I am now a Turkey Trotter.
Bill usually runs in the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot, but Thanksgiving Day logistics had deterred me from entering in previous years. But Thursday’s forecast sounded like perfect running weather (for me), and Bill and I were walking right past packet pick-up (at RunTex), and we knew that proceeds went to a good cause (Caritas of Austin)…and so we both signed up.
“A Christmas Affair” is definitely my favorite shopping event in Austin. This annual show is organized by The Junior League of Austin in support of their numerous community projects, including the upcoming Coats for Kids.
In celebration of the inaugural Formula One race last weekend, nine blocks of downtown were closed for a free street festival called Austin Fan Fest. Corporate sponsors such as Mobil, eBay, and Red Bull set up large tents containing mostly race cars and video games. Food trailers were in abundance. Vendors sold racing-related merchandise including F1-licensed clothing and artwork. A Kids Zone featured family-friendly activities: Hot Wheels races, face painting, live music, inflatables, and racing games.
The 2012 Formula One Unites States Grand Prix has been declared a success by the Austin media. After two days of practice runs and time trials, over 117,000 spectators watched Lewis Hamilton win at the brand-new Circuit of the Americas track.
The sun was shining down on this year’s Komen Race for the Cure, but all was not well in Pink Ribbon Land. Due to the recent uproar over the national organization’s off-and-on-again support for Planned Parenthood, Austin’s Komen Race attendance was down to just 15,000 this year. Donations were considerably lower as well. The walk still felt crowded but we did notice that there were fewer sponsor booths with less free giveaways.
As I compose this entry tonight, Formula One race fans from around the world are descending on Austin. Downtown is starting to bustle. F1 teams have been sighted at downtown hotels. Tractor trailer loads of beer have been unloaded into the local bars. Wait staffs in downtown restaurants are hoping for big tips. Fancy expensive cars are out on display.
