One of a local nonprofit’s biggest events of the year is set to return next month in Amarillo, and tickets are on sale now.
Family Support Services of Amarillo and Tripp’s Harley-Davidson have announced details for the 31st Annual Original Harley Party, set for Saturday, July 25, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Amarillo National Center. With an expected crowd of 3,000 guests, the Harley Party is one of the largest and most anticipated summer fundraising events in the region.
“For more than three decades, the Original Harley Party has brought the Amarillo community together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, food, and purpose, all while raising critical funds to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as families in need across the Texas Panhandle,” a community announcement says.
As with previous years, this high-energy event will feature a reverse drawing for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle (or a $15,000 Visa gift card), as well as live music and entertainment, unlimited food and drinks for attendees and vendor booths and interactive experiences.
“Every ticket purchased represents more than just a chance to win, it represents hope, safety, and healing for individuals and families in our community,” said Monica Balderas, Director of Prevention and Advancement at Family Support Services. “The support from this event directly funds life-saving services like emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and prevention education.”
Family Support Services provides comprehensive programs including a 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency safe housing, legal advocacy, counseling services, and prevention education in schools and the community.
Tickets are available now and include admission for two guests, along with one entry into the grand prize drawing for $120. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses looking to make an impact. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, contact Family Support Services or visit fss-ama.org .
Other community news
Former students still hoping to finish their college degree even decades later may find their goal may be closer than they think, thanks to West Texas A&M University’s It’s Never Too Late initiative. Originally launched in 2016, it is now open to former students who have completed 60 or more college hours. Students who paused their education at WT will be contacted by the Office of Admissions. Students who attended another college or university should contact Admissions at admissions@wtamu.edu or 806-651-2020 to begin the enrollment process. For more WT news and notes, visit https://www.wtamu.edu/news/2026/05/wt-news-notes-may-2026.html .
Local spelling champion Arnie Parat made it to round 7 at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, falling to the word “sondeli” but tying for 30th place overall. It was his third trip to Washington, D.C., after winning the Regional Spelling Bee, sponsored by Education Credit Union, now as an eighth-grade student and representing Ascension Academy as the Randall County champion. Learn more about the tournament at https://spellingbee.com/ .
Bank of America has announced that Breezy Adams, Merrill senior resident director, will become its new Amarillo president. She succeeds W. Ashley Allen, who successfully led the market for 17 years, and retired from the company after 30 years where he served as a commercial relationship manager focusing on cattle feeding portfolios. “Breezy’s established leadership and experience will ensure we’re delivering on our responsible growth strategy to deepen relationships with teammates, clients and the community,” said Brian Moynihan, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America. “We thank Ashley for his remarkable 30 years of service with the company.” Adams’ community engagement includes board service with the Amarillo Children’s Home, Opportunity School and Make-A-Wish. She and her husband and their twin sons reside in Amarillo.
This week’s Furry Friend is Harley. “Harley has a medium to long curly coat, which is light golden in color. Harley was an owner surrender, along with another dog. The ‘other’ dog has already been adopted. Harley likes other small dogs, he gets along fine with them. He is a sweet, friendly boy. Just a bit timid right now. Come meet this ‘big’ boy.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
The Craig will host a community-wide Summer Bash, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at 5500 SW 9th Ave. The continuum-care senior living community is inviting residents, families, caregivers, neighbors, and local community members to come together for an evening of music, food, games and intergenerational connection. The Summer Bash will feature live music by the Chad Feemster Band, antique cars from the Antique Automotive Club of Amarillo, giant lawn games (including Jenga, Connect 4, cornhole, and tic tac toe), along with local food trucks and vendor stalls. Residents, their families, prospective residents, neighbors, and community partners are all welcome to attend.
The Citadelle Art Museum is hosting two professional development opportunities for Texas K-12 teachers this summer, both held in The Gallery at the museum, 520 Nelson Ave. in Canadian. A Certificate of Completion will be provided for teachers seeking PD hours. Tickets for each event are $20 and include a light breakfast and coffee. The first session, on Holocaust Stories: Survivors’ Voices will be Friday, June 19, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and ties directly into the museum’s exhibition on view through June 13, “Human Resonance: Portraits with Presence,” with portraits by David Kassan. The second session, on Art Deco Through the Eyes of an Illustrator, will be held Wednesday, July 8, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The museum has three works by Art Deco great, J.C. Leyendecker, as well as a painting by mentee (and subsequent master of American Illustration), Norman Rockwell. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://thecitadelle.org/events-calendar/
Technical Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider, received Technology Assurance Group’s top award at the 25th Annual TAG Convention held in Las Vegas on April 26 — the Outstanding Economic & Customer Satisfaction Award. “When you place the customers’ needs ahead of your own, it’s incredible how it positively impacts your own business. By taking time to understand our clients’ business and listening to their challenges, our team works to match the best technology available in the market and implement these solutions with a strong focus on customer service,” said Gene Wells, President of Technical Solutions. For more information on Technical Solutions, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.
