Alpine, Texas Community Guide 2017 | Page 8

ANNUAL events Favorite Events are Celebrated by Locals, Visitors Signature Events BIG BEND LIVESTOCK SHOW The annual Big Bend Livestock Show provides students in FFA and 4-H programs in Brewster and Jeff Davis counties an opportunity to show their lambs, pigs, goats and steers. The Livestock show occurs each January at the Alpine FFA facilities near Alpine Middle School. Learn more on their Facebook page at Big-Bend-Livestock-Show-Association TEXAS COWBOY POETRY GATHERING Once a year, Sul Ross University hosts The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering - a two day event that celebrates the lives and traditions of the working cowboy through poetry, stories, and music. Students, professionals, artists, and, of course, cowboys and girls, converge from around the region to share their pieces that try to capture the diverse range of experience in the Big Bend. Up to ten sessions run concurrently throughout the day, and are free to all. At 7pm on Friday and Saturday, two hour long showings are held in Marshall Auditorium that showcase the featured performers. These performances cost $15.00. And don’t miss the popular $5.00 chuck wagon breakfast at Poet’s Grove by Kokernot Baseball Field Friday and Saturday mornings. The 32nd annual Texas Poetry Gathering will be held on March 2 – 3 2018. More @ www.texascowboypoetry.com TRAPPINGS OF TEXAS - see page 18. SUL ROSS SPORTS From baseball to track and field, basketball to tennis to football, sports fans can keep busy cheering for the Sul Ross Lobo teams. Events throughout the school year. Learn more at www.srlobos.com 8 alpine TEXAS | alpinetexas.com | alpinetexasguide.com HEART OF ALPINE Heart of Alpine nights happen four times throughout the year, when downtown businesses stay open extra late and band together to create an inviting, pedestrian-friendly downtown atmosphere. Events are scheduled by the Alpine Downtown Association to coincide with Big Bend Ranch Rodeo in August, the City of Alpine December parade and tree lighting, the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in February, and the Alpine Gem and Mineral Show in April. BIG BEND GEM & MINERAL SHOW Each April, the Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club brings this free event to Alpine. Rock hounds and amateur geologists will answer questions about unique rocks and gems on display and you’ll see spectacular agate collections, finished jewelry, ready to set gemstones and other unique items. Learn more at www.cdgmc.org CINCO DE MAYO A local tradition – 25 years and counting – brings a wonderful enchilada dinner, themed parade, music and dancing from the Civic Center to Kokernot Park. Join the festivities at the 26th annual Cinco de Mayo, May 5 2018. ALPINE COWBOYS BASEBALL Baseball, Apple Pie and Alpine! Come out and support the local professional team at historical Kokernot Field. Season begins each May. Learn more and see a schedule at alpine.pecosleague.com