By Forest Riggs As the song says, “April Showers bring the flowers that bloom in May.” Though April brought very few showers, Galveston Island is ready for the flowers to bloom. May is a big month on the island as tourism really kicks off and several annual events welcome visitors and locals alike.   A drive

By Forest Riggs  Did you ever know a person whom everybody knows and loves — a good friend to one and all?   Galveston is full of characters, and they come in all ages, sizes, colors and a variety of lifestyles. This diversity is what makes the island so charming and welcoming. One does not have

By Forest Riggs I have always enjoyed telling stories and tales. Many a time, while telling a good one, I will say, “…to make a long story short….” Some long-winded, rambling reminiscence or a re-telling of some adventure or story about something I experienced usually followed this catchphrase.  Storytelling is as old as humankind and

Forget New Orleans. We’ve got it here!  By Forest Riggs  Once again, Galveston Island is offering two weeks of Mardi Gras celebration. The island festival ranks second to New Orleans and there are those that say Galveston is now Number One.   Regardless of the ranking, rest assured the isle celebration is one not to miss.

By Forest Riggs  Do you ever think about the old treasures that are stored in dusty attics around the country? Folks like to hang on to things, especially keepsakes that contain a story or hold great value and meaning, all tucked away in the quiet darkness of an attic space or unused closet.  One of

By Forest Riggs  As one holiday song laments someone wanting only their two front teeth for Christmas, I personally want a good, old-fashioned Christmas drag show!   It seems the more popular mainstream America has gotten into drag (thank you, RuPaul), the less old-fashioned drag shows are around. There was a time when drag was really

Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and Hollow-weenies   By Forest Riggs  Though the weather does not indicate it, fall is here and with it comes a lot of activity on Galveston Island.   Once again it is “BOO!” time on the island. Galvestonians love Halloween and enjoy all the fun that comes with it. This is the time

Getting lucky on the boulevard   By Forest Riggs  On Galveston Island, bars and restaurants come and go. The Island is known for its abundance of great places to hang out, meet the locals, and enjoy great food and drink. Sometimes a bar is so popular it just can’t die!   Like the legendary phoenix found

By Forest Riggs  Galveston Island is known for being full of “treasures” and it is no secret that island resident Arthur Kennedy, who recently celebrated his 93rd birthday, is truly a great treasure. To know him is to love him!  Kennedy, who has called Galveston home since 1996, is a well-known and most respected figure

Galveston, set like a jewel in a crystal sea, was beautiful. It’s fine beach, its shady avenues of oleander and its delightful sea breezes were something to be enjoyed.   —Oscar Wilde, June 1882  By Forest Riggs  Summer has definitely arrived on the island and, with it, comes throngs of visitors. Gay Galvetraz has again come