For those who love sleeping in a tent under the stars just as much as they love indoor plumbing, Bellaire has the solution. Campers can pitch their tent at the fourth annual "Tents in Town" urban camp out on March 24 at Bellaire Town Square.
The event is co-hosted by the Patrons for Bellaire Parks and the city's Parks and Recreation Department to raise money for the park improvement and expansion.
Event chair David Onufer said the event is a great opportunity to have fun with family and neighbors, as well as to introduce younger children or hesitant family members to the camping experience.
"I wish there was something like that in the neighborhood when I grew up," he said.
The camp-out fundraiser started in 2009 with about 80 people, Patrons president Karen Erwin said. By last year, there were almost 200, and she's expecting another record turnout.
"So far, we've never had rain," she said. "Although the first time, the city forgot to turn off the sprinkler system; so some tents got sprinkled in the middle of the night."
The camp out will occur rain or shine, since most activities can easily be moved into the adjacent Recreation Center's gym, Erwin said.
Organizers have planned inflatables, balloon animals, a clown, face painting, hula hoop contests, kickball and dodge ball games, tug of war, sack races and a climbing wall.
Bellaire's police and fire departments will offer tours of their trucks and equipment. The local band Strange Days will perform.
Once the sun goes down, campers will be able to gaze at the stars through several large telescopes provided by the Houston Astronomical Society.
Even before that, the Nature Discovery Center will provide presentations around a campfire, albeit one without real flames.
"You can't start a fire in a city park; so we found this great fake fire," said Erwin.
It's a fan with colorful silk ribbons and lights, she explained.
"It looks great," Erwin said.
But what about the s'mores, a camping must?
"The Optimist Club of Bellaire makes s'mores on their grill," Erwin said.
Optimist Club members will also help prepare the rest of the food: hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken.
Erwin said she was an avid camper in her twenties, but stopped enjoying it at some point. Then she married a non-camper. Now, the camp out is her opportunity to revisit the experiences of her younger years, she said, "but with actual plumbing."
She's taken her younger son, Will, 12, for three years in a row. This year, he's even bringing two friends. Her husband Kevin and older son Charlie, 15, stay home, she said.
Onufer said he's still debating whether his 3-year-old is ready for an overnight stay.
"But we'll be there either way," he said.
Tents in Town will occur 3:30 p.m. March 24 through 10 a.m. March 25 at 5113 Laurel. The fee is $80 for an adult, one child and a 12x12-foot campsite. Additional adults are $15, additional children $25. Late registration (beginning March 20th) is $20 extra per person and per campsite. To register go to the Bellaire Parks and Recreation Center, 7008 Fifth St. (check only), or online at www.BellaireParks.org. For more details, call 713-661-7275
Monika Kleban is a freelance writer who can be reached at mkleban@hotmail.com
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