Moving to a small town three years ago has taught me a lot. I have lived in cities and I have done smaller towns. But Sealy by far is the smallest. Right in the middle of Austin County, Sealy is surrounded by smaller towns, and it’s where I chose to bring my little family. When it comes to city life or country life, we’ll take country life any day!
I knew moving here would be an adjustment simply because more than half of the community was born and raised here. These towns raise their generations to stay and keep the traditions. This type of community is where I wanted my kids to grow up and learn.
Many events go on year-round, but some of our favorites are in the fall and winter, from Halloween festivities like Boo Bash to the Austin County Fair and Christmas events like the Fantasy of Lights. There is always something to do with the kids.
Boo Bash is one of our favorite things to do in Sealy because it involves the entire community and the kids love to dress up, go trick-or-treating, play games and collect tons of candy. With more than 2,000 people in attendance and participation by over 50 businesses offering games and candy, it feels like the entire town takes part.
I have been a part of Boo Bash for three years. There is so much planning going into this event and I couldn’t be happier with the turnout and smiling faces of not just the kids but the parents. Needless to say, my family is excited for another Boo Bash this year.
The other event we look forward to is Fantasy of Lights. The events go on all day and finish with a parade. Activities in the park during the day are good for all ages because there is shopping, bounce houses and games. At night there is the Fantasy of Lights Parade. Last year, my family got to ride on one of the floats — a big trailer on the back of a semi. The kids thought it was the coolest thing to ride on the float and wave at their friends as we passed. The only part they did not enjoy was freezing their little butts off. Knowing it would be cold, I grabbed their big fluffy jackets and blankets, but they all still took turns sitting with mommy to warm up a little more.
Living in a small town, I have learned Sealy’s many traditions. One that has been in Austin County for more than 95 years is the Austin County Fair and Rodeo.
Each year, I make a point to take my kids to the fair as many days as possible. My two youngest have enjoyed competing in the talent pageant for a couple of years now. Getting to go onstage, talk to the crowd and do a talent they have chosen has been a fun experience and builds their confidence. We always struggle to pick a talent they can do onstage and help their chances of winning. Some of these kids sing or play instruments, and it is impressive to see the local talent. Win or lose, it is the cutest thing when it comes to little ones competing before an audience.
One of the most fun things the two youngest did last year was the mutton busting. It’s one of the cutest and funniest things you’ll ever see — little kids riding sheep and holding on for dear life. It’s amazing. My middle one, Connor, was more excited than the youngest, Owen, to do this. They both waited for their turns and did so well. I was very proud of both for trying something new while exploring new ways for them to be little cowboys.
Later that night, we returned to the arena to watch the rodeo including bull riding, calf wrestling and more. It was a lot of fun for the boys, and it’s what I grew up watching when I lived in Houston.
Of course, one thing you must do when you go to the fair is the carnival. My kids always want to go on every ride and play every game to win prizes, which I end up carrying around.
Mind you, this is in October, which is still hot and humid.
A parade and concerts wrap up the rodeo. Even though I bring chairs for my kids to sit in while we wait for the parade, they don’t want to stay still. They like to run around beforehand and when the parade is passing, they stand, jump around and wave as the vehicles and horses pass by.
Getting to keep my kids a part of small-town traditions is important to me. But I also want them to remember it is not about the money we spend on things, but the memories we make each and every day.
FOR MORE
- Austin County Fair and Rodeo, starts Oct. 6 Visit AustinCountyFair.com for a schedule.
- Boo Bash, held on Main Street on Halloween Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31.
- Fantasy of Lights and parade, Dec. 2
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