Celebrate Texas State Parks’ 100th Birthday with Statewide S’mores Party May 13
May 4, 2023
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030
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AUSTIN — Get out the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows May 13, and head to one of 80 Texas State Parks hosting our official 100th birthday party.
Toast “100 s’more years” of outdoor fun with everyone’s favorite campfire treat. Participating parks offer events to introduce people of all ages and skill levels to the outdoors with s’mores-themed fun, from making solar-baked s’mores to a s’mores-themed star party.
“I cannot think of a more fun and appropriate way to celebrate 100 years of state parks than enjoying a tasty traditional camping snack like s’mores,” said Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin. “If you are new to parks, this ‘birthday party’ is a great way to get to know your local Texas State Park and experience what it has to offer. With events taking place at all hours of the day, you can snack your way across Texas. Come join us in celebrating 100 s’more years and bring a friend!”
A full list of s’mores events can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) calendar page.
Since some parks could reach their capacity limit, TPWD encourages anyone planning a trip to a Texas state park to reserve a day pass in advance. Reserve day passes online or call (512) 389-8900.
If you can’t make it to a state park birthday event on May 13, join in the fun at home. Share your s’mores-themed creations and fun on social media using #100SmoreYears and #texasparks100.
At Barton Warnock Visitors Center at Big Bend Ranch State Park, visitors can roast their marshmallows solar oven while exploring the spots of the sun and learning how to stay cool during the hot summer months. The event, which takes place from 10 a.m.-noon, is free with park admission.
In the wetlands of Brazos Bend State Park in East Texas, park staff are looking forward to toasting to 100 s’more years of reptiles. Visitors will be able to learn about the parks’ famous residents, the American Alligator, while enjoying campfires and s’mores from 1- 2 p.m. at the Elm Lake Pavilion.
Have the best s’mores recipe? Prove it at Fort Boggy State Park’s s’mores cook-off from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ten cooks will compete for the title of Best S’more of Fort Boggy at this new annual event. While judges are tasting the entries, visitors can make and enjoy their own s’mores on one of the six fire pits set up at the park.
Goose Island State Park is celebrating the official Texas State Parks birthday with a s’mores building competition honoring the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) building at the park. From 3- 4:30 p.m., visitors can bring their holiday cookie-building skills to the beach and recreate the CCC recreation hall using only s’more ingredients.
From 8-10 p.m., Hill Country State Natural Area is taking a tasty gaze to the Hill Country’s night sky with Cos’mores: A Gastronomically Astronomical Event. Visitors will be able to sample the delectable night sky buffet while enjoying a classic campfire treat hosted in conjunction with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. The event will be held at the Chapa Group Area.
H-E-B, presenting sponsor of the Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration, will be donating s’mores supplies to state parks for this event. Several parks will be using Solo Stove fire pits to offer visitors a smokeless s’mores-making experience with all the fun of gathering around a fire together.
Along with the s’mores event, Texas State Parks is celebrating the centennial with signature events at all 89 parks across Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has partnered with TPWD to celebrate all year long. H-E-B donated $1 million to help all Texans discover and explore their parks.
For more information on the Centennial Celebration, including signature events, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit TexasStateParks.org/100years.