Note: Events with + in front indicates newly added event!

While we strive to ensure that all of our events are current and accurate, please always check to ensure that the event is still scheduled and that the information below is correct.

• Pre-Grito Party at Baytown Town Square [Free] Fri., Oct. 3rd Starts @ 6pm

• Grito Fest at Bicentennial Park, [Free] Sat. Oct. 4th 4:30 pm – 9 pm

• Mont Belvieu Market @ the Park Oct. 4th 8am-12pm

• Deaf Social Where Bakery - Oct. 4th - 11 am @
  Heart & Whisk Bakery 4618 N. Main St., Baytown

• +Peggy Bell Book Signing Sat., Oct. 4th, - 2–4 pm @
  The Collaboratory, 5623 S Main Street, Crosby

• +Stronger Than the Storm Seminar, for adults who have lost someone,
  Oct. 7th at 7 pm— at The Collaboratory. The cost is $10.

• National Night Out 2025 Mont Belvieu – Tues., Oct. 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

• +Nurture Nature Festival - Sat., Oct. 11th, 10:00AM – 4:00PM.
  @Baytown Nature Center 6213 Bayway Dr. [FREE to attend]

• ORW Founders Day Free Festival Sat., Oct. 11th - 10am-4pm
  4818 FM North 565 Old River-Winfree Silent & live auction, entertainment, Ethel P. Ramsey bake-off, exhibits, car, truck, and motorcycle show, and free activities for kids! Click for more info

• Fall Market Trade Days Sat. Oct. 11th 10am-4pm
  @ Baytown Community Center 2407 Market St.

• Annual Public Safety Softball Tournament [BPD vs BFD]
  Sat., Oct. 18th @11 am @ Wayne Gray Sports Complex - Come out and cheer on the first responders who keep our community safe! Show your team spirit by wearing blue or red—depending on who you’re rooting for. Open to the community—bring your family and friends!

• Fall Market @ Town Square – Oct. 18th 10am-2pm 
  213 W. Texas Ave., Baytown

• Community Yard Sale - Oct. 18th 10am-2pm @ Town Square,
  213 W. Texas Ave., Baytown

• Annual Back the Blue BBQ Festival and 5K Family Fun Run Sat. Oct. 18th – 10am-5pm @ Jimmy Burke Activity Center in Deer Park.

• The “Fab 5” Music Event – Sat. Oct. 25th @ 8 pm – @ Lee College Performing Arts Center - Fund Raiser presented by Baytown Crime Stoppers

Baytown to Gain New
Power Plant in $936 Million Project

Baytown is set to become home to a major new power project following the state’s approval of a $562 million loan to NRG Energy. The low-interest funding, announced Friday, comes through the Texas Energy Fund and will support construction of a new 721-megawatt natural gas unit at the company’s Cedar Bayou Generating Station.

The Cedar Bayou site, first developed in the 1970s, already produces more than 1,500 megawatts from its existing gas units. The addition of this new facility will expand the plant’s overall capacity and provide a significant boost to the region’s electricity supply. State officials said the loan represents the largest awarded so far under the Texas Energy Fund, which was created in 2023 to strengthen the power grid after the near-collapse during Winter Storm Uri.

Governor Greg Abbott called the Baytown project a key step in meeting the needs of a fast-growing state. “This 721 MW investment in the Texas grid will ensure we continue to meet that incredible growth with a robust, reliable supply of power,” he said in a statement.

NRG executives also praised the move, pointing to the importance of adding “dispatchable” generation that can be brought online when demand spikes. They noted the project will generate construction jobs, create permanent positions once completed, and contribute to economic growth in the Baytown area. Company officials said the $936 million project has been “shovel ready” for years, and the state loan makes it financially viable to move forward despite market challenges.

The loan terms — about 3 percent interest, to be repaid over 20 years — cover roughly 60 percent of the total cost. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the plant slated to come online by summer 2028. Once operational, the unit will feed into ERCOT, the grid operator that supplies power to most of Texas.

