Downtown Adventure is your go-to source for all things happening in the vibrant downtown area of Temple, Texas. Stay updated on concerts, museum exhibits, First Friday events, business milestones, new businesses, and city news that impact the heart of our city.
PHOTO: Joe and Sara Royer of Temple are launching a new community focused radio station near downtown Temple. With about 100 watts of power, 98.7 FM will serve Temple, Belton and most of Bell County starting in September. JohnJohn Montelongo photo
98.7 FM to debut in September from old fire station near downtown Temple
DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE
A 100-watt community radio station that will serve the Temple and Belton area is expected to launch in September. The not-for-profit station is owned by the Royer Foundation, created by the husband-and-wife team of Sarah and Joe Royer.
“We’re shooting to launch the station in September,” Joe said. “There’s a lot to do — fundraising and we need to purchase some equipment — but September is our goal.”
The station will serve Temple, Belton and all of Bell County.
“We have a low-power FM license — KTCP will reach as far as Copperas Cove,” he said.
Santa Fe Jazz Jam is July 6
It’s all about improvisation. The Santa Fe Jazz Jam is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom in downtown Temple, and young musicians will take the backyard stage to show their improvisational skills. The event, which offers an afternoon of jazz, is held on the first Sunday of every month on the backyard stage at Treno’s.
“All are welcome to attend and sit in, however the event is primarily aimed at encouraging the younger players to gain experience in jazz improvisation,” said Benjamin Irom (in photo), director of jazz studies at Temple College and director of the Temple Jazz Orchestra.
Robert Parker Jr. in concert
DAVID STONE | DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE
The annual Hot Summer Sounds free concert series continues July 11 with Robert Parker Jr. at Lions Park Amphitheater.
“Get ready for some great live music featuring a different genre each week at selected parks around Temple,” said Emelie S Palma, a public relations specialist for the city.
“Concerts will be held on Friday evenings this summer from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.,” she added. “Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a relaxing evening in the park with friends, family and other community residents.”
Beyond Destiny will play Lions Park on July 18, and Santa Fe Plaza in downtown Temple will host the last two Hot Summer Sounds shows: James Hollingsworth on July 25 and Fleetwood X on Aug. 1.
Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 8-10
Local shoppers are urged to support Central Texas businesses while saving on money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, school supplies, footwear and backpacks during the annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins Friday, Aug. 8, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 10. According to Comptroller Glenn Hegar, items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online seller doing business in the state.
First Fleet on exhibit at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
An exhibit at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum will take visitors to the great beyond. The exhibit — First Fleet: NASA's Shuttle Program — features the powerful and rarely seen photographs by John A. Chakeres, who spent five years documenting the early years of NASA’s space shuttle program.
Grant: Downtown thriving but much work still remains
More clothing stores and improved sidewalks and roads are on City Council member Zoe Grant’s wishlist for downtown Temple. Grant serves District 2, which includes the downtown business and entertainment area.
Temps heat up, gas prices cool
The summer driving season is under way, but gas prices are on cruise control. The national average for a gallon of regular on June 29 was $3.19, down 4 cents than Saturday, June 28.
The Temple/Belton average for a gallon of regular on June 29 was $2.72, down a single cent since June 28. Pump prices were 29 cents cheaper than last June, thanks to this year’s consistently low crude oil prices. Currently, oil supply in the market is outweighing demand.
Premium gas in the Temple/Belton area was $3.39 on June 29, a penny less than Saturday’s per-gallon average. A month ago, premium gas was $3.38 per gallon.
The state average on June 29 was $2.78.
We want your news!
Welcome to DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE — news, business spotlights, events and features about downtown Temple. We are excited about this new website and publication, and we aim to support downtown businesses and drive more folks to the city’s historic business hub.
Bars, restaurants, and other downtown businesses, please send us information about your business milestones, upcoming events and story ideas to downtowntempleadventure@gmail.com.
I have been a community journalist for more than 43 years and a resident of Temple since 1977. I’m proud to say I’m a Wildcat graduate, a former Temple College student and I know our city inside and out.
David Stone, Editor/Publisher
Annex future in limbo
The current Bell County Annex building in downtown Temple may become part of a future pocket park or a convention center, according to City Manager Brynn Myers.
