The 2009 Spring Parade of Homes will be held this weekend, April 25th & 26th as well as next weeeknd, May 2nd & 3rd and features new-builder homes all over Bryan-College Station. The Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association puts on the event each year and hopes to create a great representation of the new homes being built in the area. Even if you’re not in the market for a new home, it’s always fun to drive around and see the beautiful new construction, as well as get a feel for neighborhoods in Bryan-College Station. It’s a completely free event and will be held from 12:00-5:00 Saturday & Sunday both weekends. A list of the homes featured and maps to each one can be found on the event’s website: http://www.bcsbuilders.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=4

For more community events, specifically involving homes, check out Century 21s Blog site: http://thecenturytreereader.com/2009/02/19/free-music/

The 4th annual Duck Jam will be held this weekend, April 24th & 25th at the Wolf Pen Amphitheatre in College Station! Each year, Duck Jam features tons of artists and activities for the whole family. DockDogs - Big Air Competition that features Labrador retrievers participating in various competitions will be a huge hit this year, as well as Kid Zone featuring the band Trout Fishing in America. A BBQ team cook-off will be in full swing both Friday and Saturday, as well as tons of Crawfish! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free and if you’re planning on only attending Friday night, tickets will only be $10. Tickets include admission to all of the events and concerts, as well as a free one-year membership to Ducks Unlimited. For more information and complete schedule of events, visit Duck Jam’s website at http://www.ducks.org/Events/BudweiserDuckJam/3018/BudweiserDuckJam.html . The following are a list of artists being featured at this year’s Duck Jam:

Friday, April 24th: Bradon Rhyer, Brett Crenshaw, Shawn Fussell

Saturday, April 25th: Clay Walker, Bad Company, Kevin Fowler, South Austin Jug Band, Band of Heathens, Seth James, Trout Fishing in America, Brett Crenshaw, Dr. Zog Zydeco Swamp Band

Aggie Muster is a very special day in the lives of all Aggies. It is a celebration amongst Aggies that is celebrated in over 400 places around the world. It is said that “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” Muster is a time of celebration, serving as the 50 year class reunion, and remembrance of those Aggies who have lost their lives. Each year, a speaker is chosen and honored at Reed Arena and Roll Call is done to honor the lives of the fallen. This year’s speaker will be Robert Gates, and those whose lives that will be honored include those, who at the time of their passing, were: current A&M students, former students residing in Brazos County, members of the 50-year class reunion Class of 1959, former students that have an immediate family member who is currently enrolled as an A&M student, former students who have immediate family members residing in Brazos County, former students who lost their lives while deployed on active military duty within the last year, and A&M faculty/staff of long tenure.

This year’s muster will take place on April 21st at Reed Arena (for those of you out of town, check local Aggie Clubs or with the Former Student Association to find a muster celebration near you). There will be a barbecue at Sbisa beginning at 12:30pm and the doors to Reed Arena will open at 5:00pm. The ceremony will begin at 7:00pm, with the post-muster reception beginning at 8:00pm.

For more information and complete list of those whos names will be called during Roll Call, please visit the muster website at http://muster.tamu.edu/

Research Park at Texas A&M is 350 beautiful acres of relaxing outdoor fun. Home to many different plants and wildlife, you’re welcome to bring your dogs to play or a loaf of bread for the ducks. There are ten different buildings located at research park, all occupied by companies devoted to technology and research. It’s conveniently located, making it the perfect place for an afternoon picnic and stroll through the park. For more information and a map of the area, visit Research Park’s website!

Volunteer work isn’t usually something that someone thinks of when searching for entertainment, but it’s an awesome way to cure boredom while helping someone in need! There are a TON of different organizations around College Station that are always willing to take on volunteers. For all of you animal lovers, the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter is always in search of volunteers! As for all of you kid-lovers, there are even more opportunities to lend a helping hand! Texas A&M is home of many different student organizations specializing in everything from special needs children (Sunshine Project) to sports-loving kiddos (Sports For Kids). All students are encouraged to join any of these organizations, but if you’re not a student and are looking to find something productive to do, two great places to spend your time are the College Station Children’s Museum and the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program.

While Big Brothers, Big Sisters is a great organization to donate your time to, it typically requires a long-term commitment. If you’re looking for something a little less “binding” try the children’s museum! Located in Bryan, the museum is home to many different exhibits and programs for the kids. Volunteers have many different commitment options that range anywhere from a one-time event to everyday!

If you’re looking for more volunteer opportunities check out http://sm.tamu.edu/Volunteer%20Opportunities.pdf and see what may interest you. These are just a FEW of the volunteer opportunities available in the area. You may try calling the City of College Station for more information!