Waco-area news briefs: Drag boat racing returns to Brazos River July 20

Reptiles at the library

Danny Conner's Reptile Adventure will perform from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 10-13 at Waco libraries.

The show features Juanita, the reticulated python; Apollo, the albino Burmese python; and Spartacus, the 110-pound 80-100-year-old alligator snapping turtle.

The performances will be free and open to the public, but seating will be limited. Performance times are:

July 10 at the West Waco Library, 5301 Bosque Blvd.

July 11 at the South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th St.

July 12 at the East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave.

July 13 at the Central Library, 1717 Austin Ave.

Free food distribution

A free food distribution will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Downtown Transit Terminal, 301 S. Eighth St.

Recipients must bring an ID or driver's license. Please also bring a bag, box, tub or other receptacle to take away the food.

Speegleville fireworks

A Speegleville Fireworks Extravaganza fundraiser hosted by the Speegleville Volunteer Fire Department will be held Saturday at Speegleville Elementary School, 100 Maywood Drive.

Fireworks will begin shortly after dusk in the field across from the school and last 15 to 20 minutes.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Admission is free. Games and vendors will require the purchase of tickets at the event ticketing tent.

Activities include three bounce houses, obstacle course, cornhole, go fish, barrel train, ring toss, football toss, ball toss, face painting, free fireman photo prop for kids, cake walk, plus craft and food vendors including popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and hot dogs.

Activity tickets are $1 each.

No weapons, tobacco, alcohol or fireworks are allowed on school grounds.

Homespun Quilters

The Waco Homespun Quilters' Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Road Church of Christ, 3100 S. New Road.

This month will be the annual Fun Get Together Picnic. Participants will display their Challenge Quilts with this year's theme being "anything goes 3-D quilt." The festivities are open to all interested parties.

Women on Weights classes begin July 9 at the YMCA of Central Texas, 6800 Harvey Dr.

The two-week training program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants work in groups of no more than five participants to one trainer and learn proper use of fitness equipment. Cost is $150 for YMCA members and $200 for community members.

Downtown cleanup

Come join Keep Waco Beautiful is sponsoring a downtown Waco cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Meet-up is at 25N Coworking, 510 Austin Ave.

Summer River Cleanup: July 13 at 9-11 a.m., meet at Waco Paddle Co., 200 S. University Parks Drive

Registration is required to volunteer. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more and register at keepwacobeautiful.org/volunteer .

Youth chorus auditions

Youth Chorus of Central Texas is hosting auditions for singers in grades 3-12 July 10 and July 31 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 305 N 30th St.

Audition times are from 10 a.m. until noon. No preparation is necessary for the interview/assessment.

Email to schedule an appointment.

Drag boat racing

Drag boat racing returns to the Waco area July 20-21 with Duel on the Brazos 2024 at Brazos Park East, 3516 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Ticks cost $30 per day, or $50 for a weekend pass. Order online at stubwire.com .

Christmas in July

Waco Goodfellas presents Christmas in July on July 20 at The Base at Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd..

The event features food, silent and luive uctions and an open bar. Dress is comfortable nd casual.

The Waco GoodFellas is a non-profit organization located in Central Texas which strives to better the lives of families in need during the holiday season. We help children believe in the miracle of Christmas and the importance of giving.

Back-to-School Picnic

The Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival, hosts its fifth annual Community Barbecue & Back-To-School Picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. July 26 at Texas State Technical College, 3801 Campus Dr.

The event is a community celebration that will feature free barbecue, the distribution of free backpacks, school supplies, and books.

Submit printed items to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco, 76702-2588; or email .