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G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

Bridal Edition

JANUARY 2026

DESIGNED FOR

Romance

Where 'be our guest' is more than a theme; it's a promise.

OLD FOUNDATIONS, NEW FOREVER From farmhouse mornings to mansion evenings, each experience carries its own legacy.

THE MOMENT HE KNEW

What began with resistance unfolded into a lifetime of choosing each other.

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IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2026

FEATURES 10 DESIGNED FOR ROMANCE

Where 'be our guest' is more than a theme; it's a promise.

18 THE MOMENT HE KNEW

What began with resistance unfolded into a lifetime of choosing each other.

24 THE SHAPE OF A PROMISE

Each wedding ring transformation is a balance of honoring the past while making room for the future.

30 OLD FOUNDATIONS, NEW FOREVER

From farmhouse mornings to mansion evenings, each experience carries its own legacy.

AROUND TOWN 36 FACES OF SEGUIN Submitted photos from our readers

38 SAVE THE DATE See what events are coming up

ON THE COVER Photo by Infinite Photography

Built in 1895, The Abbott House has been lovingly restored into a wedding and event venue where timeless architecture frames life’s most meaningful celebrations.

G u a d a l u p e C o u n t y l i v i n g

Vol. 12, No. 8 SEGUIN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWELVE TIMES A YEAR BY THE SEGUIN GAZETTE. PUBLISHER

Elizabeth Engelhardt MAGAZINE EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Desiree Gerland

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FROM THE EDITOR

he start of a new year has a way of asking gentle but persistent questions. What do we keep? What do we release? And what are we finally ready to choose with clarity, courage and heart? This Bridal Edition is a celebration of those same choices. Of couples redefining what commitment looks like in their own lives. Of ceremonies that feel personal rather than performative. Of details that matter because they carry meaning, not because they follow a rulebook. In this edition, you’ll find stories of wedding rings given second lives and reshaped but never diminished, themed celebrations that reflect personality, quiet bed-and-breakfast escapes that remind us how powerful it can be to slow down and truly be present with one another, and a 60th wedding anniversary that stands as living proof that love is not built in a moment, but sustained through thousands of conversations, compromises and choices made together over time. What I’m reminded of again and again while working on this issue every year is that the most lasting relationships aren’t defined by any single day. They’re shaped by how two people choose to stay open when things are easy and how they communicate when things are not. Whether love is brand new or decades deep, it calls for an ongoing willingness to listen, to communicate with intention and to honor the fact that relationships are built through countless small moments of selfless connection. As you turn these pages, may you find inspiration not just for a wedding day, but for a life built with intention. One that honors where you’ve been, embraces where you are and leaves room for everything still becoming.

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| FE ATURE |

DESIGNED FOR

Romance WHERE 'BE OUR GUEST' IS MORE THAN A THEME; IT’S A PROMISE.

STORY BY BIANCA RAWLINGS PHOTOS BY VICTORIA GAYTAN AND COURTESY OF INFINITE PHOTOGRAPHY

he Abbott House in Seguin has had a long life, but its newest chapter belongs to a family that has always mixed creativity, hospitality and a deep love for their hometown. As of early 2025, the historic Victorian mansion is now owned and operated by a tight-knit crew whose talents fall naturally into place. Sisters Sylver and Madison Monaco lead the operations. From weddings to theatrical shows, these sisters make each event spectacular. The sisters’ parents Adam and Hope, along with their youngest sibling Tori, who serves as the florist for weddings and events hosted on the property, are key supporters of their work. Sylver Monaco shared that the Abbott House was both a business journey and a family affair, and not the first one she and her sisters had embarked on.

10 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

For eight years, the Monaco sisters ran Sylver Spoon Dinner Theater in New Braunfels. The years they spent cooking, directing, catering and performing shaped the way they now approach events at the Abbott House. “In addition to the restaurant, we were working on a lot of bigger events, off-site caterings and a good deal of weddings. These years were a great opportunity to try many new things and learn what we really enjoyed working on,” Sylver said. Sylver and Madison have leaned into each other’s talents for each business they’ve managed. Sylver has a background in professional theater and Madison in the culinary world. “My sister, Madison, is a wonderful chef and her background in largescale catering is definitely an asset for our current and previous business,” Sylver said. When the chance came to purchase the Abbott House earlier this year, stepping into the wedding and event world full time felt like a perfect next chapter for the sisters. They both wanted more flexibility to make their own schedule and focus more on their families. “Having a restaurant for eight years was an amazing experience,” Sylver said. “But running a brick and mortar restaurant tied us to a demanding schedule.” Now, with the Abbott House as their main focus, their business life fits more naturally with their family life, she said. “It allows us more time to spend with our families,” Sylver said. “I have five kids. My sister has two. Being able to work on an appointment-only basis for tours and then just scheduling the events when we book them really helps.” The Abbott House itself was also a part of the drive to start this business. Built in 1895 and filled with original character, the house really spoke to both of the sisters. “We fell in love with this breathtaking Victorian mansion,” Sylver said. “There are tons of gorgeous details, such as all hand done ceiling treatments

