Texas Party

The Texas Independence Day party began in 2002 as an excuse for Mary to throw a party, to thank friends, to show off her newly redone kitchen and to showcase her stellar hostess graciousness and to lavish everbody with a feast of homemade Texas soul food.That first year was a rather tame event with fewer than 50 people dressed up in fun outfits. Jennifer was pregnant trailer park trash with her hair in curlers and a breezy housecoat, flaunting an unlit cigarette while obviously very pregnant. Elaine was an outstanding Ann Richards. Tim personified Lance Armstrong in black spandex and his wife, Yvette was a stunning Mary Kay all in pink and heavy make-up. Steven Robert Allen showed up with a couple of friends with instruments in tow. They played music well into the night in Mary and Clay's new living room. A good time was had by all.The next year Mary was sure to invite the musicians again and asked other friends who play instruments to come and play. Peter showed up with Buzzy and Pedro and put on a great show. The menu was about the same, some barbeque, a pot of chili and salsa, a few pecan pies with several side dishes.By the third year the party had grown in notoriety and size. After 7 gallons of margaritas and untold cases of beer, Mary's husband Clay said 'not at our house again.' It took five people eight hours the next day cleaning up the mess and we still have a wall that needs repainting… To this day, Susan complains about the hangover, cleaning up and the plane ride back to Austin. Kurt and his posse didn't leave until well after 4 AM. It was a party! Outstanding costumes that year included Babette as Selena and Lew made a very convincing Kinky Friedman.The fourth year the party relocated to the Albuquerque Press Club. We have made it our home for this event ever since. La Wendy showed up as Freddy Fender and Steve made the Big-ass-Texas cake. Beth won the prize for top costume with her impressive Dallas Cowboy cheerleader-and boy did she wear it!At this point Mary began to need some help with the whole darn thing. Dana took over the entertainment portion of things while Mary retained food prepartion and menu planning. Mary most graciously said that "Dana is the shining star who continues to love this party as much as I do. She is truly amazing in so many ways!"That year the musicial line up lengthened. In addition to Young Edward (Steven Robert Allen's band) were the Rivet Gang, FOMA, Edith Grove and Church Camp.We are grateful beyond words for the continued support of many local musicians. It would not be a party without their music!In addition to Young Edward and Edith Grove & Bottle Tree we are fortunate to be supported by loyal and talented friends The Saltine Ramblers, Swingin' Meat, The Old Main and Trilobite. Galvespin livened up the party three years ago with classic country vinyl...this year he'll be playing through the entire event over in the bar. This year we'll also see the return of The Joneses. We will also introduce Evil Roy Slade, a musical super group assembling especially for this event!As always there will be prizes to award the great costumes. The infamous Ladies Game Night crew gets together for a bad art night to create one-of-a-kind awards. With loving hands at home they decorate trophies, plaques, statuettes, votive candles, horseshoes and other weird shit to give as prizes. This tradition continues with even more wonderful outrageous awards every year. (By the way, we welcome your gently used items to recycle and recreate into artistic recognition deals!) It really is worth it to dress up and pay the price of admission just to see the awards!Then there's the food. Mary's food has become an event in itself. Mary knows all the right hunters. They graciously provide a variety of wild game over the years to supplement the usual fare. This has included: wild boar roast, pulled; Elk loin fajitas; smoked Rio Grande sandhill crane spread; oryx chili, and even yak ribs!All that in addition to the ususal 10+ gallons of Texas-style red chili, 7+ trimmed briskets slow-smoked over green oak, 75 pounds of real east Texas Elgin hotgut sausage, MJ's coleslaw, potato salad, San Antonio squash, King Ranch casserole (thanks to Celia), beans (thanks to Wendy), armadillo eggs, dozens of my Nanny's pecan pies, multiple peach cobblers and Cate's tasty banana pudding. We may need to post a few of the more notable recipes for folks to try at home eventually…Due to the cost of feeding this many people, we do charge a donation. This year the cost will be $15.00. Any money collected above the event cost is donated to a charity. This years proceeds will benefit Southwest Creations Collaborative / www.southwestcreations.comPast recipient organizations are Healthcare for the Homeless, New Mexico AIDS Services and the Roadrunner Food Bank. So at this point, we love to see how much money we can raise to help these organizations!2009 is our fifth year at the historic Albuquerque Press Club. The Press Club staff and members are friendly and welcoming. The bartenders are second to none. If the weather is warm you can sit on that front porch and watch the lights of downtown. You'll find a pool table downstairs along with dart boards and haunted bathrooms. The bands have ample room to play, folks can dance and have a ball. This charming, eclectic log cabin mansion recalls the character, coolness, kookiness and charisma of Austin right here in Albuquerque.Last year Mary fed over 300 people. This year we expect at least as many. Put on yer best Texan duds and join the party.Mary's recipe for a good time is this:* 1 part good people * 1 part great drinks * 1 part outstanding music and * 3 parts best food you can makeMix together and serve hot on paper plates. Makes enough for many.