☕A garden hose saved her life

Good morning, Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that's as hotly anticipated as Toy Story 5 — which opens in theaters today.

🦸 A Waco neighbor saved a life with a garden hose
⚽ USA plays Australia today at 2 PM
🏢 350 jobs headed to downtown Waco
🎢 New theme park opens near Dallas in two weeks
🎵 Juneteenth weekend + Brazos Nights tonight
💼 Three Hot Jobs in Waco

Let's get to it!
— Sam Harper

Most Wacoans have never heard of red light therapy. Waco Bodymend Company, at 116 Mary Ave downtown, is a full recovery and longevity facility in our backyard.

We're talking red light therapy, PEMF mat therapy, oxygen therapy, dry sauna, a polar shower (39 degrees), massage chairs, spin classes, and a full juice bar from Oh My Juice right at the entrance. There's also a SECA body scan, inversion tables, and space for physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic work.

If you've been patching yourself together with ibuprofen and YouTube stretches, this is the other option.

Right now, buy a one or three month membership and they'll include a Superhuman Credit Pack, a $70 value, free. It's a low-risk way to figure out which of their services your body actually responds to.

Call or text 254-343-7843, or book a tour at wacobodymend.com.

🦸 A Waco Neighbor Saved a Woman's Life

Sunday night, Carla Donaldson was driving on Waco Drive when floodwaters swept her car off 34th St and into a creek. The water was rising inside the car when she told the 911 dispatcher she thought she was going to drown.

Mike Larry Perez spotted her car floating away, tied a garden hose around his waist, had his brother hold the other end, and jumped in. She heard him yell "I got you" from inside the car. "That was like the voice of God," she said later.

Read the full story here. Thank you, Mike, for reminding us that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. If we ever find ourselves in a similar situation, may we have the courage and compassion to do the same. As the old Gatorade ad said: Be like Mike.

Judge Felton signed an emergency disaster declaration for McLennan County this week which unlocks state assistance programs for flood-damaged homes and businesses. For assistance, start here.

If your favorite local spot got impacted by the flood last weekend and is back open now, go show up for them. Best thing you can do right now.

🏢 350 Jobs Are Coming to Downtown Waco
Cornerstone Caregiving is renovating the old Waco Drug Co. building at 225 S. Fifth St. into its new corporate headquarters. City Council voted Tuesday on a $500,000 TIF grant to support the $24 million project.

The company operates in 43 states and has outgrown its current space at 2612 Washington Ave. The plan calls for at least 300 employees in the building within five years — around 350 people eating and working downtown every day.

One more detail worth knowing: the building opened in 1925, and at one point employed Dr Pepper inventor Charles Alderton. Cornerstone will be only the third tenant in its 100-year history. Read more from the Trib. ($)

🎢 There's a New Theme Park Coming 2.5 Hours Away

Universal Kids Resort opens July 1 in Frisco with seven themed lands — SpongeBob, Shrek, Minions, Jurassic World, Trolls, Puss in Boots, Gabby's Dollhouse — plus a 300-room hotel on site.

It's built for young kids and designed as a day-or-two trip, not a five-day Orlando commitment. Day tickets start at $54.99 on weekdays.

⚽ USA vs. Australia-- Watch Party at Barnett's Whiskey House
Today | 2 PM kickoff | 420 Franklin Ave

Both teams won their openers. The U.S. beat Paraguay 4-1. Australia knocked off Turkey 2-0. Both are sitting at the top of Group D, and a win today basically locks up a spot in the knockout round.

Kickoff is at 2 PM CT on FOX. Barnett's patio at 420 Franklin Ave is showing it live — and every game all weekend long. If you want to watch with a crowd that actually cares, that's your spot.

They're also running a giveaway this week: tag 3 friends, follow their page, and comment your team for a chance to win a Stella Artois chalice set, Michelob Ultra gear, and a $100 Barnett's gift card. Head to their Facebook page to enter.^*

LOOKING AHEAD
🎆 Fourth of July Weekend at the Silos — July 3-5

Magnolia is going all out for the Fourth. Face painting, balloon art, temporary tattoos, live music, cotton candy, and a Market Sidewalk Sale with items up to 60% off. You can also build a custom hat, which is exactly the kind of thing kids will talk about for the rest of the summer.

Worth noting: the Silos will be open Sunday the 5th too, which doesn't happen often. It's free and outdoors all weekend. See everything they're putting on that weekend here.^*

Waco's been celebrating Juneteenth for more than 100 years. This weekend, the tradition continues with a full two days of events.

