ADVERTISE | CAREERS | COMPANY INFO
You're seeing news from
support local journalism become a community patron Community impact Newspaper's mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Consider supporting our journalism efforts by becoming a Community Patron today.
Continue Reading contribute today
join us become a community member Community Members have access to our e-edition and can sign up for our daily e-newsletter
Already a Member? Sign in
sign up today
Top Story

Tomball Bluegrass Festival, fundraisers, fall activities and more: 12 things to do in Tomball, Magnolia this weekend, Oct. 24-27

Several fall festivals and other activities are going on in the Tomball and Magnolia areas, including the Tomball Bluegrass Festival on Oct. 26.

Several fall festivals and other activities are going on in the Tomball and Magnolia areas, including the Tomball Bluegrass Festival on Oct. 26.

Now is the chance to help your local community succeed. Become a Patron by contributing to Community Impact Newspaper and gain daily insight into what's happening in your own backyard. Thank you for reading and supporting community journalism.

become a ci patroncontribute today

By Kara McIntyre |

Tomball and Magnolia area residents can check out several fall festivals and other activities this weekend, including the Tomball Bluegrass Festival and the Magnolia Fall Festival on The Stroll.


Oct. 24

Learn about FM 1488
The Texas Department of Transportation holds a public open house to inform residents about proposed improvements to FM 1488 between I-45 and FM 149 in Magnolia. Attendees can come and go. Staff will be available to answer questions. 6-8 p.m. Free. Mitchell Intermediate School Cafeteria, 6800 Alden Bridge Drive, The Woodlands. www.txdot.gov








Oct. 24

Hear a legislative update from state Sen. Brandon Creighton
State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, will speak at the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce's luncheon to give an update on the 86th Legislative session and what it means for the future of Texas. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $25-$30. Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-1488. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org








Oct. 25-26

Sip and shop at Burlap Ranch Mercantile
Come dressed in a Halloween costume and receive a discount at Burlap Ranch Mercantile. Drinks will be provided for sipping while guests peruse Burlap Ranch's fall items. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.). Free (entry). 106 N. Elm St., Tomball. 832-409-9645. www.burlapranch.com








Oct. 26

Listen to bluegrass music in downtown Tomball
The eighth annual bluegrass music festival, hosted by the city of Tomball, features a day of old-style roots music from Lone Star Bluegrass Band, Travers Chandler & Avery County, and The Coleman Brothers. Guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments and play at the Shade Tree Jam. The festival also includes vendors and a children’s zone. Noon-6 p.m. Free (admission, parking). Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov





Oct. 26

Celebrate reading, "Star Wars" in Tomball
All ages are welcome to attend “Star Wars” Reads, a “Star Wars”-themed event at the LSC-Tomball Community Library, featuring activities and games. Prizes and photo opportunities will be available. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters. Noon-3 p.m. Free. LSC-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. www.lonestar.edu





Oct. 26

Enjoy a gala, support local charities
The Parkway Chevrolet Two-Step Gala features a silent auction, food, wine, music and other activities. All proceeds will benefit Abandoned Animal Rescue and Arrow Child and Family Ministries. 6:30 p.m. $50 (individual), $750 (table of eight). Parkway Chevrolet, 25500 Hwy. 249, Tomball. 281-789-4142. www.aartexas.org





Oct. 26

Raise money for Abandoned Animal Rescue
Listen to DJ Greg, meet a furry friend, eat hot dogs and compete for a prize at the Smooches for Pooches fundraiser for Abandoned Animal Rescue, a nonprofit animal shelter in Magnolia. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (entry), $5 (hot dog plate). Mattress Firm, 28531 Hwy. 249, Tomball. 281-789-4142. www.aartexas.org








Oct. 26

Meet local authors
Authors Jessica Pitcaithly of “The Real Meaning of a Cactus Flower,” Judith McCarver of “Parenting with Gumption and Grit,” Tammy Walker of “Small Waiting Objects” and Melody Stroud Boyd of “The Greed Seed” will be at the book-signing event. Other authors may also be in attendance. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. The Book Attic, 310 E. Main St., Tomball. 281-255-6050. www.thebookattic.info





Oct. 26

Enjoy an artisan market, fall festival in Magnolia
Wildwood United Methodist Church hosts a local artisan market and fall festival open to the community. The indoor market features 49 vendors from local artisans and small businesses. Festival activities include food trucks, crafts, face painting, pumpkin bowling, inflatables, live music and other family activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (market), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (festival). Free (admission). Wildwood UMC, 8911 FM 1488, Magnolia www.wildwoodmethodist.com








Oct. 26

Attend First Baptist Church of Magnolia's fall festival
First Baptist Church of Magnolia invites the community to its fall festival, featuring games, candy giveaways, food, inflatables and other activities. The event is outdoors but will be moved inside if there is inclement weather. 2-5 p.m. Free. First Baptist Church of Magnolia, 18525 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-8543. www.magnoliasfirst.org





