🌱 Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds Applications Open + Holiday Closures

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Victoria Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 99 Low: 76.
• Sunday: Hot with periods of sun. High: 99 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Victoria today:

1. Applications are now open for organizations in Victoria that bring overnight tourism to the city to apply for hotel occupancy tax funds. Events and programs that are eligible for funding may include sporting events, historical programs, or arts events. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of four upcoming workshops to learn more about the application and evaluation process. Applications are due by Jul. 31. (Victoria, TX Government)
2. In observance of Independence Day, all nonemergency offices for the City of Victoria will be closed on Tuesday, Jul. 4. The Victoria Public Library will close for the day, although Riverside Golf Course will remain open. Garbage, recycling, and yard waste will be picked up on the normal schedule, and the Victoria landfill will be open. Click here for the full list of closures. (City of Victoria, Texas - Government via Facebook)
3. In case you missed it, July is Parks and Recreation Month, and Victoria's Department of Parks and Recreation has several events throughout the month to celebrate. This year's theme is "Where Community Grows," and festivities will begin today, Jul. 1 with a kickoff party at Ethel Lee Tracy Park from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. On Jul. 8, there will be a Summer Botanical Bash and plant giveaway at Children's Park, and on Jul. 14, The Sandlot will be playing at Riverside Stadium at 8:00 p.m. Later in the month, there will be a Family Field Day and Kid's Day Out events. Click here to see the full schedule. (City of Victoria, Texas - Government via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Victoria:

Saturday, July 1

• Victoria Farmers Market At 2805 N. Navarro (9:00 AM)
• Cars & Coffee At Sweet Fountainz Bakery (9:00 AM)

Sunday, July 2

• Backpack School Supply Drive At Riverside Park (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Theatre Victoria will be hosting a Pork Chop Drive-Thru Fundraiser on Monday, Jul. 10 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m at the parking lot behind Welder Center. This event is sponsored by Atzenhoffer Chevrolet Victoria. For more information, call 361-576-6277. (Theatre Victoria - Victoria TX via Facebook)
• The Texas Zoo has announced an upcoming summer camp called Envirosafe 101. This camp will run from Jul. 10-14 and offers both half and full-day options. Campers will learn about local ecosystems, endangered species, and how to protect the Earth's natural resources. (The Texas Zoo via Facebook)
• The Victoria County Master Gardener Association is shining a light on Nancy Zaplac, who was the 2022 Master Gardener emeritus. Zaplac has volunteered at the Victoria Educational Gardens for over 20 years, and she is currently applying her considerable talent and effort to the Shade Garden. (Victoria County Master Gardener Association via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.