Downtown museum exhibit will explore Space Shuttle years

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

An exhibit debuting June 7 at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum will take visitors to the great beyond.

The exhibit — First Fleet: NASA's Space Program — features the powerful and rarely seen photographs of John A. Chakeres, who spent five years documenting the early years of NASA’s space shuttle program.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 13.

From 1981 to 1986, Chakeres was granted special access to Kennedy Space Center, capturing the awe-inspiring and quiet moments behind the missions of Columbia, Challenger, Discovery and Atlantis.

His images offer a symbolic and majestic look at a time when human spaceflight was full of promise and possibility. The project was cut short by the Challenger tragedy, and many of these images remained unseen for decades. 

Now, they serve as a time capsule of one of NASA’s most ambitious eras — a visual tribute to innovation, exploration and the human spirit.

The First Fleet project began more than 30 years ago with the launch of the first Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981. Chakeres saw an opportunity for a long-term photographic project to document the Space Shuttle and contacted NASA with his proposal. NASA granted Chakeres permission to photograph the shuttle operations, and he began his project.

 "You could say this project began over 50 years ago in 1961 when I was nine years old and watched the first American go into space,” Chakeres said. “As a young boy I became fascinated with men going into space and it also inspired my interest in photography. I would set my father’s Rolleiflex camera in front of the television set and photograph the launches.”

“In the early days of manned spaceflight every mission did something that had never been done before,” he continued. “Every spaceflight seemed to be the first at something, the first American in space, the first American to orbit the earth, the first American to walk in space, the first man on the moon. And with the Space Shuttle, the firsts continued.”

“The Space Shuttle was the first reusable manned spacecraft, the first to launch and retrieve satellites while in space, the first to launch an American woman into space. And, between 1981 and 1986 NASA had four operational Space Shuttles, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis. Those four vehicles comprised the first fleet of manned spacecraft.”

Here’s a look at upcoming events at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum:

Rails to Rockets: Saturday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Black off from steam engines to space shuttles along with trains and rocket-themed crafts that celebrate travel through time.

Be Wild — Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get creative with Texas and nature-inspired crafts that roar, flutter, and grow — perfect for your wild side.

Muggle Mayhem (ticketed event, call museum for details) — Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wands, potions and magical mayhem await!

Dig It — Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unearth hands-on fun with dino digs, archaeology crafts, and fossil-inspired art that’s a real blast from the past.

Autumn Adventures — Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the season with cozy, colorful crafts inspired by leaves, pumpkins, and all things fall. 

Santa at the Depot (registration required, call museum for details) — Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with festive crafts and a magical visit from Santa himself at the historic Santa Fe Depot!

STEM Station (registration required, call museum for details) — Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, June 11-Aug. 6. Hands-on fun with science, tech, engineering, and math! Explore, build, and experiment with kid-friendly activities that spark curiosity.

Skyward Bound — Friday, June 20, 6-to 7:30 p.m. An evening of discovery as guests explore the legacy of NASA’s early Shuttle missions during the First Fleet era. This program will feature a guest speaker and a chance to sample space-themed treats like astronaut ice cream and cosmic punch.

The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is located at 315 W Ave. B inside the Santa Fe Depot. For more information,, call (254) 298-5172.

Ready for take-off

Airfest 2025 starts May 16 at Temple airport

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENURE

Central Texas Airfest 2025 is about to take flight. With aerial acts, static displays, at least 15 food vendors, good music and a sky full of drones, this year’s two-day show promises to be packed with good times.

This year’s Airfest kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, May 16, with a Twilight Airshow, an ‘80s-style concert by the very popular Spazmatics, and a drone show featuring more than 150 drones.

“It’s going to be a great way to open Airfest,” said Sean Parker, executive director of Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. “Go EZ Aerobatics will perform the Twilight Airshow, and they will light up the sky.”

“We also will have SRC Rolling Thunder right at sunset Friday,” Parker said. “Rolling Thunder is a jet car that shoots flames out the back. It will be on the runway right in front of spectators.”

The Spazmatics, a California-based band that plays cover songs from the 1980s, will get the crowd pumped up with tunes such as Take on Me, Let’s Go Crazy, and What I like About You.

