Gonzales celebrates tradition, unity at Come and Take It 2025

The 2025 Come and Take It Celebration once again filled downtown Gonzales with music, laughter and unmistakable hometown pride. From longtime residents to first-time visitors, thousands came together to celebrate community, history and the traditions that make Gonzales one of the most spirited small towns in Texas. 

With blue skies and comfortable fall weather, families browsed vendor booths, reunited with classmates and enjoyed a schedule packed with entertainment — from carnival rides and contests to live music and community showcases that ran from morning to night. Wrangler Trucking served as presenting sponsor for the weekend, helping ensure the beloved tradition continued to grow while remaining free and family-friendly for all who attended. 

Saturday’s Come and Take It Parade served as a centerpiece for the weekend, blending generations of Gonzales pride. More than 100 entries from local and out-of-town participants filled the streets with color and creativity. The Mighty Apache Band set the tone as the route came alive with the sound of drums, laughter and applause. Dozens of organizations, youth groups and dance teams followed, while family-owned businesses, horseback riders and decorated floats showcased the community’s personality and craftsmanship. 

Leading this year’s parade were two individuals who embody the heart of Gonzales. Ann Laster, a longtime Gonzales ISD educator and advocate for the elderly, served as parade marshal, recognized for her decades of service and compassion. Riding alongside her was Junior Parade Marshal Augustus Sexton, the first youth ever chosen for the role — a fitting symbol of the next generation carrying forward the “Come and Take It” spirit. 

Headliners Tracy Byrd, Little Texas and Jarrod Birmingham were among the main performers drawing large crowds throughout the weekend, while local favorite Off the Railz performed both days, bringing their signature sound and hometown charm to the stage. The lineup featured a mix of classic rock, alternative, country and norteño music, offering something for everyone. The always crowd-pleasing Shiner Hobo Band returned Sunday to perform under the beer tent, a fan-favorite tradition that kept spirits high through the festival’s final day. 

One of the weekend’s standout moments came during the Gowns to Glory fashion event at the historic Crystal Theatre, held alongside the Gonzales Art Club’s annual art contest, which featured works by local artists and photographers. Come and Take It Committee Chairman Daisy Scheske said the contest perfectly captured the spirit of Gonzales. 

“Local women donated their old wedding gowns so the youth (4-H) could retell the story of how the original Come and Take It flag was created, when the women of Gonzales transformed a wedding dress into a bold symbol of independence,” Scheske said. “It was a beautiful reminder of how our history continues to inspire this community. We hope to continue this contest for many years to come.” 

Another new favorite, the Whataburger Eating Contest, was hosted by the Gonzales Anchor Club and FCCLA. Whataburger provided the peppers and graham crackers for the competition and donated $500 to the winning nonprofit, the Gonzales High School Cheerleaders, who plan to use the funds to help cover travel expenses to Florida if they earn a bid to compete at Worlds. The Anchor Club supplied trophies and other contest materials, making the event both fun and meaningful. 

Nonprofits across the community also saw success throughout the festival. The Rotary Club’s Chicken Flying Contest once again drew cheers, with Wrangler Trucking matching the cash prizes for each winner, doubling both the fun and community support. At JB Wells Arena, the Come and Take It Ranch Rodeo, benefitting Norma’s House, brought in additional spectators and raised funds for an important local cause. 

Scheske said community collaboration is what truly makes the celebration shine. 

“It truly takes a village to make this event happen, and Gonzales always shows up,” she said. “The Come and Take It Committee leads the way, dedicating countless hours to planning and executing this celebration. They work hand in hand with Pioneer Village, the Rotary Club, the City, County, Gonzales Classic Cruisers, the Lions Club, the Gonzales Art Group, the Ministerial Alliance, the LEOs, the Edwards Association, the Masonic Lodge, Catholic Youth, the Chamber of Commerce, GVEC, private businesses, nonprofits and our incredible downtown partners.” 

“Visitors had so many compliments this year,” Scheske continued. “They loved that there were no grounds fees, parking was free and they could safely walk through downtown to reach the event. The carnival was clean and well-organized, food options were great and everyone — from vendors to volunteers — was friendly and welcoming. One couple even drove from La Grange just to participate in Chicken Flying.” 

“We know the event takes up a lot of space and can be an adjustment, but we truly appreciate our downtown businesses for working with us and seeing the bigger picture,” she added. “Their support helps make the weekend safe, welcoming and successful for everyone.” 

Sunday wrapped up the festivities with the classic car show, a crowd favorite that filled the streets with polished chrome and colorful nostalgia. A 25-year class reunion downtown Saturday night added to the hometown feel, capturing the heart of what the weekend represents — Gonzales coming together. 

Mayor Isaac Anzaldua said the event reflected the best of Gonzales. 

“This weekend’s Come and Take It Celebration was a tremendous success,” Anzaldua said. “It was very encouraging to see the number of families and friends that gathered to celebrate Gonzales and all of its activities.” 

“I can’t say enough about the efforts of the Come and Take It Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gonzales,” he added. “Through a collaborative effort, including many volunteer organizations and numerous sponsors, we’re able to provide a celebration of this magnitude for our community. The love and energy we all share for Gonzales is what brings us together to work effectively toward a common goal. Every year we look to improve our festival, and I’m already excited to see what we accomplish in 2026.” 

The Come and Take It Celebration remains a completely volunteer-driven effort, organized by the dedicated Come and Take It Committee, which works year-round to coordinate every parade float, vendor and stage performance. The committee welcomes anyone interested in volunteering to help keep this long-standing tradition thriving. 

As the final notes faded Sunday evening and the festival lights began to dim, one thing was clear — the Come and Take It Celebration wasn’t just another weekend in Gonzales. It was a vivid display of community pride, creativity and togetherness — the spirit that has defined Gonzales for generations and will continue to carry it forward for years to come.