12 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 13

in each room and original hardwood floors. And beyond being a beautiful photo op for brides and grooms, the house just has a certain charm that you just have to experience.” Sylver said the courtyard ceremony space is a favorite among couples. Surrounded by a white privacy fence, the gardens offer lush foliage, shade trees and regular visits from two owls that have made the property home. The setting feels intimate even with events reaching up to about 250 guests. The banquet hall carries the same romantic feel. With its carved ceiling treatments and a dozen chandeliers, she said it feels more like a ballroom than a banquet hall. The sisters also bring their own unique backgrounds and experience in theater to the weddings and events themselves. “We have been able to host several themed weddings, which is really fun. We also have a partnership with a local comedy group for regular performances at the Abbott House. Exploring new ideas and themes for our space has been really exciting,” Sylver said. The sisters pride themselves on hosting not only a fantastic wedding but also a once-in-a-lifetime experience for happy couples and their guests. “We’ve held a ‘Bridgerton’-inspired wedding and a gothic-themed wedding recently,” Sylver said. “Whenever we work on a wedding, we fully buy into all of the visions that these brides bring.” This season, they are preparing for a “Beauty and the Beast” wedding. The team is planning a theatrical performance of “Be Our Guest” during the dinner portion of the evening. Another wedding they did was inspired by “Arabian Nights,” complete with a belly dance team for cocktail hour. The family’s story circles back to Seguin in a meaningful way. Sylver, Madison and Tori grew up in the area, living on Lake McQueeney and attending Navarro schools. After high school, each of them moved away to explore the world on their own terms.

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“There are three of us sisters and I went to New York to pursue theatrical endeavors,” Sylver said. “The middle sister Madison went to culinary school in Austin, then moved to Chicago and was a chef there. And our little sister Tori lived in LA doing acting.” After years apart, they missed each other and returned to Texas. The Abbott House now allows them to combine their talents the same way they once did at the dinner theater, but in a more flexible and family-centered setting. Today their roles fall into place in a way that feels natural. Sylver manages bookings, design and wedding coordination. Madison runs the catering operation and handles much of the marketing. Tori provides the floral work, both for the Abbott House and for weddings across the region. Sylver said their family approach is intentional. “We really try to employ all of our super powers,” Sylver said Their parents are part of that energy, too. Sylver said Adam loves mingling with guests and calls himself the master of the house. She said Hope focuses on community relationships and business networking in Seguin. Even their grandmother plays a part. Her Italian recipes find their way into the catering menus for certain weddings. The Abbott House has quickly become a true family operation for the Monacos. The closeness of their family life extends beyond the venue itself. The sisters live in the same neighborhood where they grew up. Madison lives next door to their parents. Monaco lives next door to their grandparents. “Growing up, Madison and I were absolute besties,” Sylver said. “We love working together now. We love getting invested in our clients’ weddings and helping add some magic to their big day.” For Seguin couples looking for history, beauty and a team that cares deeply about personalization, the Abbott House offers something truly special: a venue shaped as much by the family running it as the walls that have stood there for over a century. 16 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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THE

Moment HE KNEW

WHAT BEGAN WITH RESISTANCE UNFOLDED INTO A LIFETIME OF CHOOSING EACH OTHER.

STORY BY SYDNEY SEIDEL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICKEY CAVIN

fter 60 years of marriage, Mickey and Jim Cavin still tease each other about who asked whom to marry — but that disagreement fits neatly into a love story that began with resistance. Mickey was 16 and preparing to enter her junior year of high school when she and a friend hosted a backto-school party. Among the guests was a coworker who asked if he could bring along a friend, Jim, who had just returned from the Navy. After a night of dancing, Jim asked for her number. Her response was simple: “Why?” She hesitated because of the age difference, but because she was “young 18 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

and stupid,” gave it to him anyway, assuming he would never actually call, Mickey said. A few weeks later, he did. She was not interested at first and even told her mother that an older man wanted to take her out. Hoping to scare him off, her mother suggested he meet the family first. It did not work. Jim showed up, met her mother, who immediately liked him, and insisted on taking Mickey out. Mickey did everything she could to discourage him. When Jim arrived to pick her up, she enlisted her younger sister to greet him and rattle off a list of all her flaws. When that failed, she ordered the most expensive item on the

