Papa Jack's is Waco's best-kept secret

Good morning, Waco. For kids across town, Friday was the last day of school and this is the first full week of summer. Tomorrow is Memorial Day — somebody's already planning the brisket, somebody else is excited about doing The Murph, and most of us are just glad for one more day off before the week starts.

In today’s Sunday Sip:

🍖 Possibly the best brisket in Waco
🏠 Open House: 119 acres near Lake Waco
🎉 Big events happening this week
📌 The Bulletin Board

See you out there!
— Sam Harper

If you've been thinking about a new truck, the timing just got a lot better.

Chevy of West just announced the 2026 Silverado 1500 at 2.9% APR for 72 months for well-qualified buyers through GM Financial. That's a strong rate on one of the most capable trucks on the road, and inventory is moving.

Chevy of West has built a reputation around doing business the straightforward way. No runaround, no pressure — just a team that knows trucks and treats you like a neighbor.

👉View current inventory at Chevyofwest.com or come by this week.

🌳 ArboFest | Saturday, May 30 | 10 AM - 4 PM | Woodway
The City of Woodway is throwing a free outdoor festival at the Pavilion parking lot off Bosque Blvd with live music, food trucks, vendors, and a scavenger hunt. Free to get in, free to park at City Hall or the Woodway Family Center. Details here.

🎨 Community Paint Day | Saturday, May 30 | 3400 Bosque Blvd
Creative Waco’s ArtPrenticeship 2026 team is painting a new community mural at Brookview Hills Shopping Center as part of the Center’s renewal. Sign up for a time slot and pick up a brush, or just show up for coloring pages, face painting, and good company to help create a lasting mark on a corner of Waco. Grab a time slot here.

🏐 The Fields Opening Day | Sunday, May 31 | 5 PM
2026 is turning out to be the year of new parks around Waco. First Woodway is opening The Fields this Sunday at 5 which includes: sand volleyball, basketball, pickleball courts, a walking track wide enough for strollers, and a huge turfed lawn area. Opening day includes free pizza, burgers, and hot dogs. This is a huge park for the entire community to enjoy. Find out more details and see pictures here.

I had a "what have I been doing for the last ten years" moment this past week.

A friend invited me to a spot he has been going to for years. When we walked in, everyone else was already on a first-name basis with the staff. Three tables. Feels more like someone's living room.

The order: $16 brisket plate, two sides, a drink included. Kool-Aid and iced tea were on tap.

The brisket: Sliced thick, tender enough to pull apart without trying, and the kind of moist that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you're eating with every bite.

My sides: Smoked mac and cheese and smoked cabbage. Still thinking about both.

The cred: Yelp ranked Papa Jack's the No. 2 restaurant in all of Texas in 2023. Not just BBQ. All food.

The reason it's consistent: Kim and Gerald Hicks are the only two cooks. Every plate, every time.

Heads up: They're open Thursday through Saturday only and they sell out.

School's out and camp registration spots are moving fast. We put together a full guide of Waco-area summer camps to help you sort through the options. From arts and theater to sports, STEM, and outdoor adventure, there's something for every kid.

Check out the full Waco Buzz Summer Camp Guide here →

Welcome to Open House, where this week's pick is a working ranch on 119 acres near Lake Waco with a fully lit roping arena and an inground pool. We give you details, you guess the price.

Highlights include:

👉 Take your best guess at the list price, then peek at the answer here.

Friends for Life needs volunteers this summer. They help Waco seniors get to doctor appointments, run errands, and stay connected. A few hours a week makes a real difference. Apply at friendsforlife.org.

Twin Sea-Doos for sale. Two 2007 GTIse 4-Tec models, 86 hours each, separate trailers, two new covers, clear titles. $3,950 each or $7,000 for the pair. Contact here if interested.

Want a spot on The Bulletin Board? Reply to this email by Thursday night with your listing to get on a future bulletin board.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. Share it with the friend whose kid is already bored and it's only been 48 hours.

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3. Dinner Club: Meet five other locals (recent movers and lifelong Wacoans) over dinner on May 27. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.