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It’s Friday, Wichita Falls! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Google’s clean energy data center deal, Camp Fire Renaissance Fair, and a Florida strawberry truckload sale + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Recognizing an inspiring educator: Shamekia Smith, a fourth-grade reading teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary, was named the February Teacher Spotlight Award winner for stepping up to support students and strengthen classroom opportunities — read the full story.

Power-first data center strategy: Google announced Feb. 24 a clean energy data center agreement with Wilbarger County, teaming with AES to use power and cut water use, part of a $40 billion Texas investment — get all the details.

Major boost for pet care: Lawton breaks ground today on a larger Animal Welfare facility with surgical beds and separate adoption areas, boosting capacity up to 332 animals, a quick drive from Wichita Falls — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Explore genres at Youth Book Club
• Wrangle $20 crawfish at Farmers Market
• Create your own hand-painted candles
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Vegan taco glow-up: When the craving hits, Taco Darlin delivers a legit plant-based play: jackfruit tacos with chipotle cashew cream on warm corn tortillas. Weeknight-friendly and tasty, they win over mixed-diet crews, so you get your fix while everyone else orders their usual without drama.

Local treasure hunt: Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile is a sprawling multi-vendor trove where you come for one thing and leave with vinyl, Pyrex, and a story, maybe after greeting the resident cats. Ideal for a midweek wander or weekend browse when your place could use a little character.

Brows that stay put: If your morning routine needs a reset, Bésame Beauty & Esthetics offers microblading, combo and ombré powder brows, plus lip blush that looks like you, just more polished. Wake up groomed, skip the smudge drama, and keep brows that stay put from coffee to cocktails.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🛍 Girls Day Out ShopOrama: Crafted + Boutique Show @ Mpec Multi-Purpose Events Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a little retail therapy you can justify as supporting local. ShopOrama brings Wichita Falls a curated sprawl of handcrafted art, home décor, sparkly jewels, vintage finds, modern trends, boutiques, and gourmet nibbles. Come for the treasures, stay for the people-watching.

🏰 Camp Fire Renaissance Fair @ Harrell Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Swap your errands for the Camp Fire North Texas Renaissance Faire, a family-friendly fundraiser with jousting, living history, kids activities, vendors, and costumes encouraged. If cheering knights and browsing Merchant’s Row fits, park at Lucy Park, ride the tram, and feel noble supporting our kids.

🐰 Floral Chocolate Bunnies @ Kemp Center for the Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats calorie-free chocolate, especially when you get to paint it. At the Kemp Center in Wichita Falls, Rachel Liles leads Floral Chocolate Bunnies, with a pre-sketched image, all supplies, and no pressure. Trade sticky fingers for brushstrokes, and take home something sweet.

🎤 Tim Hawkins @ Faith Baptist Church | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Take a night off from chores and catch Tim Hawkins, in Wichita Falls, skewering family life, marriage, and shared quirks, songs included. Bring the crew or your small group, and spring for VIP if you want early entry, a meet and greet, and a photo.

🎼 Concert: Saint-Saëns: Organ Symphony @ First United Methodist Church | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – If you like your music with goosebumps and pews that hum, the Wichita Falls Symphony is unleashing Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony at First United Methodist Church. Expect a vibrant opener, a WFSO world premiere, a dazzling two-oboe showcase, and that glorious organ with Bradley Welch.

🍓 Florida Strawberry Truckload Sale @ Atwoods Ranch & Home Goods | Sunday (3/8) at 8:00 AM – Set your alarm and swing by the Atwoods parking lot on Loop 11 for a blink-and-you-miss-it strawberry drop. 8 lb boxes of Florida berries for $30, plus pecans and honey, first come, first served, cash or card, Sunday 8:00 to 8:30 AM. Bring coffee.

🍀 Women’s Brunch St. Patrick’s Day @ Pelican’s | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Take your brunch crew Irish at a women’s brunch. Chef Patrick Street rolls out a three-course St. Paddy’s menu, $5 mimosas keep spirits high, plus a custom place card, a photo booth, and a sea of green. It’s $45, food included, civilized mischief encouraged.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Matilda the Musical @ Wichita Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 1st Anniversary / Birthday Bash @ Copperhead Harley-Davidson – 12:00 PM
• 3/7 Tim Hawkins @ Faith Baptist Church – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Concert: Saint-Saëns: Organ Symphony @ First United Methodist Church – 7:30 PM
• 3/14 Lucky Riders Pot of Chrome @ Copperhead Harley-Davidson – 12:00 PM
• 3/14 Redferrin @ Downtown Wichita Falls Development – 8:00 PM
• 3/21 Bikes & Breakfast @ Copperhead Harley-Davidson – 9:00 AM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Wichita Falls report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 83°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 55%

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 48. West southwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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Tomorrow – High: 61°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 54%

A chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. North northeast wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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