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 19

menu at dinner. Still, none of it worked. By the end of the night, he kissed her. Despite the obstacles Mickey put in his way, Jim never wavered. “When I first saw her, I fell in love with her,” Jim said. “She looked at me and, yeah, that was it for me.” To this day, they have different versions of how their engagement happened. It took place during a road trip to the beach and, on the way back, while Jim was pumping gas, he casually asked Mickey if she liked to cook. Suspicious of the question, she said yes. Satisfied with her answer, Jim replied, “Then we’ll have to wait two years.” When Mickey asked what he meant, Jim told her it would be two years before they got married. From that moment on, he considered them engaged. It did not take two years, however, and just 10 months after they met, the two were married. Jim still enjoys teasing Mickey by telling people that it was she who popped the question that day. Mickey described their wedding day as “the biggest mess ever.” The church was unbearably hot, leaving everyone in attendance sweaty and exhausted. Mickey’s younger sister cried throughout the entire ceremony, accusing Jim of taking her away, while Mickey’s grandmother, who was in charge of the flowers, arrived so late that she was still arranging them as the couple stood at the altar. After staying at the reception just long enough to cut the cake, the newlyweds left for their honeymoon, which proved to be just as disastrous. They made it only as far as Poth when Jim’s Volkswagen, which had been reliable up until that day, broke down. The car overheated again and again, forcing the newlyweds to push it for long stretches on the way to Corpus Christi, all while still wearing their wedding clothes. By the time they finally arrived, Mickey joked they were just like the flowers her grandmother had brought to the wedding, completely wilted. Even so, they made the most of their honeymoon, knowing that the 20 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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challenges of married life were waiting for them. The early years were a mix of joy and hardship. They had three children in quick succession, and dealt with illnesses, financial struggles and the realities of young marriage. Like most long marriages, they describe it as a series of ups and downs. They are honest about the fact that they didn’t always face challenges with a smile. Sometimes, they gave each other space and other times, they simply described their relationship as “tolerating” each other. But through it all, the love always remained. Mickey and Jim firmly believe in owning up when they are wrong, rejecting the notion that “love means never having to say you are sorry.” For them, a simple “I am sorry,” a goodnight kiss and a daily “I love you,” even during tough times, have been keys to keeping their marriage strong. For Mickey and Jim, their favorite years together came after their children had grown, as they watched their family expand to include seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. These years also marked the start of their extensive travels. They explored states across the U.S. and even ventured into Canada. In Europe, they visited countries including Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Monaco and Croatia. One of their most treasured memories was celebrating New Year’s Eve in an Irish pub, surrounded by locals singing and dancing at the stroke of midnight. When thinking about the years ahead, Mickey and Jim say what they look forward to most is simply being together. They still plan trips, dream of future travels and take life one step at a time. After more than 60 years of marriage, they believe the secret is simple: love each other and never give up on the other one. “‘Til death do us part’ — we take that seriously,” Mickey said. “Hopefully that’s a long way off, because we still have plenty more to do.”

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THE SHAPE OF

a Promise EACH WEDDING RING TRANSFORMATION IS A BALANCE OF HONORING THE PAST WHILE MAKING ROOM FOR THE FUTURE.

STORY BY ALEX LOWE PHOTOS BY FELICIA FRAZAR

t has been said that marriage can be a three-ring circus. First comes the engagement ring. Second comes the wedding ring. Then comes the suffering. Whether that is true or not, many people choose to repurpose the rings given to each other that serve as public declarations meant to symbolize eternal love, commitment and unity. They are intended as constant reminders of the promises and vows exchanged through their circular, unbroken shapes. So, why would anyone choose to repurpose them? “People come in to repurpose rings for several reasons,” said Carolina Quintanilla, a co-manager at Carlos’s Jewelry in Seguin. “Some being upgrades, change of style, transitions or even to honor the sentimental value that the piece holds.” Other reasons people cite in choosing to repurpose wedding rings include paying tribute to a deceased loved one. Repurposing a deceased relative’s ring or even a deceased spouse’s ring into an

