The Bay Area’s “Houston Rodeo Connection” and How to Connect to the HLS&R

The Texas Independence Trail Riders began their trek to the 2014 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLS&R) on February 22^nd. During the 108 mile journey, riders have visited Alvin, Friendswood, the Clear Lake City area, Pasadena, and will end their ride at Memorial Park in Houston. This ride was formed in 1961 and is proud of the preserving the cowboy heritage by using many authentic wagons and buggies. The 2014 HLS&R Parade will be held in downtown Houston on Saturday, March 1^st. Last year, (2013), the Texas Independence Trail Ride won the Division 1 and Spirit Award.

The daily schedule of rodeo events can be found on the HLS&R official website.

The photos below show the Texas Independence Trail Riders
as they made their way through Friendswood earlier this week.

   
(Photos: The Friendswood Journal)

If you want to keep up-to-date on what’s happening during the Rodeo, or need more information, take a look at a Free Mobile App available through the HLS&R’s website. This app is available for both IPhone and Android phones and contains:

• Parking Maps, with Parking Lot Availability
• Grounds Maps
• Shopping and Dining
• Show Schedule, with Ability to Create Your Own Schedule and Set Reminders
• Entertainer Lineup and Information
• Ticket Purchase Opportunity
• Show News
• Camera
• RodeoHouston® Radio

Go Texan! Get Your Rodeo On!

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Krewe Du Lac Celebrates Mardi Gras in Kemah Fun Run, Parades and Family Fun!

Bay Area residents are lucky to have a way to celebrate Mardi Gras close to home! It is time for fun during with Krewe Du Lac in Kemah! For the past 14 years, Krewe Du Lac has offered festive parades and family fun at the Kemah Boardwalk. This year’s theme for the Krewes into Kemah Weekend is “Captain Hook and Peter Pan”. Festivities begin on Friday, February 28 and continue through Saturday, March 1.

Friday, February 28: The “Krewes Into Kemah Kick Off Party” is hosted annually by Bakkhus Taverna located at 6th Street in the Kemah Lighthouse District. Festivities begin at 7pm with live music for dancing on the patio and lots of Krewe fun! Compete in the “Best Decorated Mardi Gras Umbrella” Contest. No cover charge. Full menu and full bar available for an additional cost. All ages welcome.

Saturday, March 1: “The Galloway Gallop Fun Run” begins at 8am with a certified 10K and 5K race followed by a Kid K Dash at 9am. The Galloway Gallop features a scenic course, great prizes, and a fantastic finish-line party that includes refreshments, music, and children's activities and is known as one of the most family, friend & fun races in the Bay Area. Cash, costume and door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit The Galloway School, located at 3200 W. Bay Area Blvd in Friendswood.

Saturday, March 1: Kemah Mardi Gras Parade. Participants line up at 10 am behind T-Bone Tom's, 707 Hwy 146, Kemah. The parade begins at 11am at the corner of 5th and Bradford Streets. The procession will travel north up Bradford St. to the Kemah Boardwalk and back down Kipp Street along Galveston Bay, ending at the Jimmy Walker Community Center on 9th Street. No fee, registration available online now.

Saturday, March 1: The Post Parade “Mardi Pardi” is an annual tradition at T-Bone Tom's Backyard, 707 Texas Hwy 146, in Kemah. Music will be provided by Luther & the Healers from 1-5pm, and The Navigators will play from 7-11pm

Saturday, March 1: At 7 pm, the Yachty Gras Boat Parade will begin their route toward the Kemah Boardwalk. The festively decorated boats will parade down Clear Creek Channel by the Kemah boardwalk and revelers will be showered with beads and doubloons. There is no charge to watch Yachty Gras from The Boardwalk.

Sunday, March 2: The Yachty Gras Boat Parade Awards Presentation will take place at 10am, at the Aquarium Restaurant, located at the Kemah Boardwalk.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

4th Annual Crazy Krewe Fun Run and Umbrella Walk Over NASA Bypass

The Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families (BAAYF) will hold their 4^th Annual Crazy Krewe 7K Fun Run and 3K Umbrella Walk on Saturday, March 1, at Clear View Education Center located at 400 South Walnut, Webster. Both activities will begin at 8am, leaving from the high school. The 7K and 3K courses can be viewed on the website. Online Registration is available – or contact BAAYF at 281-284-0370 or e-mail Jennifer at jlobaugh@ccisd.net. Participants under 5 years of age are fee free; no pets, please.

This is a family friendly event with free games, food, and entertainment to 12pm. Don’t forget to decorate your umbrella “Mardi Gras-style” for the 3K Umbrella Walk. Judges will award prizes for the best decorated umbrellas after the walk. New this year: Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers from each Clear Creek ISD High School. Proceeds from this event benefit BAAYF programs.

BAAYF is a 501(c) (3) organization that has served the Bay Area community for 10 years. Drug and alcohol awareness and decreasing risks to youth has been the groups’ main focus. The Alliance is best known for its “Medication Take Back” events, coordinating with the University of Texas Medical Branch in League City since 2010. Collection of expired and unused medication has topped over 5,600 lbs for safe disposal in that time.

