Big Crowds Expected in Conroe as Lone Star Throwdown Returns

🛻 Conroe is in for a busy weekend. Big crowds are expected as Lone Star Throwdown rolls back into town, and we break down what that means for traffic and safety. Inside today’s Conroe Echo, we also spotlight our Conroe Iconic Place, the Crighton Theatre, along with the local stories shaping our community. Let’s be focused, knock out what needs to get done, and head into the weekend strong. – O.B.

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In today’s Conroe Echo: 

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Today | 71F / 61F | 🌧️| 30% Precipitation | NE 8 MPH
Saturday | 73F / 42F | 🌦️| 36% Precipitation | NNW 14 MPH
Sunday | 64F / 36F | 🌤️| 0% Precipitation | N 11 MPH
Monday | 63F / 35F |☀️| 0% Precipitation | NNE 7 MPH
Tuesday | 71F / 56F |☀️| 2% Precipitation | S 12 MPH

Lake Level: 199.99 ft (Conservation pool level is 201 ft).
Air Temp: 65F
Water Temp: 59F
Wind: NW 2 MPH

The Lone Star Throwdown is back in Conroe this weekend, and it is expected to bring more than 2,000 custom trucks to town. The three-day event will take place at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. It is one of the largest truck shows in the country and always draws a big crowd.

With that crowd comes extra patrols. After problems in past years with street racing, DWIs, and parking lot takeovers, more than 20 law enforcement agencies are teaming up again for Operation Zero Traction. Officials say the show itself is welcome. They just want everyone to enjoy it safely and follow the law.

Check Out This Video On The Lone Star Throwdown.

Conroe ISD will not set aside a special period of prayer under a new state law. Senate Bill 11 requires districts to vote by March 1 on whether to create time for prayer and the reading of religious texts. On Tuesday, trustees voted unanimously against doing so.

Board members said students and staff are already allowed to pray during the school day. They also noted the district must meet strict state requirements for instructional hours. In their view, there simply is not room in the schedule to add another period.

You could feel the excitement the moment you walked in. On February 7, the Conroe Symphony Orchestra played to a full house at First Methodist Church with a tribute to John Williams. The crowd heard favorites from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and more, all performed live.

From the bold Olympic Fanfare to the haunting theme from Schindler’s List, the music stirred up memories and real emotion. The orchestra continues its season with a Casino Night Fundraiser on February 21 and a Disney concert on May 2. Visit conroesymphony.org to learn more and support this local gem.

Visit The Conroe Symphony.

When you walk into the new Children’s Safe Harbor building in Conroe, it feels calm on purpose. Big windows, soft colors, and even the sound of water in an outdoor healing garden were designed with kids in mind. The new 45,000 square foot space allows the nonprofit to serve more children and families and now brings law enforcement and support teams together in one place.

The center provides forensic interviews, counseling, medical exams, and family advocacy. Leaders say the goal is not only to respond when something happens, but to help prevent abuse through community training. They expect to serve more than 2,500 children and family members each year.

The History

Back in 1935, downtown Conroe got its own movie palace. Mayor Harry M. Crighton, fresh off success in the oil business, built a grand theatre with native stone and big dreams. Opening night drew a crowd, with adults paying 50 cents to see Stars Over Broadway. For years, the Crighton was the place to be before closing in the mid-sixties.

What Makes It Special

When the building was nearly lost in the 1970s, the community refused to let it fade away. Residents raised money, rolled up their sleeves, and restored it piece by piece. What once sat filled with debris came back to life in 1979, beautifully rebuilt and ready for the stage again.

Why It Still Matters

Today, the Crighton Theatre is still the heart of downtown Conroe. Live productions, music, and community events fill the space. It stands as proof of what can happen when neighbors believe something is worth saving.

Learn More About The Crighton Theatre.

Sam Houston State University just cut the ribbon on a 70-million-dollar Health Professions Building at its Conroe campus in Grand Central Park. The new four-story space will house several health programs, with physician assistant and physical therapy degrees set to launch in 2026 and 2027.

Inside are hands-on simulation labs and classrooms built for real-world training. At the same time, renovations at The Woodlands Center will nearly double nursing enrollment from 380 to 720 students. The focus is clear. Prepare more health care professionals to serve communities across Montgomery County and Texas.

Looking to grow your network over a cup of coffee? The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber is hosting its Coffee Network on Wednesday, March 4 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Chick-fil-A on Hwy 105 and Lonestar Parkway in Montgomery. Sponsored by Lakeside Conroe, this casual morning event brings about 70 local professionals together.

Be ready with a quick 30-second pitch and come meet people who care about doing business in our community. It is free for active Chamber members. To attend as a guest or learn about sponsoring a future event, reach out to Brittany Castellon at [email protected].

Boone Niederhofer once chased passes at Texas A&M as a walk-on receiver. An ACL tear ended his football path, and he moved into the oil and gas industry, unsure what would come next. Then a former Aggie teammate suggested he try bobsled.

Now he is racing for Team USA in the four-man bobsled event at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Years of setbacks, steady work, and strong family support led him here. As Boone says, there is always a chance. That is why you race.

It was a big weekend for Texas A&M equestrian. Mattie Gustin and Grace Shipman were both named NCEA Ride of the Week after leading the Aggies to a 10-8 win over No. 3 SMU.

Gustin sealed the meet with a 71.75 ride in Reining, winning by 0.75 points with no penalties in her final ride at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. Shipman scored an 88.5 in Fences, topping her opponent by one point. The Aggies head to Auburn on March 7.

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⭐ Thanks for reading and being part of this community. Stay safe and enjoy the weekend ahead. We will catch up again soon. – O.B.

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