The Texas Energy Fund was established with more than $7 billion to help companies build natural gas generation projects. To date, three loans totaling $883 million have been issued, expected to add nearly 1,300 megawatts of new generation. Officials said 14 additional loan applications remain under review.

While natural gas projects are facing global supply chain pressures, particularly for specialized turbines, state leaders emphasized the need for reliable power to balance the rapid growth of solar and battery storage across Texas. The Baytown facility, they said, represents a critical piece of ensuring long-term grid stability.

Dayton Solar-and-Storage Plant Now Supplying BASF Freeport Facility

Dayton is now home to a major clean energy project that combines solar power with large-scale battery storage. Called the Liberty Energy Project, it’s the first project in the U.S. from global renewable energy developer X-ELIO that pairs a solar farm with a battery system.

The project features 72 megawatts of solar panels and 60 megawatts of battery storage. Together, they can generate about 137 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year — enough to power tens of thousands of homes. The batteries make it possible to store energy during sunny hours and release it later when demand is high.

All of this new electricity will support BASF’s chemical plant in Freeport, one of the largest in the world. BASF has signed a 12-year agreement to purchase 48 megawatts from Liberty, making sure 100% of the power it buys for that site comes from renewable energy. BASF leaders said this step supports their long-term plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Freeport facility, which opened in 1958, employs more than 800 people and produces nearly 30 different products.

X-ELIO’s leaders said the Liberty project is also part of a bigger U.S. expansion. The company is currently working on 2.8 gigawatts of solar projects and 2.1 gigawatts of storage projects across the country.

Alongside the energy investment, X-ELIO has also funded several community projects in Liberty County. These include creating a shared garden in Liberty, building a new boardwalk at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve for easier access, repairing the drainage system at the Liberty Food Bank, and supporting volunteer recruitment for Meals on Wheels.

Officials from both companies said the Liberty project is an example of how clean energy can strengthen the electric grid, provide economic value, and benefit local communities.

Baytown Animal Shelter
Puts Out Call for
Dog Food Donations

🐾 Calling All Dog Lovers! 🐾 

The City of Baytown Animal Shelter is currently in need of dry dog food donations to help care for our furry friends.

Any brand or size is welcome, and every little bit helps! If you have extra dog food at home or would like to contribute.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during the hours they are open to the public or shipped directly to the shelter!

📌 Shelter Location: 705 N Robert C Lanier Dr. Baytown TX, 77521
🕛 Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Saturday: 12 pm - 5 pm

To make it even more convenient, there is an Amazon Wishlist

Mont Belvieu Parks & Rec
Reminds Visitors to
Be Mindful of Alligators

Everyone LOVES Mont Belvieu’s parks... and so do the gators! That’s just part of life here in Southeast Texas.
While our toothy neighbors usually keep to themselves, this is the season when they’re on the move and nesting.
The awesome Parks & Rec team works hard to relocate any unwelcome visitors (they’ve already asked two to leave this week 🐊➡️🚪), but they ask that you stay mindful—especially around pond areas—that alligators may be present.

With a little awareness (and not a lot of worry), Mont Belvieu parks will continue to be safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone!

🛍Local Garage, Yard & Estate Sales!🏷

Please help us spread the word: share this newsletter with your friends, neighbors, and anyone who loves a good deal. Encourage them to subscribe so they never miss a sale. And if you're planning a sale of your own, be sure to submit your info by Tuesday at 5 PM to be included in this week’s issue!

Friendly Note: Garage and Estate sales are as unpredictable as the Texas weather—sometimes they pop up, sometimes they blow away! 🌦️ Hosts may change times, addresses, or even cancel altogether. We just share the info; the rest is part of the treasure-hunting adventure. 🛍️

📌Check Back on Thursday

Job Listings Now on a Separate Page! 🎉

To make scrolling easier for everyone, we’ve moved job listings to a separate page! If you're job hunting, check it out—if not, enjoy a quicker read! 😊👀

Click job listings page

Friday’s Quiz: Which animal has the largest eyes of any living creature?
Answer: B) Giant squid
The giant squid’s eyes can reach 10 inches across — about the size of a dinner plate — allowing it to spot predators like sperm whales in the deep ocean.