“I love ‘80s music,” Parker said. “This is going to be a great time.”

Friday night’s drone show will feature 150 drones flying in formation and lighting up the sky. Last year’s show featured 50 drones, according to Parker.

“This is a great show,” he said. “The drone team was on America’s Got Talent — they will finish up Friday’s show after the concert.”

Airfest kicks on its second day — Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. and will conclude at 5.

“We have nine performers this year, including six that are new to Airfest,” Parker added. “This year’s show is going to be special — last year we were named the Best New Festival by the Texas Festivals & Events Association.”

Saturday’s performers include Go EZ Aerobatics, Vampire Jets, the Trojan Phylers, the NetGen Eagles aerobatics team, the All-Airborne Battalion featuring military canopy jumpers and skydivers, the Falcon Flight formation team, and special guest Aaron Deliu.

Deliu is an Australian professional aerobatic pilot, international airshow performer, and commercial business jet pilot, with a passion for aviation that began at the age of 14. By 15, he achieved his first solo flight in a glider and transitioned to powered aircraft by the time he was 16.

He captivates audiences with his charismatic personality and aerobatic performances, and his high energy, adrenaline filled airshows are action packed displays of precision and skill, adding an international flair to the breathtaking maneuvers and dynamic, interactive flying.

According to Parker, Deliu is the No. 7 ranked aerobatic pilot in the world.

Also Saturday at Airfest, there will be static displays featuring a variety of US Army vehicles, a tent city that takes visitors back to World War II and the Vietnam eras, vintage aircraft and more.

“We have a hot-air balloon group that will have their balloon baskets on display, and they will be teaching kids how hot-air balloons work,” Parker said. 

“Also, visitors can purchase rides in a T6 and a SRJ Twin Engine aircraft. The rides will be about 20 minutes long.

This year’s Kids Zone will feature a rock-climbing wall, and a crazy game where visitors covered in velcro jump on a trampoline and throw themselves onto a wall. Another popular Kids Zone attraction is a gaming truck outfitted with flight simulators.

If all the fun makes a person hungry, Parker said they will have plenty of options.

“We have tons of food trucks lined up,” he said. “Sixteen vendors — Mexican food, barbecue, you name it. We are having more vendors this year in an effort to keep lines short.”

Airfest parking is free and volunteers will be directing traffic to designated parking areas. There also will be large flags on Airport Road that provide directions.

Tickets to Airfest 2025 start at $15 per day if purchased online at www.eventeny.com/events/2025centraltexasairfest-16501/. Tickets at the door will be $20. Kids 6 to 12 will be admitted for $10, and kids 5 and under are free. There will be a preferred seating area for $40 online that will include shaded seats and snacks.

“Last year we had about 5,000 attending the show, and we are hoping for more this year,” Parker said. “The thrill of aviation, plus the concert and drone show — we want this to be a destination event for the city of Temple. We want people to come and enjoy our community.”

A pair of saxophonists take the stage with a professional rhythm section during a past Santa Fe Jazz Jam. The next event will be Sunday at Treno’s. David Stone photo

Next Santa Fe Jazz Jam is June 1 at Treno’s back patio 

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

Who’s up for some toe-tapping, finger-snapping fun? Santa Fe Jazz Jam is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom in downtown Temple.

The event, which offers an afternoon of improvisational jazz, is held on the first Sunday of every month on the backyard stage at Treno’s.

“All are welcome to attend and sit in, however the event is primarily aimed at encouraging the younger players to gain experience in jazz improvisation,” said Benjamin Irom, director of jazz studies at Temple College and director of the Temple Jazz Orchestra.

“We invite middle school and high school kids to participate,” Irom said. “The event was created by Norm Bergeron back in November of 2022. But we could not have done it without the generosity and cooperation of the owners at Treno.”

“This is an opportunity for young musicians to sing and jam with a professional rhythm section,” said Bergeron, director of percussion studies at Temple College and Texas A&M-Central Texas.

“It’s also open to students who are home schooled or attend public or private schools,” he said.

