SPORTS + OUTDOORS

Take a day off from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Come out to the country and enjoy A Simple Christmas 2010 under moss-draped live oak trees at Brazos Bend State Park, Saturday, December 4th, 3:00 – 7:00 pm.

This 13th annual event includes children’s crafts and games, face painting, refreshments, marshmallow roasting, hayrides and of course Santa Claus. Special guests this year include Dutch-oven cooking demonstrators, TPWD historical re-enactors, and live music by “The Brazos River Pickers” – old time, blue grass volunteer community band. (The pickers also play the park the first Saturday of each month, October through April www.brazosriverpickers.com).

See our beautiful lighted windmill (pictured) from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day. The event is held outdoors at the Nature Center lawn and amphitheater. (Weather permitting). Bring a picnic supper. Event is free with park admission of $5 per person age 13 and up, age 12 and under free, senior discount.

The park’s Nature Center is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm year ‘round. The center is also open most holidays (except Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day). Free nature programs and hikes offered every weekend.

For park information call 979-553-5101 or visit www.brazosbend.org  for event schedule and www.tpwd.state.tx.us  for Christmas events at other Texas State Parks.