"Welcome to Texas" celebration scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23 in McKinney

The Stars and Stripes United nonprofit organization is hosting an event in September to welcome the massive numbers of people moving into the state. The “Welcome to Texas Boot Scootin’ Roundup” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the “Show Barn” at Myers Park in McKinney, one of the largest event barns in the state. 

According to the event's website, the celebration will feature In-and-Out, as well as BBQ food trucks, dancing and dance lessons, a photobooth, activities for the kids, a chance to meet local military and law enforcement representatives and a feature on Texas history. The pinnacle event of the night will be the local Collin County Sheriff swearing in all the new residents. Tickets are $15 per person and include general admission and a meal. Kids 5 and under get in free, and there are $10 general admission tickets without meals also available for purchase.

Organizers invite native Texans to attend the event as "Texas Ambassadors" to mingle with newcomers, share the culture of the Lone Star State and give a warm welcome to the ever growing number of people moving in, making Texas the second most populated state in the country. Texas has the greatest number of new residents in recent years, gaining almost half a million people between 2021 and 2022.

Stars and Stripes United is a national nonprofit organization founded on the passion of the country’s original founding fathers. According to their website, the organization believes in “strong citizen interest in our government at the local, state and Federal level,” and works to educate and engage citizens at all levels, while promoting respect and free society.