Brockway Realty's Blog about "Local National Take Back Initiative Events Being Held on October 26th" appeared on October 2013.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

New Businesses Receive Permits in League City in November 2013

League City’s City Manager, John Baumgartner, has reported that nine (9) new businesses received operations permits during November (2013). These businesses include various office space, an engineering firm, dry cleaners, restaurant, salon, plumbing supply company, credit union, cell phone store, and a dentist.

The New Businesses and Their Locations

• Sage Environmental Consulting - 3027 Marina Bay Dr. Ste. 210
• Space City Plumbing - 116 Houston Ave
• Ausmis Inc. - 1314 FM 646 #16
• JSC Federal Credit Union - 2660 W Main
• Brazil in Drops Salon and Spa - 2700 Marina Bay Dr. Ste. C
• Nasa Rd. Communications - 228 S. FM 270
• Quaker Steak and Lube - 2502 S. Gulf Fwy
• A-1 Cleaners - 2750 W Main Ste. A-1
• Mike Morris DDS - 201 Enterprise Ste. 200

For more information about retail development in League City, visit the League City Economic Development website.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City`s 19th Annual Fishing Extravaganza

The 19th Annual Fishing Extravaganza will be held at League City`s Municipal Pool, located at 450 West Walker, on Saturday March 1. The event promotes fishing as a great family event. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required. Bring your own poles, bait and enjoy fishing in a controlled privately stocked “pool”.

Fishing times available: 10am-12pm for children 7 and under; 12pm-2pm for children 8 and older; 2pm-4pm for adults and children of all ages. League City resident fee is $6; Non-resident fee is $10. Registration is available online now; time slots are going fast!

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Butler Longhorn Museum Sponsors 3rd Annual Ladies Night

The Butler Longhorn Museum, 1220 Coryell, League City will be holding their 3^rd Annual “Luck Be a Lady” night on Thursday, February 20, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. This event is for Ladies Only, and must be 21 years of age. Musical entertainment during the evening will be provided by local singer, Mickey Hobbs; there will also be a silent auction, food, wine tasting and more.

All profits from this event will go toward continuing operations of the Butler Longhorn Museum. For more information, call 281-332-1393. Visit the museum’s website to learn more about coming activities.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Friendswood`s Daddy Daughter Dance

On February 22, 2014, the City of Friendswood will be hosting an evening of dancing, dinner, and dessert for their Daddy Daughters Dance.  The event will be held in the Friendswood Activity Bldg, from 6-9pm.  Tickets are $10 per person, and registration deadline is Feb. 20^th.  Dinner will be provided by Perry’s – YUM!! So have your daughter pull out her best princess dress and get ready for magical evening of dancing and fun!  For more information or to register please call 281-996-3220  rec@frienswood.com

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

City of Pearland Daddy Daughter Date Night

Pearland Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Daddy Daughter Date Night “A Candy Land Adventure”  on Saturday February 22nd, 2014.  Open to ages 4-14, this event will run from 6-8pm at the Pearland Junior High South (4719 Bailey Rd, Pearland 77584.) Tickets are $30 for couple and $10 per additional sibling.  Tickets include an evening of dancing and dessert, a keepsake photo,  and a “Daddy Dance Off” where one lucky dad will win a Firestone Car Care  gift package.  Registration is required by February 20^th. Dinner will not be provided, participants are encouraged to dine prior to the event.  For more information  or to register please see http://www.pearlandparks.com/daddydaughter.html

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City Council Approves Construction of New Pool

League City has experienced plenty of growth since the municipal city pool was built. Now the City Council has approved construction of the $2.76 million pool at Hometown Heroes Park. The approval was made at the council meeting held on December 17, 2013.

On October 23, 2012, Brockway Realty blogged: “After 3 Years of Waiting, League City’s Eastern Regional Park Opens October 22nd | Brockway Realty Blog”; Eastern Regional Park was then renamed “Hometown Heroes Park” in October 2013. Below are the plans that were published in 2012 that show the proposed pool location at the park located at 2105 Dickinson Avenue.

Local area club and competitive swimming teams are happy to hear League City Parks and Recreation Director, Chien Wei, say that construction of the new pool should begin in January 2014; possible pool opening, July 2014.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Krewe Du Lac Celebrates Mardi Gras with 13th Annual Royal Ball

The Bay Area’s Mardi Gras Krewe, Krewe du Lac, is ready to begin celebrating their 13^th Annual Mardi Gras. The festivities kick off with their Royal Ball which is will be held on Friday, February 14^th, from 8pm to 11pm, at Landry’s on the Boardwalk, at #1 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah.