24 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

entirely new piece of jewelry keeps a physical connection to them. It symbolizes their love that endures even when they have passed. Repurposing wedding rings also allows for the preservation of family history through succeeding generations. Often when people pass away, their wedding rings come into the possession of others within the family. Beautiful tributes can be made that modernize the ring and transform it into something modern and wearable that still brings back memories of the deceased. Sadly, when some marriages end in divorce, a person may choose to transform their wedding ring into a new, separate piece of jewelry to symbolize a new beginning, or it can be repurposed to remind one of a fond period in life instead of the failed marriage. Whatever the motivation may be, it is a simple process for jewelers to undertake. Quintanilla explains. “They can be melted down to create an entirely new piece, sometimes stones get divided into multiple gifts or simply get new additions such as birthstones to represent a person.” she said. A wedding ring’s reinvention is limited only by one’s imagination. Rings can be transformed into other types of jewelry, like necklaces, bracelets or earrings. Sometimes, two rings can be combined into a single new ring to create a unique piece. Other ideas include incorporation of the ring into a scrapbook or framing it. Some choose to repurpose rings into artistic endeavors like using them in paintings or as part of clocks or woodworking projects. In some cases, wedding rings received through the settling of estates are remodeled into new pieces and passed down to children or grandchildren, which can create a new generational story while keeping the loved one’s memory close to the wearer rather than sitting in a drawer. “One of the most unusual requests I’ve seen has been to melt down an heirloom ring and turn it into a tie clip that the woman’s fiancé would use on their wedding day,’ says Quintanilla. “The tie 26 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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clip was made out of the gold from the ring, the diamonds were set on the tie clip and the birth flower of the groom and bride were engraved to represent the union.” Whatever the reasons one has for repurposing a wedding ring, there are several questions that a person should ask themselves. Do you want a subtle update or a dramatic overhaul? Do you want a new ring, a necklace or another type of jewelry? What meaning do you want the piece to have? Be sure to think about your preferred metal, colors and whether you want to add new stones. Are you still emotionally attached to the original piece and its history, or are you ready to move on to something different? Getting professional advice about the materials and value of a piece are important. Pay attention to the five Cs of diamonds. (They refer to cut, colour, clarity, carat weight and certificate.) These determine a diamond's quality and value. Discuss the budget up front to ensure the project is affordable. Cost can vary widely based on the value of the ring and the extent and detail involved in a redesign effort. It is a good idea to know how the redesign will impact its potential financial worth. Examine any gems for scratches, chips or other damage that could be fixed via recutting or polishing. Be sure to research your jeweler as well. Ask about their training and certifications. Learn about their experience with restyling and redesigning pieces, as this is not the same as creating a piece from scratch. Make sure that the jeweler you choose is properly insured. Rings can be damaged during the redesign process. Ask if they do the work themselves on site or if they use refiners or other specialists. Finally, it is a good plan to use a jeweler whose creative vision is evident in their work. A good jeweler can often make valuable suggestions in the design of a new piece of jewelry. If all else fails, rings can be donated to charity. They can also be traded in for the value of the stones. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wedding rings. 28 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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| FE ATURE |

O L D F O U N DAT I O N S ,

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STORY BY SYDNEY SEIDEL PHOTOS BY VICTORIA GAYTAN

n the heart of Seguin, old meets new: Couples planning their big day have a range of options, from a century-old farmhouse to a Victorian mansion, both transformed into idyllic retreats that seamlessly blend historic charm with modern comfort. Ryan and Robin Richter opened Windmill Farmhaus bed and breakfast in August after spending a little less than a year renovating the historic home, which now sits on their property in Geronimo beside their barn-turnedwinery and tasting room. Originally built in the early 1910s, the house wasn’t always part of the Richters’ land. They discovered it just down the road after a friend began researching his family history. His search led him back to the house — one he had lived in

30 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 31

for only 24 hours before being adopted as a baby. When the Richters found it, the home had sat abandoned for years. After some gentle persuasion from Robin, he agreed to let them restore it. Now, she said, he jokingly asks when he can have it back. By the time the house was moved onto their property, it was in rough condition. But during the next 11 months, the couple transformed it into a fully furnished, two-bedroom, two-bath farmhouse, complete with carefully restored elements from the original structure. “I hated to think of all this being bulldozed one day,” Robin said, recalling the moment they first walked through the decaying rooms. “So we decided we would put every piece we could right back into the house.” Nearly every corner of the home carries a story. The light fixture hanging above the dining table was crafted from a 14-foot beam they found untouched in the attic. When the original chimney couldn’t be saved, they dismantled it stone by stone and turned it into the walkway leading to the front door. The ceilings in the master bathroom were constructed from old doors salvaged from another house the couple helped tear down, which happened to fit almost perfectly when placed side by side. A lamp in the living room originated from an old fire extinguisher left behind in the home. Additionally, many of their decorative pieces come from antique shops in Geronimo and nearby towns, adding to the farmhouse’s layered, lived-in charm. “We don’t go to Home Depot unless we have to,” Ryan said. The Richters believe the space is ideal for bridal parties, newlyweds and couples looking for a quiet weekend away from the pull of daily life. Just steps from the porch, they converted a silo into a private seating area lined with string lights serving as an intimate spot for guests to unwind. And they say more additions are already being imagined, all designed to keep expanding the home’s rustic, retreat-like feel. 32 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 33

