My involvement in the ICMA/TCMA student chapter at the Bush School has provided me with opportunities to learn about what is going on in local governments close to College Station, and through this network, I was able to volunteer to help out the Texas Birthday Bash in Navasota. The Texas Birthday Bash was a two-day event on March 6th and 7th, 2020 that was held in Navasota, TX to celebrate Texas Independence Day. I was fortunate to be able to help out the city's Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Madison Brooks, with social media interaction for the event. The weekend consisted of me taking photos and videos and posting them to the Texas Birthday Bash's Facebook event webpage. I posted two photos and/or videos per hour, made announcements on the timing of the upcoming musical performers, and I got to interact with the vendors, citizens, and city workers in the process. Below is an image carousel containing a small fraction of the photos I took over the weekend.
The 2020 Texas Birthday Bash provided multiple activities and shows as entertainment for those of all ages. Navasota hosted 9 musical performers and their very own 2019 Navasota's Got Talent winner performed on both nights. The Bash also had multiple activities for kids including a face painting station, two bouncy houses, a mechanical bull for children, a petting zoo, and multiple performances from the Ole West Gunfighters. There were also a variety of Texas craft vendors and multiple food trucks serving several different types of food.
Moving forward, I am excited to continue working with the City of Navasota after graduation and I volunteering wherever help is needed at the Texas Birthday Bash in upcoming years. Seeing the hard work Madison and the other city employees put into the event and their presence at the Bash from hours before gates opened until late at night shows me the dedication and passion the city employees have for their community. The level of commitment and passion for their city and community inspire and excite me for my future in municipal government.