Governor Greg Abbott announced that Menard is now a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, a recognition supporting local music and economic growth. "Congratulations to the City of Menard on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation," Abbott said. The program helps strengthen Texas's music industry, which supports about 196,000 jobs and generates $31.7 billion each year, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
State and local officials praised the recognition. Senator Charles Perry acknowledged Menard's musical heritage and its role in Texas's culture and economy. Mayor Barbara Hooten mentioned the city's local musicians and events, including the River Rat Concert and Christmas Choir, as key parts of the community's identity, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Menard has been designated as the 76th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, a recognition aimed at supporting its music industry and local economy. Cherry Swindall, Executive Director of the Menard Chamber of Commerce, stated, "This certification lets artists and other communities alike know that we are serious about welcoming live music to our town." The certification will be officially celebrated on March 6 at Club Victoria, with city officials and community leaders in attendance. The event will be hosted by the Menard County Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Music Office as part of a state initiative to support the music industry, job growth, and tourism in Texas, as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.
