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A favorite tradition for many families is spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Big Bend Ranch State Park, in the park's headquarters at Sauceda.
This year, due to the recent winter storms, the event has been cancelled, because Sauceda remains without power and has only limited water. Those who booked spots at the Sauceda Ranch House and Sauceda Bunkhouse are being notified their reservations are being cancelled. Camping is still available throughout the park, via the Barton Warnock Visitor Center (432.371.3327) and Fort Leaton (432.229.3613).
Also, the annual Thanksgiving lunch at Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park is cancelled, due to the continued loss of electricity.
David Long, Superintendent of the Barton Warnock Center/ Big Bend Ranch State Park , says there were more than 100 reservations for the Thanksgiving event. He assures visitors that the weather this holiday weekend will be good for camping. “Thanksgiving is busier this year than ever due to school letting out early. Most schools are having shorter breaks at Christmas."
Long said this year the desert will be displaying one of its rare but subtle changes with autumn color. This only occurs when the desert has had higher than usual rainfall and cool nights. He claims it’s been three to four years since the last good season.
More information on the Big Bend Ranch State Park website.
-Sharron Reed is a citizen reporter for KRTS News.