Memorial Day Weekend Brings Community Together with Music, Art, and Remembrance

Memorial Day weekend in Kinney County offered a heartfelt celebration of community, creativity, and commemoration as residents gathered for a series of events honoring both the freedoms we enjoy and the heroes who made them possible.

From art exhibits and artisan markets to jam sessions and solemn ceremonies, the weekend was packed with opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect, reflect, and celebrate. The events were a reminder of the richness of small-town life—and the deeper meaning behind the holiday.

Festivities kicked off Friday evening with the second annual Vistas & Visions Art Show at the BISD Central Office. The event showcased the talents of Elizabeth Hodges’ art students, filling the temporary gallery space in the boardroom with vibrant, thoughtful pieces and drawing praise from attendees for the creativity and passion on display.

Saturday morning saw the Kinney County Little League celebrate its season with closing ceremonies at 8 a.m. It was a bittersweet milestone, as players took the field one last time on the current diamond. The field has served the community for generations, but plans for a new baseball park are on the horizon, stirring excitement for what’s to come.

Meanwhile, across the highway at Fort Clark Springs, local vendors and enthusiastic shoppers gathered for the Artisan Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the historic Commissary building. The lively market featured handmade goods, fresh treats, and friendly faces—a signature feature of weekends at the Fort.

Sunday brought the community together through the universal language of music. At 2 p.m., the Butcher Block Jam Session invited residents to pick up an instrument or sing along in an open, welcoming atmosphere. Local and visiting musicians Danny Calderon, Jacob Silva, Ed Miller, CW Odom, and Phil Pacheco led the charge, as guests filled lawn chairs and swayed—or danced—to the rhythms under the shade.

Later that evening, the empty swimming pool at Las Moras Springs transformed into a stunning natural amphitheater for “Echoes of the Spring,” an acoustic performance by Elizabeth Hodges and Nathan Lafrenz. The pool’s curved stone walls created rich acoustics for the evening of ethereal music and poetic storytelling. Charlena Cavender, General Manager of Fort Clark Springs Association, welcomed guests, while Chip Riggins of the Fort Clark Historical Society offered a moment of reflection and silence for fallen service members.

As melodies filled the air, a graceful couple responded to an invitation to waltz, adding visual poetry to the music’s emotion. The event was both intimate and transcendent—truly a gift to the community. A full video of the performance is available online at Echoes of the Spring.

On Monday morning, a traditional Memorial Day ceremony was held at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery, where residents paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country. The ceremony was marked by quiet reflection and deep gratitude.

Across town, American Legion Post 26 held a yard and plate sale, offering the public a chance to both support and participate. Local artisans including Timoteo “Ikoshy” Montoya, Susan’s Doll House Miniatures, and Navapache Creations shared their crafts with attendees, creating a lively marketplace of culture and community.

Throughout the weekend, residents were reminded not only of the sacrifices made by those who served, but also of the enduring strength and spirit of a small town united in remembrance and celebration. From joyful noise to quiet moments of reflection, Memorial Day 2025 in Kinney County was a beautiful tribute to freedom, service, and community.