Council OKs contract change
Temple City Council agreed to a construction contact modification with Temple-based Wright Builders for Santa Fe Community Market in the estimated amount of $134,687.10.
New city parking lot
Construction is near completion on a new parking lot for city vehicles and trucks on Fifth, Barton and Third streets next to Central Fire Station, according to Assistant City Manager David Olson.
“Right now these vehicles are at City Hall,” Olson said. “The new lot is secured and will allow trucks to be parked over night. .”
The charcuterie queen
Business is booming at Kerley’s. The little market on Central has been grinding meat and cutting steaks for Temple-area residents for close to 100 years, and owner Lynette Talasek is boosting business by introducing charcuterie cups, boards and grazing tables.
Add your Downtown event to this listing by emailing downtowntempleadventure@gmail.com.
June 29
- La Banda, Bird Creek Brewing, 7 p.m.
- June 30
- Mom & Me Yoga, First Street Roasters, 10:30 a.m.
July 2
- Kid’s Movie Night — The Sandlot, Treno’s Pizzeria, 5 p.m.
- Open Mic Night with Smokinmaxx, Neighbors on 7th, 6 p.m.
July 3
- Music Bingo, Neighbors on 7th, 7:30 p.m.
July 5
- All Request Piano Show with Ray Palousek, O’Briens, 8 p.m.
An exhibit on Santa Fe Railroad is shown inside the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. The museum in one of more than a dozen Downton attractions that would be located in the proposed Culture District, which is part of the Arts & Culture Master Plan. David Stone photo
Arts & Culture Master Plan goes to Council on July 17
A plan to develop a Cultural District in downtown Temple will be presented to City Council on July 17 and likely will be adopted by Council on Aug. 7, according to Assistant City Manager Erin Smith. The Arts & Culture Master Plan includes moving the Cultural Activities Center to a location in or near the MLK Festival Grounds, and CAC Executive Director Annette Farmer is OK with such a move.
Main Street Farmers Market
A partnership between Christ Episcopal Church and Make-a-Way Wellness will bring a new farmers market to downtown Temple beginning in September. Main Street Farmers Market will be April through November in conjunction with First Friday celebrations.
DAVID STONE, editor/publisher
I am a veteran community journalist of 43 years and I have lived in Temple since 1977. I grew up here, graduated from Wildcat High, and I know the city like the back of my hand. It is my pleasure to provide you with the latest in Downtown Temple news.
City to buy fire truck
Temple City Council moved to purchase a Pierce Enforcer pumper fire truck from Denton-based Siddons-Martin Emergency Group during its June 5 meeting. The fire truck has a base price of $1.1 million and could cost up to $1.2 million fully outfitted.
Millions to travel over 4th
AAA Travel says more than 72 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home during this year’s Fourth of July holiday period — Saturday, June 28, to Sunday, July 6. Doniece Gray of Belton’s Your Travel Agent and Julie Ruiz of Love Group Travel in Temple both have several clients traveling during the holiday.
Bell County fishing
Although lake conditions are far from perfect, fishermen hitting Belton and Stillhouse Hollow lakes are catching fish. Local fishing guide Bob Maindelle of Holding the Line Guide Service, says fishing on Lake Belton is fair this week.
Backyard beekeeping takes flight
What started as a niche class for Central Texas hobbyists has grown into a statewide movement to support and educate a new generation of beekeepers.
Storybook Grove will be a special place for kids to play and learn
One of Temple tiniest parks will soon take shape on a small but scenic parcel of land on Barton Boulevard, just across from the Temple Public Library parking lot. According to Temple City Manager Brynn Myers, design work on Storybook Grove is under way and construction likely will start this year. The park will feature reading areas and statues of famous children’s book characters.
“We have met with a sculpture artist and we’re getting information on what will be included at Storybook Grove,” Assistant City Manager Erin Smith said this week. “We will have to decide which characters will be featured in the park — they haven’t been selected yet. Some will require approval by the illustrator.”
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Beverly Benton, Temple
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At Downtown Adventure, we are passionate about showcasing the best of downtown Temple. Our goal is to keep the community informed and engaged with all the exciting events and developments happening in our city's heart.
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