TX INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION (PART 1 OF 2): Get 
ready to blow out 171 candles this month ... we'll tell you 
where on Passport to Texas.

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

This weekend ...observe the 171st anniversary of Texas 
Independence ... at the "Birthplace of Texas" ... Washington-
on-the-Brazos state historic site. 
 	 
Washington, Texas is the birth place of Texas. It is where Texas 
independence was declared. The "Declaration of Independence" 
was drafted in just one day and it was signed unanimously on 
March 2nd, 1836. :14
 
Beth Taylor is Executive Director of Washington-on-the-
Brazos State Park Association. 

What we do during that celebration each year is we transform the 
park back into the early 1800s, specifically the Republic period, 
which is 1836-1845. We have costumed performers and 
interpreters walking around. Folks actually feel as though they're 
back in the 1800s. :19

Visit this Sunday and you'll have your cake and eat it, too! 

The highlight of the weekend celebration will be Sunday at 2pm- 
there will be an interactive ceremony. This event will be hosted 
by "The Eyes of Texas" Ron Stone. This ceremony will conclude 
with Texas' largest birthday cake for everyone to enjoy. :15

The Texas Independence Day Celebration is March 3rd and 
4th from 10AM until 5PM. All entrance fees for the 
weekend have been waived. Find details at 
birthplaceoftexas.com 

That's our show for today ... with research and writing 
help from Loren Seeger ... For Texas Parks and 
Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti