Martin Dies patriotic celebration includes WATER fun this year

The Annual Patriotic Celebration at Martin Dies Jr. State Park will be held June 30 at 1 p.m. Kids and adults can bring their bikes (or rent one) to the Covered Canopy, where bike decorations will be available. When all bikes are decorated, the kids will participate in a Patriotic Parade.

After more than a year with no water in the lake (due to a planned draw down to kill invasive weeds), the park is again offering canoe rentals.

Other activities for the kids will include games, tattoos, eating watermelon, and prizes. A live band will lead a Patriotic sing-a-long, songbooks available.

This event is free to all park campers and day-use visitors. Park entry fee is $3.00 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is located approximately 12 miles west of Jasper and 17 miles east of Woodville on Highway 190. For additional information call park headquarters at 409-384- 5231.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park Update

The spillway at Town Bluff has been closed and the water level is rising to provide access to the swimming area and boat ramp at the Hen House Unit of the park.

Rentals

The park has bicycles, ranging from youth to adult, two with infant seats. Rental canoes come with paddles and life jackets.

Mini-cabin and shelters Shelters for up to eight people are screened, with electrical outlets inside and a water faucet outside. Air-conditioned mini-cabins provide beds for five people.

Camping, Day-Use Sites

Overnight camping sites include water and with some, electricity. Dayuse areas include a covered picnic table, cooking grill, and are located close to the swimming area.

Nature Trails

Two trails are currently open in the Hen House Unitfor hiking and bicycle riding, offering visitors more than three miles of winding trails, scenic bridges and nature views.