The Austin County Republican Party is inviting the community to celebrate two historic milestones during its Salute to Freedom BBQ & Dance on Saturday, August 1, 2026, commemorating America’s 250th birthday and the 190th anniversary of the Republic of Texas.
The celebration will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 :30 p.m. at the Austin County Fair Exposition Center and will feature a traditional Texas barbecue dinner with all the trimmings, patriotic ceremonies, live music, dancing and a full evening of silent, live and dessert auctions.
Doors open at 5 p.m., giving guests an opportunity to visit with friends while browsing auction items before the evening’s program begins. Attendees are asked to be seated by 6:15 p.m.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. with Master of Ceremonies Jeff Virnau welcoming guests. The program will include an invocation, the presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Texas Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem performed by Don Darracq and recognition of military veterans and active-duty service members.
Dinner will be served at 6:50 p.m. The dessert auction closes at 7 p.m., followed by the live auction at 7:45 p.m. The silent auction concludes at 8 p.m., with featured speakers taking the stage before the evening transitions into live entertainment.
Guests will have plenty of opportunities to bid throughout the evening. Featured auction items include a guitar autographed by Ted Nugent, along with other signed memorabilia. Organizers say additional auction items are still under wraps and will be unveiled the night of the event, giving attendees even more unique treasures to browse and bid on.
The popular dessert auction will once again feature a tempting assortment of homemade desserts prepared by local bakers. Winning bidders can enjoy their barbecue dinner first, then relax while their desserts are delivered directly to their tables after the meal, making for a sweet ending to dinner without missing any of the evening’s festivities.
The dance floor opens at 8:45 p.m., and at 9 p.m., Texas country artist Josh Ward takes the stage. Ward, a 2026 Texas Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year finalist, is known for fan favorites including “Whiskey & Whitley,” “The Devil Don’t Scare Me,” “A Cowboy Can,” and “Ain’t It Baby.” His latest album, Same Ol’ Cowboy, Different Rodeo, is also a finalist for 2026 Texas Country Album of the Year.
Organizers remind attendees that Wednesday, July 29, 2026, is the final day to purchase tickets online so an accurate meal count can be provided to the caterer. Tickets will not be available at the door unless prior arrangements have been made. Anyone needing information about late accommodations may text 979-885-9523.
Combining great food, patriotic traditions, exciting auctions and an evening of live Texas country music, the Salute to Freedom BBQ & Dance promises to be a memorable celebration of both American and Texas history. Guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets before the July 29 deadline and join the festivities on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Austin County Fair Exposition Center.
