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New Downtown Hat Bar Opens as Waco Braves the Chill ❄️🤠

New Downtown Hat Bar Opens as Waco Braves the Chill ❄️🤠

Stay cozy and explore Waco with today’s highlights – from new downtown spots to family-friendly activities presented by Hewitt Kids Dental

Sam Harper
January 14, 2025

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, where the cold weather’s no match for our love for Waco —we’re serving up fresh news and events, no matter the temperature!

In today’s Waco Buzz:

Rancher Hat Bar opens at Hotel Herringbone
Waco’s Snow History Trivia
Live Music and Events Lineup for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 🎶

Let’s get to it!

Buzzworthy News

Downtown Waco Welcomes Rancher Hat Bar! 🤠🤠

Rancher Hat Bar just opened its doors in downtown Waco at 319 S 4th St Suite 8 in the Hotel Herringbone shopping area! This unique, custom hat store lets you design your own Cowboy, Rancher, or Trucker Hat at their personalized hat bar—truly a one-of-a-kind experience. What’s even more exciting is that Rancher Hat Bar is joining other world-class brands like Sendero Provisions Co and Tecovas in downtown Waco, making our city’s shopping scene even stronger. We are excited to see downtown continue to grow and can’t wait for you to check out Rancher Hat Bar! Visit their website for more info: Rancher Hat Bar.

Get Outside with GTG Outdoors! 🌄🌄

I’m excited to highlight a fantastic local nonprofit, GTG Outdoors, that’s making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone in Waco. Their Spring Calendar is up and ready for registration, offering incredible trips at cost—no hidden fees. For example, the MLK Weekend Campout only costs $29 for park entry, campsite, meals, and gear. And here's the best part: for every four people who pay full price, one person gets to join for free or at a reduced cost through their 4:1 cost-share system. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and give back to the community!

Light on the Legislature: Community Conversations

Learn how the Texas Legislature shapes everyday life in Waco and McLennan County through "Light on the Legislature," a series of casual, non-partisan discussions. These gatherings are a great way to connect with neighbors while diving into topics that matter to the community. When: Tuesdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Where: Performing Arts Community Center, 924 Austin Avenue. The first meeting is tonight focusing on water with the conversation lead by Kim Gamez, Watershed Protection Manager for the City of Waco. Will go weekly through at least the end of February (and maybe beyond). Follow along on their Facebook page here.

Civil News

The City of Waco's general election for City Councilmembers in Districts II, IV, and V is happening Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Thinking about throwing your hat in the ring? Applications open Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 8 AM and close Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5 PM. More information here.

Just a heads-up: Candidates need to have lived in their district for at least six months to qualify.

Community Wellness: Ten Healthy Tips Class

Boost your health on a budget with Waco-McLennan Public Health's Ten Healthy Tips class! Choose from evening or morning sessions starting January 9 or January 17. Classes are held at the East Waco Library and Doris Miller Community Center, with unique content in each series. Register here.

Here for Family presented by Hewitt Kids Dental

Picture Source: Old Main at Baylor

What is the highest amount of snowfall recorded in Waco's history?

A fun piece of Waco history to spark your kids' hope for snow

Have you run out of ideas for things to do in Waco now that it’s cold outside or with the kids bouncing off the walls? Check Kelsey Kennedy’s latest blog here, packed with dozens of fun, kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained while staying warm indoors.

For families in need of top-notch pediatric dental care, Hewitt Kids Dental is the place to go. Dr. Alex Piedra and his team specialize in making dental visits fun and stress-free for children, offering a variety of services in a welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment today and let your kids smile with confidence!

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Waco Buzz? Reply to this email.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Brew & Bravo
Veterans and a plus one are invited to an evening of laughter, connection, and recognition at the Baylor Club. Enjoy stand-up comedy by Navy veteran MJ Moody, brews, refreshments, and interactive activities celebrating your service. Branch pride is encouraged—fun prizes await the branch with the highest attendance!

📅 When: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Where: Baylor Club North Lounge | 1001 S MLK Jr. Blvd, Waco, TX
🔗 Event Info & Tickets

Thursday

- Big 95 KBGO Party on the Patio 5:00 PM | Fish City Grill
- Ten Healthy Tips Class 5:30 PM | East Waco Library
- Create Better Health Class 5:30 PM | Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
- Beyond Blue Reception 6:00 PM | Art Center Waco
- The Union Revival in concert 6:00 PM | The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro
- Community Connect: Bridging Health and Community Classes 6:00 PM | Riesel High School
- KRIS with a K Music Bingo 7:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Adult Skate Night 7:00 PM | Skate World Waco
- Jamie Wesley Author Talk 7:00 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe
- Bingo Night 7:00 PM | The Will House
- Slap Stix Music Bingo 7:30 PM | Freight Bar

Sports🐻🐻

Baylor Men’s Basketball Instagram

Men’s Basketball:
The Bears pulled off an exciting overtime win against Arizona State, 72–66!

Women’s Basketball:
The Lady Bears are on a roll! They dominated Arizona State, 78–59, over the weekend.

Upcoming Baylor Games & Matches:

🏀 Men's Basketball: Tuesday, Jan. 14 @ Arizona | 10 PM | ESPN2

🏀 Women's Basketball: Night at the Zoo Theme Night - Tuesday, Jan. 14 @ Utah | 7 PM | ESPN+

@Waco.Buzz

📸@inishesh | 📍Downtown Waco from Magnolia Market
P.S. Tag @Waco.Buzz to get your photos in the Buzz!

Jobs

As Natural Grocers gets prepared to open soon, they are still hiring for numerous roles. Take a look here.

Dollar General District Manager – Waco Area
Have a knack for leadership and logistics? Ready to manage operations across multiple locations? Dollar General is on the hunt for a talented District Manager to oversee our stores in the greater Waco area—home to 10 Dollar General locations serving this vibrant community. Apply here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with someone who is already counting down the days until Spring.

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