Happy Texas Independence Day, Austin style

Today is Texas Independence Day. And what better place to celebrate than right here in the Capital of Texas?

No, you're still unlikely to get today off from work. Your school-aged kids are probably going to be celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday. And you're predictably going to get blank stares from the Californians who keep moving here to escape their former state's crumbling economy.

But there are some incredible events worthy of a true Texan's time today and this weekend -- including a parade, historic re-enactors, a pop-up boot store, a fun run, and even Texas-shaped waffles on Sixth Street. What's not to love about all that?

• Driskill Hotel/Sun Radio Texas Independence Day Festival on Sixth Street: https://www.facebook.com/events/191095608147334
• Celebrate Texas events (parade, 5K run, memorials, etc.): http://CelebrateTexas.org/events
• Below is a reprint of our 2017 article on 5 Unique Ways YOU Can Celebrate Texas Independence Day. 
• We're sure our Texian founding fathers would want you to vote to continue the spirit of independence well into the 21st Century. Learn more about the Travis GOP Primary.

1. Find a March 2nd event in your area. There are many cities that celebrate the day, especially Austin -- everything from community festivals to 5k fun runs to parades, to Texian Soldier re-enactors doing their thing. See what's up in Austin this week by visiting http://celebratetexas.org

2. Take a road trip to a historic site.  We especially recommend Gonzales, where you can stand inches away from the famed "Come and Take It" cannon. Washington-on-the-Brazos (the original site of the Texas Capitol, pictured) also has a few sites to peruse. And there are a number of other historic places of early Texas lore such as Sam Houston's birthplace near Huntsville or any place along the Texas Independence Trail.

3. Make some noise! Many counties are taking advantage of a recent law that allows for the sale of fireworks for March 2. Go ahead and light up the sky for a few minutes tonight (if your local authorities allow for it). It'll make your not-so-Texan neighbors wonder what they're missing.

You could also shoot guns, but do check with your local law enforcement and be sure not to annoy your neighbors -- we are the Friendship State, after all. (And never shoot into the air!)

4. Serve hot chocolate. While this new-ish tradition may seem weird, it is becoming a custom in some places to have a mug (or styrofoam cup) of cocoa on Texas Independence Day. It may have a lot to do with Texas' Spanish roots, as the cocoa bean is a celebrated part of life. This can make for an easy way to celebrate the holiday at the office when your boss won't give you the day off! The Texas weather can be hard to predict, so if you end up with an unseasonably warm March 2, try it ice cold, or with coffee.



5. Fly the colors!  We remember to fly the U.S. flag for all kinds of reasons and federal holidays -- some have loyally kept Old Glory raised over their homes since the onset of the War on Terror. But this is a change to raise the Lone Star high! If you'd like to start some discussion, fly one of the historic Texas standards, such as the San Jacinto Flag, the Bonnie Blue, the Burnet Flag, or the Zavala Flag (pictured) -- just be prepared to tell the uninformed that you're not advocating secession!



Regardless of how you celebrate, we wish you and yours a happy Texas Independence Day!