Bergeron, a drummer, will be joined by Irom and Alex Bilodeau TC’s bass professor. The three music professors will serve as the Jazz Jam’s rhythm section.

“Kids can show up with a tune they are working on at school and play it with a professional rhythm section,” Bergeron said. “We also will work on improvisational skills — that’s the idea. We will go around the room and let the kids learn to play solos and improv.”

“We wanted to take advantage of Temple’s train theme, so we added Santa Fe to the name,” he said. “Plus, we are going to play a train-themed jazz or blues song to open and close every session.”

Treno’s is at 112 S. First Street. For additional information, email norm@normbergeron.com.

Hot Summer Sounds starts June 6

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

The sounds of summer are just around the corner.

The annual Hot Summer Sounds free concert series, sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, kicks off June 6 with Bohemian Pirates in concert at Miller Park.

“Get ready for some great live music featuring a different genre each week at selected parks around Temple,” said Emelie S Palma, a public relations specialist for the city.

“Concerts will be held on Friday eventings this summer from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.,” she added. “Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a relaxing evening in the park with friends, family and other community residents.”

According to Palma, food vendors will be at each event, and glass containers will not be allowed.

Following the Bohemian Pirates show, Hazy Shades wil perform at Miller Park on June 13, followed by The Beamers on June 20 at West Temple Park. The Bobby Sanchez band will also play West Temple but on June 27.

Robert Parker Jr. will be at the Lions Park Amphitheater on July 11, and Beyond Destiny will play Lions Park on July 18. Santa Fe Plaza in downtown Temple will host the last two Hot Summer Sounds shows: James Hollingsworth on July 25 and Fleetwood X on Aug. 1.

Make a Splash in your job search at the Summer Surge Hiring Event

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

Downtown Temple-based Workforce Solutions of Central Texas will host the Summer Surge Hiring Event on Tuesday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton. 

The annual hiring event brings together employers from across Bell County and job seekers eager to explore new career opportunities.

The event is being held in collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission.

According to Linda Angel, president and CEO of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, attendees will have the chance to connect with dozens of employers from a broad range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, finance, hospitality, customer service, and more. 

The event provides direct access to hiring managers, making it an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to enter the workforce, advance their career, or transition into a new field.

“Summer Surge is more than just a hiring event — it’s a powerful step toward building stronger families and communities through employment,” Angel said.. 

“Our goal is to empower job seekers by connecting them with employers who are actively investing in the local workforce,” she added. “We’re proud to be part of their journey toward meaningful, long-term success.”

Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their résumé, dress professionally, and be prepared to network and possibly interview on-site.

The event is free and open to the public.

Time to make a splash!

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

The city of Temple has released summer hours for swimming pools, splash pads, Lions Junction Water Park and the Santa Fe Plaza splash fountain.

According to Emelie Palma, a public relations specialist for the city, swimming pools will open May 31 and close Aug. 10.

Clark Pool — The pool will be open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is $1 per child, $2 per adult and $1 for non-swimmers.

Walker Pool — The pool will be open Thursday through Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Wednesday. Admission is $2 per child, $3 per adult and $2 for non-swimmers.

Palma said Temple’s four splash pads — Ferguson Park (1203 W Adams), Jaycee Park (2302 W Avenue Z), Miller Park (1919 N First) and West Temple Park (121 S Montpark Road) — all are now open and will close on Oct. 5. They are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and they are free to enjoy.

Lions Junction Family Water Park will have a preview weekend May 24-26. The park will be open noon to 7 p.m. on May 24, noon to 6 p.m. on May 25, and noon to 5 p.m. on May 26, which is Memorial Day.

“This special weekend gives you a sneak peek at the exciting summer ahead while our new staff settle into their roles and fine-tune everything to ensure a smooth, fun experience for everyone,” Palma said. “It’s the perfect chance to beat the crowds, enjoy the park, and help us work out any kinks as we gear up for the full season.”

Lions Junction will then be open Tuesday through Sunday from May 31 until Aug. 10, then on weekends from Aug. 11 until Sept. 1.

The park is open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Closing time on July 4 and on Labor Day (Sept. 1) is 5 p.m.