The evening will include the Presentation of the Court, which is being reigned over by the 2014 King, Andy Eng, and the 2014 Queen, Jada August. Live music, hot & cold hors d'oeuvres, special entertainment, cash bar & a Krewe du Lac goodie bag are all planned for the event being held on the 2^nd floor at Landry’s.  Attire is Black-tie optional, Cocktail or Formal Pirate; tickets are $65 per person (and are going fast). For reservations or general information, please contact Anabelle Ruch, 832.771-7661.

More about the future events planned for Krewe du Lac’s 2014 Mardi Gras festivities will be coming soon!

Krewe Du Lac’s Mission Statement: “Our mission is to celebrate the traditions of Mardi Gras and the French culture. We also assist others in similar pursuits through participation and education.” For more information, please visit their website.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

League City Ranked as Safe City for Second Year

For the second year in a row League City is named one of the safest cities in the nation. The Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Press lists League City as the 29th safest city in the nation and the fourth safest city in the State of Texas. The publishing company releases an annual City Crime Rankings reference book, which is a study of more than 430 cities.

Mayor Tim Paulissen is quoted in the city’s official release saying: “I'm extremely proud of the work our police department does to keep our residents, visitors and property safe. These statistics represent our continued commitment to provide world-class public safety.”

The study ranked the cities using 2012 FBI data on murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft. The City Crime Rankings reference book only ranks cities with populations greater than 75,000. This is the second year League City has been included in the study. Last year, League City ranked 68th in the nation and 7th safest in the state.

In May 2013, a Brockway Realty blog reported “League City Ranked in Top 5 Best Cities for Young Families”, (by Newdwallet.com); in November 2013, a Brockway Realty blog reported “Three Bay Area Cities Rank among Top 50 Safest Cities in Texas in Texas Report”, (by Safewise.com).

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Spotlight on West Ranch in Friendswood, Texas

Spotlight on West Ranch in Friendswood, Texas
West Ranch is a master-planned community developed by the Friendswood Development Company which officially began in 2006. Flash forward to today, and you will find a community that is fast-growing with its Phase 2 already in high demand.

The 750+ acre development is located in east Friendswood; bordered by Centennial Park, Chigger Creek and Clear Creek, and to the north and south of FM 518, just east of FM 528. This location makes for an easy commute to Houston via Interstate 45 to the north, Galveston to the south, and Clear Lake City to the west.

West Ranch offers tree-lined streets, parks, many acres of planned green space and walking trails, to give families many ways to spend time outdoors. Shopping is a short drive away to find grocery, drug stores and shops. A variety of dining options such as Birraporetti’s, Luna’s Mexican Restaurant, and Perry & Sons Market & Grille are local favorites. Baybrook Mall is less than 10 miles away offering shopping and restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

When looking for a home in West Ranch you will find a variety of established builders. Single-family homes, estate homes, and garden homes give the buyer many options to select from to fit their lifestyle. Phase 1 of West Ranch has already been completed with homes offered by Village Builders and Perry Homes, Trendmaker Homes, and David Weekley Homes.

Location: City of Friendswood, North Galveston County

Phase 2 Builders

• Highland Homes
• Coventry Homes
• Partners in Building
• Village Builders

Total Number of Households at Build-Out: Approximately 1,300

Price Range: $250,000s to the $800,000s

Home Owner’s Association: West Ranch Homeowners Association

Amenities

• More than 60 Acres of Park Space
• 100 Acres of Nature Trails Tying into Centennial Park
• Tot Lots and Two Recreation Complexes
• Resort-Style Swimming Pool
• Fishing Pier
• 20-Acre Town Center Commercial Site (In Building Stage)

West Ranch's Phase 2 Recreation Center is a resort-style complex which will feature a competition-size pool, a lodge-style clubhouse with a kitchen and large community room, covered seating areas, a splash pad and a playground as well as ample parking.

Schools: Friendswood Independent School District
Friendswood ISD has been named the 5th most efficient Texas School District by the Texas Business Coalition; the Texas Education Agency rated the district “Exemplary” with all schools (K-12) in the district earning the “Exemplary” rating. The high school is a UIL-4A campus which has been named as 1 of 13 Top High Schools in the state, as well as 1 of 10 Top High Schools in the Houston area. The newest campus in the district is Friendswood Junior High School, which is located adjacent to the West Ranch community. The campus also features a new natatorium built from funds approved in 2008 by the district.

Check Out the Full Spotlight on www.brockwayrealty.com

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Jumping World Opening Soon in League City

Coming in 2014!  Jumping World has leased the space formally occupied by Academy in Pecan Park Place in League City - all 37,500 square feet of that space!

The trampoline park will offer indoor trampolines galore, arcades, fitness classes, birthday party packages, and teen only nights. They are also support their community by offering fundraiser opportunities to schools, churches, clubs, teams and more.

Jumping World has already opened two locations in the Houston area; 14147 Northwest Freeway in Houston, and 2222 Spencer Hwy in Pasadena. The League City location is at the intersection of FM 518 (Main Street) and the I-45 northbound feeder road. More information about Jumping World can be found on their website jumpingworldusa.com.

(The photo was taken on Saturday, December 8, 2013)

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog