Flurry of activities slated for March 8,9
The first weekend of spring break in Archer City—March 8 and 9—offers an exciting lineup of activities around the square for local denizens as well as tourists from near and far. These include the preview opening of the Larry McMurtry Literary Center, an open house at Aulds Classic Cars and a Texasville Opry performance at the Royal Theater. It is a triad of classic collections: of books, cars and music.
The weekend kicks off Saturday morning at the late McMurtry’s former Booked Up No. 1 building, now home to a literary center in its early stages of development. The doors will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission to the front area and showroom is free, and guests will have the opportunity to take home one souvenir book from a designated selection for every $25 in donations to the Center—up to ten books.
As evidence that these books passed through McMurtry’s book-loving hands at one time, most of them are marked in pencil with his pricing; a few even contain his initials or a comment. Some additional books and items will be available for direct purchase, including many of McMurtry’s own novels.
Aulds Classic Cars is an elite private collection rarely open to the public. March 8 is one of those exciting days when the community is invited to marvel at the shiny historic vehicles. It will open to the public from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. prior to the Texasville Opry’s “Outlaw & Classic Country Show” at the Royal Theater.
The Opry is the longest-running live show at the theater, dating back to April of 2001. Doors to the theater open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show. Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased by calling 940-574-2489 #1.
On Sunday, March 9, the Larry McMurtry Literary Center will open again from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the same arrangement. Organizers hope to open the Center additional weekends throughout the spring.
More information about the Center can be found at lmcmurtrylitcenter.org. Sneak peek photos of Aulds Classic Cars are available on Facebook and Instagram (@auldsclassic). A history of the Texasville Opry and ticket information is accessible at royaltheater.org.
