, visit http://www.spindletop.org/.

No cats allowed at Beaumont’s Dogtoberfest

Courtesy of Beaumont's Dogtoberfest

            Beaumont, Texas, is going to the dogs.

            From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, downtown Beaumont will be barking with Dogtoberfest, all happening at Central Bark, the green space between the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Beaumont Public Library. Bring your pooch and a plastic bag.

The fun begins at 8 a.m. with a Puppies and Pancakes Breakfast followed by the “Strutt your Mutt” Parade at 9 a.m. Contests include Master/Dog Look Alike, Cutest Dog, Most Talented Dog, Best Dressed, Best Tail Wagging and Best Howler (human and/or canine). In addition to the contests, Mr. & Mrs. Dogtoberfest 2015 will be chosen from the crowd and the winner of the Facebook Favorite (the canine receiving the most “likes” on the Beaumont Main Street Facebook page) will be announced. A style show showcases adoptable dogs dressed in Ruff Lauren and Canine Klein. Want to tell Fido’s future? Madam Poodle Paw reads paws. How about some pampering? There’s the Day SPAW and shopping at Neiman Barkus.

Courtesy of Beaumont's Dogtoberfest

For kids, there’s Pappy’s Barnyard with pony rides, a petting zoo and activities kids can do with their pets. A Bone Appetite Food Court exists near the Fountain of Woof and Puppy Dog Lane features dog rescue groups and canine advocates sharing information and awareness.

Admission is free but a minimal donation is required to compete in contests, participate in games and enjoy refreshments. All proceeds and sponsorships benefit the revitalization efforts of Beaumont’s historical downtown.
            For more information, call BeaumontMain Street at (409) 838-2202 or visit www.dogtoberfestbeaumont.com.