Residents and visitors are being invited to celebrate the 82nd birthday of Big Bend National Park with a community gathering featuring a parade, live music, food and family-friendly activities in Terlingua.
The event, dubbed “Party for the Park! Big Bend National Park’s 82nd Birthday Bash,” is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at the Terlingua Ghost Town Porch, according to organizers.
Festivities are expected to begin at 6 p.m., with a parade departing from Desert Sports at 5:30 p.m.
Organizers describe the event as “a mighty little parade” and say activities will include face painting, a best-dressed contest, prizes, food, cake, live music, a star party and a DJ-led dance party later in the evening.
Community members are also being encouraged to participate in the parade by bringing floats, bicycles, trikes, motorcycles, Segways, classic or vintage vehicles and trailers.
Organizers said volunteers are needed to help expand the celebration and are also seeking access to a dunk tank for the event.
“This parade and party are apolitical and strictly to celebrate the park,” organizers wrote in event materials, asking attendees to avoid political signs or banners and instead focus on honoring the national park and the community gathering.
Big Bend National Park was established in 1944 and has become one of Texas’ premier outdoor destinations, drawing visitors from around the world to the Chihuahuan Desert landscape.
Event organizers are asking attendees to RSVP in advance to help estimate turnout.
