Been in NC for almost 30 years-- direct from Houston, TX. Mrs. G and I are wanting to establish the tradition of an open house style party for friends here. It's tough to compete with traditional holiday parties at Christmas or The Fourth so I've come up with Alamo Day as the central theme. This year's party will be on March 8. I need some ideas. This will be a family gathering not a drunken orgy. Probably 2-6 PM. It's more of a tongue-in-cheek thing than a serious educational endeavor. Mariachi Band? Mexican catering? Shiner beer? Other ideas?
I suggest you copy some of the traditions from the fantastic Festivus. -The Festivus Pole -Festivus Dinner -Airing of Grievances -Feats of Strength -Festivus Miracles
I suggest you change the date and theme of your party. Whereas the Battle of the Alamo is the most famous (thanks to movies and legends), it's actually a pretty brutal historical moment for Texans. March 2, 1836 is the day Texas adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence and is celebrated as "Texas Independence Day" in our great state. This year it falls on a Sunday -- the best day of the week for parties, in my opinion. Or, maybe you could consider April 21st. On that day in in the same year General Sam Houston led Texan forces to the deciding victory over General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. This victory secured the capture and surrender of Santa Anna and eventually the sovereign nation of the Republic of Texas. This year it unfortunately falls on a Monday -- not a party day for the inexperienced. How about May 14? Again, in 1836, this is the day where Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco. Upon this treaty, Mexico officially recognized the Republic of Texas. This year it falls on a Wednesday, but you have plenty of time to get your constituents ready for a mid-week throw-down.
I appreciate the suggestions and will take them to heart. I went with the Alamo because it is somewhat recognizable and relatable for non-Texans. Those dates that move the party back have some appeal because the time has kind of snuck up on us...
I'd stick with this theme for the reasons you mentioned. The Alamo also epitomizes the courage and resolve of Texas, which can only help to build on the already recognizable theme of the Alamo. You can always do what a lot of adults do around Halloween and have the party on the weekend immediately before or after the actual date of the event being celebrated. Tell everyone to 'dress like a Texan' and you immediately have another fun theme to throw in.
