From classic cars and hometown celebrations to state tax revenue and honoring a local astronaut, there's plenty happening across the Texas Panhandle. Here's a quick look at events and announcements making news.
Legendary Polk Street Cruise Returns Aug. 1
The Legendary Polk Street Cruise returns to downtown Amarillo on Aug. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., inviting the community to relive the tradition of cruising historic Polk Street. The event, presented by the Panhandle Council of Car Clubs, the Amarillo Area Corvette Club and Connoisseur Media, celebrates America's 250th birthday and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Spectators can enjoy classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, Corvettes, trucks and modern performance vehicles. Participants must drive street-legal vehicles, and burnouts are prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the evening along Polk Street.
Amarillo, Canyon Receive July Sales Tax Allocations
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the distribution of $1.2 billion in local sales tax allocations for July, an increase of 5.6% over July 2025. The allocations are based on sales made in February by businesses that report taxes monthly. Amarillo is scheduled to receive more than $9.6 million, while Canyon will receive $426,644.11. The funds are distributed to cities, counties, transit systems and special-purpose districts across Texas.
Claude Celebrates With Weekend of Events
Claude will host a full weekend of community activities beginning Thursday with the Farmers Market kickoff from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Armstrong County Courthouse Square. Friday features a horseshoe tournament at Bert Wooldridge Arena, followed by a full day of festivities Saturday, including vendors, food trucks, a parade, live music, a barbecue lunch, pageants, a pet show and the Youth Ranch Rodeo. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers. A complete schedule and advance rodeo and concert tickets are available at claudetexas.com.
Texas Air & Space Museum Honors Rick Husband
The Texas Air & Space Museum will celebrate the birthday of Amarillo native and astronaut Rick Husband on Saturday with cupcakes, special activities and tours of the NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft he flew during 49 training missions. Guests can also participate in an American Aviation History Hunt while learning about Husband's distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force and NASA. Husband piloted STS-96 in 1999 and commanded STS-107 in 2003 before losing his life in the Columbia disaster on Feb. 1, 2003. Museum admission is by donation, and the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
