Celebrate America 250 BBQ Luncheon

History, Fashion, Food, and Fun! Join the Wylie Historical Society for its Celebrate America 250 BBQ Luncheon and History Presentation on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, at 11:00 am inside St. Anthony’s Pondant Hall (404 N. Ballard Avenue).

Enjoy lunch and a unique perspective on family history research and writing from local author and historian Tracy Lawson. Her keynote address, “Using Family Lore, Letters, and Journals as the Basis for Historical Novels,” offers tips and advice for sharing cherished family stories to a wider audience.

Your ticket purchase entitles you to a free copy of either Answering Liberty’s Call or Patriot of the Lowcountry, Lawson’s novels set during the American Revolution, courtesy of our literacy sponsor, Frost Bank of Wylie.

Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of fashion that was simply revolutionary as Jen Thompson and Beth Klimek of the DFW Costumers Guild give a presentation on 18th-century women’s fashion.

Everyone is invited to get creative and participate in the patriotic outfit and hat contest–and to bid on silent auction items donated by local merchants.

When the luncheon is over, you are encouraged to attend the Texas Registered Historic Landmark dedication at the historic EA and Lydia Housewright House across the street (405 N. Ballard Ave). The dedication begins at 2:00, with house tours and light refreshments after. If you haven’t visited the America 250 exhibit at Thomas and Mattie Brown House and Welcome Center, you can extend your day in Wylie with a free tour of the city-owned historic site. (301 N. Ballard Ave).

Tickets for the luncheon are $45 and can be purchased at wyliehistoricalsociety.org or $50 at the door.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the society’s efforts to preserve the history of Wylie, Texas.