About 30 educators from around Region 16 Education Service Center are taking part in a summer seminar June 1-12 on American history and civics hosted by West Texas A&M University. The 27 teachers — representing elementary, middle school and high school grade levels from schools in Canyon, Amarillo, Tulia, Hereford, Dimmitt and Clarendon — will learn about the founding principles and first texts that sparked the American independence movement, as part of a nearly $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. WT, through its Hill Institute, is partnering with Region 16 and Texas Southern University will work with Houston Independent School District on the project. Additional seminars will be held in summer 2027 and 2028. To sign up, contact Jamie Allen, ACT at 250 project manager, at jallen@wtamu.edu.
Panhandle Breast Health invites the community to participate in June fundraising events that support its mission to prevent breast cancer deaths through early detection for uninsured residents of the Texas Panhandle. They can take part in baseball game (June 6, www.gofevo.com/event/2026panhandle2), play in a golf tournament (June 20), or purchase coffee through the organization’s “Coffee for a Cause” fundraiser (through June 30, at grouprai.se/coffeeforacause75373s ). For more information, visit www.panhandlebreasthealth.org, email judy@pbh-ama.org or call PBH at 806-331-4710.
The Amarillo Women’s Network (AWN) is accepting nominations now through July 31 for the 2026-2027 Career Achievement Award Program, celebrating women across the Texas Panhandle, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the “Bettering Our World” Honoree. Visit https://www.amarillowomensnetwork.org/Career-&-Lifetime-Achievement-Awards for full nomination details and to submit entries. Honorees will be recognized during the Amarillo Women’s Network Lifetime Achievement and Career Achievement Awards Ceremony on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Amarillo National Bank Skyline Room, 410 S. Taylor St.
Dr. Tim Bowman is the new head of the Center for the Study of the American West at West Texas A&M University. Bowman, formerly head of the Department of History in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, officially assumed the role June 1, moving into a role held since the center’s formation by Dr. Alex Hunt. “It’s one the biggest honors of my career that Alex trusts me enough to step into CSAW and continue its important work,” said Bowman, who also was named Vincent-Haley Professor of Western Studies. “I can’t wait to work with the students and visiting scholars in promoting western history and literature.” Hunt will remain at CSAW as its associate director.
Amarillo neighbors can preview newly remodeled spaces, sample chef-prepared bites, and hear live music from The Broken Echo Band during an open house at Asher Point Independent Living of Amarillo, 4707 Bell St., on Saturday, June 13, starting at 2 p.m. Guests are invited to bring friends and family, take a personalized tour of the community, and enter to win a door prize. Beverages will be served alongside the light bites, while the band plays throughout the event. For more info, visit the Asher Point website.
Jackson Rath, a Canyon Independent School District student, first captured hearts at BSA Health System after sending a handwritten letter and donation he raised himself by selling gemstones. In his note, Jackson wrote, “Make sure everyone gets their care… Give the patients whatever they want! They deserve it.” His message and gift sparked a powerful ripple effect of kindness. BSA Health System has launched several initiatives to honor his compassion: the Jackson Rath Heart of Service Scholarship, awarded to children of BSA employees, with Audrey White named as the 2026 recipient; a $500 savings account in Jackson’s name, in partnership with Amarillo National Bank; and Kids Care Cards, a program encouraging CISD elementary students to create birthday, get-well, and encouragement cards for children receiving care in the Pediatric Unit. BSA Health System formally recognized Jackson at a leadership gathering May 27 with his family, CISD representatives, and BSA team members.
Amarillo VA Health Care System received a five-star rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ annual Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating report. This is an improvement from last year’s rating of a four-star.
Amarillo Parks & Recreation is celebrating the 70th year of Starlight Theater at Sam Houston Park. The weekly Tuesday evening concert series, now starting 30 minutes earlier, includes live music, food trucks, vendors, playgrounds and park enjoyement. Performers include Velvet Funk, Stealing Handshakes, Big G & The Tradewinds, Old Dog Tray, Pocket Break, The Repeat Offenders, Touching Voodoo and many more. For more information, visit the parks’ page on Facebook.
Sunset Marketown Summer Market begins June 6 and continues Saturdays through Sept. 9 at Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd. Shop with local makers and growers for quality art and artisan goods each week from 8 a.m. to noon.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Family Support Services’ big annual Harley Party fundraiser is back
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