For couples seeking a bed and breakfast that also doubles as a stunning wedding venue, the historic Mosheim Mansion in downtown Seguin offers a unique and convenient option. Located just a short stroll from the city’s bars, restaurants and art galleries, the mansion combines accessibility with historic elegance, making it an attractive choice for both local and out-oftown guests. Built in 1898, the Mosheim Mansion exudes timeless charm while incorporating modern amenities. Visitors are greeted by original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and custom chandeliers that occupy each main room.The property’s design makes it especially appealing for weddings and other special events, with a grand ballroom, bar and multiple parlour spaces providing a sophisticated backdrop for celebrations. Inside, the mansion offers a fully renovated kitchen, a private green room and three distinct parlour areas, all linked by the home’s original pocket doors. Two picturesque ready rooms allow for pre-ceremony preparations or quiet retreats. While the mansion’s aesthetic and historic atmosphere are major draws for visitors, Operations Manager Daniella Saucedo notes that the venue also prioritizes easing the planning process for couples. Saucedo, whose family has managed the property since it was left in ruins following a 2021 fire, highlights the inclusion of a day-of coordinator as part of the booking package. “It’s really helpful, especially since most venues charge extra for this service,” Saucedo said. “Having someone on site to handle the details can take a lot of stress off couples on such an important day.” The Mosheim Mansion does not offer private bookings for individual rooms but can accommodate up to 150 guests for events and up to 12 overnight guests, making it ideal for larger celebrations followed by intimate gatherings.

34 SEGUIN ~ GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING

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GUADALUPE COUNTY LIVING ~ SEGUIN 35

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| SAVE THE DATE |

EVENT

C A L E N D A R - JANUARY 2026 BEST OF THE BEST GALA: EIGHTH – 6 - 8 PM

Join the Seguin Gazette as we celebrate the Best of Seguin — the people, places and businesses that make our community shine. Your ticket includes food, drinks, and an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking and celebration. General Admission: $50. Location: Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.

ADULT PICKLEBALL CLINICS: FOURTEENTH AND TWENTY-FIRST Two clinic options are available for ages 18 and up. The Learn to Play Pickleball Clinic runs from 5–6:15 p.m. and is designed for beginners who have never played before, covering basic skills such as hitting the ball, rallying, scoring, rules and fundamental gameplay to help participants build confidence and get started in this lifetime sport. The Improve Your Pickleball Game Clinic follows from 6:15–7:30 p.m. and focuses on developing consistency and advancing skills such as third-shot drops, dinks, strategic communication, court positioning, footwork and volleying. Each clinic is $7 and is facilitated by a certified instructor. Athletic closed-toe shoes and registration are required. For more information, call 830-401-2480. Register at www.seguintexas.gov/1061/Adult-Pickleball Location: Courts at Max Starcke Park West, 603 River Drive West

THIRD THURSDAY IN DOWNTOWN SEGUIN: FIFTEENTH – 10 AM - 8 PM Enjoy food, music and shopping. We’re all open until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. Shop and restaurant specials galore throughout downtown. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.

MARY LEE ROBERTS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AND VISION AWARDS : TWENTY-NINTH – 5 - 8 PM

Celebrate outstanding community members with the Seguin Gazette at the Seguin Chamber’s Business After-Hours Networking event! During the evening, the Seguin Gazette will present the Mary Lee Roberts Citizen of the Year award and the Vision Awards. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, build meaningful relationships and expand your business network. Location: Seguin Schoolyard, 222 N. Saunders St.

- FEBRUARY -

THE CHRONICLES OF BLACK SOUND -THE IMPACT OF BLACK MUSIC: FIRST – 3 - 6 PM You are invited to join Wilson Pottery Foundation to kick off Black History Month with a vibrant celebration and exploration of live musical and dance performances journeying through Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock, Gospel and an eight band concert of R&B performed by Music For Ya Soul. This event is a communal experience designed to honor and revel in the rich cultural legacy and significant contributions of Black sound. Tickets are $20 per adult, 2/$35; Families $40 (includes two adult and four kids); Students $5. Go to givebutter.com/24yV8V to purchase tickets. Location: Palace Theatre, 314 S. Austin St.

SEND EVENT DETAILS TO SEGUINMAGAZINE@SEGUINGAZETTE.COM TO HAVE YOUR EVENT ADDED TO THIS CALENDAR

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