Santa Fe Plaza splash fountain is open daily and fountain hours are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. 

Here's a look at Lions Junction Water Park.

Pickleball tourney raises money for Temple Children's Museum

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

A fund-raising pickleball tournament at The Commonwealth is expected to raise big money for the Temple Children’s Museum.

The tournament, set for 8:30 a.m. on May 17, already has more than 30 players registered to compete.

“We originally had the tournament scheduled for late last year, but we had to postpone it,” said Emily Smith, executive director of Temple Children’s Museum.

“Players can sign up individually or as a team,” Smith said. “All skill levels are welcome, with tournament play divided into amateur and pro levels. Player registration includes tournament play, one meal, a commemorative pickleball, a swag bag, and entry to one of three pre-tourney clinics.”

The Commonwealth, located at 11830 W Adams, is a vibrant community hub offering a full-service restaurant, a bourbon and cocktail bar, a members-only speakeasy, pickleball courts and an area for live music events.

Spectators can enjoy the pickleball tournament for $35, which also includes a meal, swag bag and commemorative pickleball.

In addition to pickleball, there will be a silent auction to raise money for museum projects and activities.

Sign up for the tournament by visiting https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI4NTYx or contacting Smith at director@templechildrensmuseum.org.

Smith said Temple Children’s Museum is expanding its hours and opening on Sunday, 

“Starting June 1, we will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4, and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30,” she said. “We will be closed on Monday.”

“We are busier during the summer with school being out,” she said. “We were able to expand staffing, and that allows us to open on Sunday.”

Starting June 3, the museum will begin hosting Dungeons & Dragons: Crown Quest for fourth- and fifth-graders.

“Megan Weathers, our program coordinator, likes to play Dungeons & Dragons, and she came up with this kid-friendly campaign,” Smith said. “We will have two groups — one every Tuesday from June 3 to July 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and one every Thursday from June 5 to July 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.”

“We will provide the dice and snacks,” Smith continued. “We won’t just be sitting down rolling dice. We will start out by getting the ‘zoomies’ out with dancing and moving to get the gears going.”

On June 24, a popular event will return to Temple Children’s Museum.

“Critter Corner will return, and we will partner with Rad Exotic Pet Store & Supplies,” Smith said. “They will bring in some critters and teach the kids about how to handle the animals. We will learn about the animals they bring.”

Critter Corner will start at 9:30 a.m. and run for about two hours.

Robert Earl Keen and Shelby Stone are among the musicians expected to perform at the Tanglefoot Music & Barbecue Festival on Sept. 12-13 in downtown Temple.

Music festival coming to Temple;     2-day tickets start at $209

DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE

A new music festival in Temple will feature two days of country music from at least 21 bands and tasty barbecue from around the country.

The Tanglefoot Music & Barbecue Festival will be Sept. 12 and 13 at the Martin Luther King Festival Grounds in downtown Temple.

Musicians will perform on two outdoor stages and many of the bands will be from the Lone Star state. Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks are being hailed as festival headliners, but the festival will also feature Texas music legends Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers and his band, Mark Chesnutt, Jack Ingram and super popular Shelby Stone.

Other scheduled performers include Corey Kent, Silverada, The Wilder Blue, The Droptines, Kin Faux, Cole Phillips, Bottomland, Cole Whittlesey, Jackson Wendell, Mac Hankins & The Moonlights, West Texas Wind, Austin Gilliam Mitchell Ferguson and Matt Caldwell.

Tickets are on sale at TanglefootTx.com.

Two-day tickets start at $209.35 for general admission and go up to $1,368.76 for tickets with Founders Club access. Barbecue tasting is not available with general admission tickets — those are an extra $30.12 per day. Also, VIP parking (only available for VIP tickets) is $12.78.

Those attending and paying the extra for barbecue tasting can sample BBQ cuisine from Texas, Kansas City, Memphis and the Carolinas.

Dozens of local residents expressed dismay over the ticket prices. 

"Definitely sad on the price of admission . It seems like it is actually a private event," said Carrol Sanders. 

Many residents said the city should bring back Blooming Fest instead of producing such a high-dollar affair.