On the Dock with Rick Smith

Gary Emmert
2–3 minutes

Presented by Marine Outlet of Temple, Texas, your “Just Add Water” boat dealership. Join me, Rick Smith for On the Dock, the boats and boating, fish and fishing show on KNCT every Wednesday and Friday at 6:15pm. We are your source for the latest news and events involving the great Texas outdoors.

Latest On the Dock Episode

News From Texas Parks and Wildlife

🎄 Texas State Parks Invite You to Celebrate the Season Outdoors

As falling leaves blanket the trails and crisp air settles across the Lone Star State, Texas State Parks are rolling out a festive lineup of seasonal events that invite families, adventurers, and nature lovers to celebrate the holidays in the great outdoors. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering a wide variety of activities that blend tradition, community, and natural beauty.

🎁 December Magic: Lights, History, and Holiday Cheer

The festive glow continues with Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s Holiday Light Drive-Thru on Dec. 6, a free event featuring illuminated park scenes from 6–9 p.m. That same evening, Huntsville State Park hosts a Christmas Party at Raven Lodge, complete with ornament decorating and lodge festivities.

On Dec. 13, three parks offer unique experiences:

  • Fort Leaton State Historic Site presents a traditional Mexican Posada, with over 1,000 candles lighting the way for guided tours, mariachi music, and piñatas.
  • Tyler State Park celebrates with lights, ranger storytelling, crafting, and stargazing, while supporting the East Texas Food Bank through a food drive.
  • Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site brings history to life with The Ghosts of Christmas Past, a living history walk through 1870s holiday traditions.

To wrap up the season, Blanco State Park hosts Watercolors on the Blanco: Holiday Card Edition on Dec. 20, a relaxing art session where guests can create personalized holiday cards inspired by nature.

📅 Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

TPWD encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance, as many parks may reach capacity. Passes can be booked online or by calling (512) 389-8900. For a full list of events and updates, visit the TPWD calendar or the Holidays in the Parks page.

📬 Want More Texas Outdoors?

Subscribe to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine for just $2/month and enjoy 10 issues a year packed with stories, tips, and stunning photography. Learn more at tpwmagazine.com/subscriptions.

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