Friday:
Juneteenth Festival on the Brazos: Gospel Explosion @ Brazos Park East — 5 PM | Free

Saturday:
CTAACC Juneteenth Parade — 10 AM, starts at Heritage Square, ends at the historic Paul Quinn campus | Free
Juneteenth Block Party @ Wilbert Austin Park — right after the parade until 3 PM | Free food, live DJ, games
Juneteenth Festival: A Taste of Southern Soul @ Brazos Park East — 3-10 PM | Kids 13 and under free, tickets required for adults

🎈 Friday, June 19:

Pure Barre Pop Up Summer Class @ Street Dog Cafe - 8 AM | FREE

Helberg Barbecue & Sendero Pop Up @ Magnolia Silos - 11 AM

Chocolate Tasting @ World Cup Cafe — 4-6 PM | World Cup's 20th anniversary | Free

KWBU Summer Nights @ Brotherwell Brewing. — 6-8 PM | Free

Friday Fun Night @ Texas Dynasty - 6:30 PM

Brazos Nights: Zapp Band + MC Lyte @ Indian Spring Park — Gates open at 6 PM, music starts at 7:30 PM | Free

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC
Live Music @ Magnolia Silos - 10 AM - 12 PM, 1 - 3 PM
D-Rail @ Slow Rise on the Brazos - 5:30 PM
Elvis by Kenneth Elliot @ Uncle Dan's BBQ - 6:30 PM
Alton Ray @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
Cynthia Raush @ The Will - 8 PM

🎈 Saturday, June 20:

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza -- 9 AM to 1 PM

I-35 Legends Cars & Coffee Meet Up @ Black Rifle Coffee - 9 AM

Juneteenth Parade @ Heritage Square — 10 AM | Free

Eastside Market & Live Mural Battle @ Brotherwell Brewing — 11 AM-3 PM

Philippines Independence Day Celebration @ Whitehall Park - 11 AM

Helberg Barbecue & Sendero Pop Up along with custom embroidery from Fowl & Maker @ Magnolia Silos - 11 AM

Stories in the Shapes with Kemi Yemi-Ese @ Mayborn Museum - 1 PM

Standup Comedian Gerard Michaels @ PACC - 7 PM

Stand Up Comedy hosted by Cultivate Waco @ Brazos Theatre - 8 PM

Enchanted Forest Pride Dance @ PACC — 8 PM

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
Live Music @ Magnolia Silos - 10 AM - 12 PM, 1-3 PM
Stephany Chavira @ Waco Ale Co - 7 PM
Touch of Grey @ Barnett’s Whiskey House - 8 PM
Collin James Band @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
Johnny Joe and The Band @ The Will - 8 PM
Randy Rogers Acoustic @ The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30-11:30 PM | $30+

🎈Sunday, June 21: Father’s Day

Dads Climb Free for Father’s Day @ Basin - ALL DAY

Motocross Race Day @ Waco Eagles MX - 8 AM

Father’s Day Celebration @ The Will — Live music noon to 5 PM, Fishing Tournament at 2 PM

Taj Farrant @ The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill — 7 PM

Want your event featured? Reserve an upcoming Featured Event listing here.

Director of Operations — Set the Stage, Heart of Texas
A Waco home staging and furniture company needs someone to run day-to-day operations and grow their wholesale furniture channel. Around 80% remote, some in-person at their Waco studio. $60-80K base plus profit-sharing, path to equity.

Marketing & Fan Experience — Baylor Athletics
Two-year paid GA position covering marketing for sports and game-day operations for Women's Basketball and Football. Covers 80% of tuition. Strong entry point into college athletics.

Director of Big Screens — Baylor University
Baylor Athletics is hiring someone to lead videoboard operations and game presentation across all their venues — basically, you're the person responsible for making McLane Stadium feel like a hyped party on game day. Full-time in Waco, 2-4 years of live event or broadcast production experience required.

Hiring? Post a Job
Hunting? View all 107 new roles added this week

🧗‍♀️ This summer, Basin Climbing + Fitness is offering $25 off their summer camp using code WACOBUZZ. If you or your child wants to try climbing before signing up, swing by the gym any day and give it a try together.

🔥 Waco Buzz readers can join HOTWORX Woodway for $1 this month.

🚗 Your neighbors at Chevy of West have been taking care of Waco drivers for years with new and pre-owned trucks, SUVs, and cars just 20 minutes up I-35 in West, TX. Stop by or browse their inventory today.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best. They’re offering Sculptra specials of buy two get one free to help your body grow its own collagen.

💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy. Waco Buzz readers get $35 off.

💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a space designed for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something worth doing this weekend, share it with your co-worker who went on vacation to Disney and Universal Studios recently.

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:

1. Want to reach Waco? This newsletter lands in 14,200+ local inboxes every Tuesday Friday and Sunday. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does anyone even know our business is here?” reach out.

2. Dinner Club: Meet five other locals (recent movers and lifelong Wacoans) over dinner on June 24. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.

3. Have an event you want to promote? Get it featured leading up to the event. Two spots available per issue. Reserve yours here.