As spring unfolds in full color and the Central Texas hillsides come alive with bluebonnets, paintbrushes, firewheels, yucca, and fresh green growth, the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. invites the community to welcome the season at its annual Spring Fling in the Gardens on Saturday, March 28, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Goldthwaite Pavilion, 1219 Fisher Street in Goldthwaite.
The evening offers a festive gathering that is inspired by the native beauty and energy of the season and reflects the organization’s mission of celebrating and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Central Texas.
“Spring is the most vibrant and awake time in the Garden,” says Garden Director Savannah Early. “Everything is coming back to life — the plants, the pollinators, the colors. Spring Fling is our way of celebrating that sense of renewal while bringing the community together to support the work we do year-round.”
The celebration encourages attendees to join the fun by donning their own expressive spring attire and designing and wearing their boldest spring hats. Guests are also invited to decorate their tables with original spring-themed centerpieces to add color and personality to the evening. Awards will be presented for the most inventive hats and the most creative tables.
The event features dinner, dancing, and friendly competition in a relaxed BYOB atmosphere. This includes brisket- and pork-stuffed potatoes with additional hearty toppings by local favorite Triple B BBQ, plus garden salads and home-baked desserts. Entertainment throughout the night includes a live DJ, a silent auction, the bling ring game, and prize raffles. Guests will be able to capture the fun at a special photo booth staged for springtime snapshots of family and friends.
Families will also find something for younger community members the same evening. Across town, the Mills County Historical Museum is hosting its Children’s Night at the Museum from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m, offering kids an opportunity to explore local history while adults attend the Spring Fling festivities.
More than just a celebration of spring, Spring Fling in the Gardens is also an important fundraiser. Proceeds from the event directly support the educational programs and preservation initiatives of the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc., which are rooted in prehistory and archaeology, climate and ecology, conservation and stewardship, and Native American history and culture. “Come eat, dance, create, and celebrate for a cause,” organizers say, “and be part of the Spring Fling magic.”
Tickets for the event are $40 for individuals, $320 for a table of eight, and $400 for a table of ten. They may be purchased online at legacyplaza.org or by calling 325-451- 0175.
