by John Jefferson
Many Texans have missed the mystique and charm of the Texas Panhandle. It’s more than prairie dog towns, stock yards, grain fields, and wildfires.
Granted, it’s long way from Texas population centers, but maybe you’ll appreciate not having traffic jams if you decide to visit. I was formerly oblivious of its intrigue. I’m glad I overcame my insularism.
History told in song and dance is one way to describe the summertime musical, “TEXAS,” now in its 60th season. Presented in the amphitheater at Palo Duro Canyon State Park each summer, the colorful tribute to the history of the rugged countryside of the Llano Estacado and the 200-mile Caprock Escarpment. Pictured is the “TEXAS” performance on stage. (Photo by Jim Livingston)
Previous wildfires have occurred. To make sure the recent one was out and no others have started, I called the office of the popular “TEXAS” musical in Canyon, Texas, just south of Amarillo. A lady quickly answered, saying that it had been raining steadily and everything was “green and beautiful!”
The Panhandle in Northwest Texas, and much of the state, began receiving good rains in May. They weren’t all “gully washers” to begin with, but when a sprinkle lasts long enough, it has a beneficial effect upon the countryside. These rains behaved like that. It had happened before.
An Internet description of the 2024 wildfire stated that dry tender on the ground fed the blaze voraciously as high winds fanned it.
Conditions were hot, dry, and with low humidity, making the Smokehouse Creek Wildfire the second most devastating in Texas’ history. Over a million acres of Texas and Oklahoma were blackened; several towns burned to the ground. A few fatalities were recorded. A sad article in Texas Monthly described it in detail.
As summer heat intensifies, grass and weeds fostered by May rains will be higher. West Texas winds are legend. Only time will tell what the humidity and wind will be. Don’t let me sound like a fire monger; the foregoing was just intended to let you know what can happen.
Contacting the Texas Forest Service at A&M and checking the Wildfire Map should calm your mind … and mine.
The outdoor musical, “TEXAS” that I telephoned should be a MUST on your bucket list. It’s presented in the amphitheater in Palo Duro State Park east of the City of Canyon, south of Amarillo. The musical is a professional production romanticizing the storied history and culture of this rugged countryside. Both times I’ve seen it, the music and dancing were superb and punctuated appropriately by horses and gunfire.
Telling the lively story of the Caprock country wouldn’t be complete without a little excitement. Settling the Panhandle was NOT done by sissies.
Performances have begun and will continue until August 1. Tickets are $20-$45. Call (806) 651-2181 for tickets and info. The performances begin just before sunset and extends into nightfall.
But “TEXAS” is replaced each Tuesday in July by Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” That was “the Bard’s” venture into comedy and prose (not poetry) involving lovers, soldiers returning from battle, and rumors about a young lady’s maiden-ness. It’s known for lively banter among the cast — a classic performed by a West Texas troupe — with a slight West Texas accent.
Between “TEXAS”, Shakespeare, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Panhandle itself, West Texas offers an uncommon culture. Experience it!
JJ