Oct. 26

Get free comic books at Comix Cafe
Receive free comic books, dress up in a Halloween costume, play board games and go trick-or-treating at Comix Cafe's ComicFest. Coffee and baked goods will also be available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Comix Cafe, 27620 Business 249, Ste. A6, Tomball. 832-698-1850. www.comix.cafe





Oct. 26

Support local businesses, celebrate the Magnolia Fall Festival
Live music by the KG Williams Band, trunk-or-treat, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest for children ages 10 and under, vendors, games and inflatables are featured at the Magnolia Fall Festival. Food and drinks will also be available. 1-6 p.m. Free. The Stroll, between Commerce Street and FM 1774, Magnolia. www.facebook.com


By Kara McIntyre
Kara started with Community Impact Newspaper as the summer intern for the south Houston office in June 2018 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She became the reporter for north Houston's Tomball/Magnolia edition in September 2018, moving to Alpharetta in January 2020 after a promotion to be the editor of the Alpharetta/Milton edition, which is Community Impact's first market in Georgia.

MOST RECENT

Montgomery County officials are urging residents to wear face masks and take caution. (Community Impact staff)
Montgomery County reports 19 new active coronavirus cases July 13

2,011 people have recovered out of the total 3,112 cases.

Public health officials in Houston and Harris County reported that 2,001 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed July 13, a new single-day record for the county. (Community Impact staff)
Harris County coronavirus count: 2,001 cases, 8 deaths confirmed July 13

Public health officials in Houston and Harris County reported that 2,001 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed July 13, a new single-day record for the county.

A Cy-Fair ISD employee distributes meals via curbside pickup for district students during the summer. (Courtesy Cy-Fair ISD)
'Community Impact Newspaper' seeks feedback and more Houston-area business, community news

Read the latest Houston-area business and community news here.

Thousands of Montgomery County voters appeared in person or submitted absentee ballots during the 10-day early voting period. (Ali Linan/Community Impact Newspaper)
More than 21,000 Montgomery County residents participate in early voting for July 14 runoff

Just under three-fourths of the total early voting turnout was Republican, and one-fourth was Democratic.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, shown here in March, announced July 13 the U.S. Department of Defense would provide additional resource to help Texas combat COVID-19. (Brian Rash/Community Impact Newspaper)
Department of Defense task forces deployed to help Texas combat COVID-19

Gov. Greg Abbott announced July 13 the U.S. Department of Defense would provide more resources to Texas to combat the rise of COVID-19.

A Cy-Fair ISD employee distributes meals via curbside pickup for district students during the summer. (Courtesy Cy-Fair ISD)
'Community Impact' now seeking feedback from parents, teachers regarding 2020-21 school year

Help us adequately cover local education by submitting feedback here:

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo spoke about the county's continuing response to COVID-19 and a new small-business coronavirus relief program at a July 13 press conference. (Screenshot via Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management)
Harris County now accepting applications for $30M small-business assistance program

Harris County businesses with fewer than 30 employees may apply for funding through July 24.

The seven-day rolling average of deaths per day in Harris County has increased from 3.86 on July 8 to 8.29 on July 12. (Community Impact Staff)
Harris County coronavirus count: After three weeks of surging cases, death toll starts to rise

The seven-day rolling average of deaths per day in Harris County has increased from 3.86 on July 8 to 8.29 on July 12.

Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced in a June 30 State Board of Education meeting that students will be taking the STAAR in the 2020-21 school year. (Courtesy Pixabay)
Education organizations call for STAAR requirements to be waived another year

Gov. Greg Abbott waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, testing requirements in March of earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With a clinical background in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine, Corry has been with BCM for 20 years. He now focuses primarily on inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma and smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. (Graphic by Ronald Winters/Community Impact Newspaper)
Q&A: Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. David Corry discusses immunity, vaccine production amid COVID-19 pandemic

Rapid development and distribution of a vaccine worldwide and successful achievement of herd immunity will be key players in determining the lifespan of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dr. David Corry, a professor of Medicine in the Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology Section at Baylor College of Medicine.

Four baseball teams, including the Sugar Land Skeeters, will compete in 56 games at Constellation Field this July and August. (Courtesy Sugar Land Skeeters)
Sugar Land Skeeters start summer stretch, Black Restaurant Week returns: Business and community updates from Houston area

Read the latest business and community news from the Houston metro area.

The county's active case count rose July 10 after three straight days of declines. (Community Impact staff)
Montgomery County adds 40 active COVID-19 cases, reaches 3,000 cumulative cases July 10

Five new hospitalizations and 87 new recoveries were also reported July 10.