Sealy’s first-ever Battle fOr The Arts festival scheduled for April 28-May 1 will celebrate the arts while bringing tourism to the city and the surrounding area.

Hosted by Sealy Main Street, BOTA’s mission is to facilitate a cross-pollination of art genres that inspires creativity, spurs unexpected connections and celebrates artistic vision.

The inaugural three-day event will bring together artists, industry professionals, visionaries, investors and patrons of all ages.

In addition to arts, culinary, dance, film and band competitions, the festival will include artist panel discussions, merchant booths and interactive art and murals.

Sealy Main Street Manager Chelsea Humes said the Sealy Main Street Program is very excited about the inaugural event.

“We came up with it because we were looking for something different to bring to Sealy. Something that would bring some tourism in and really show everyone what we are all about,” Humes said. “The film festival portion came in because we had talked to a lot of people around Houston who (said) there wasn’t as much available in Houston for these artists.”

Humes said there will be a lot going on when it comes to BOTA.

“We will have a flash mob dance, battle of the bands at Saddleback (Saloon) and a film festival portion. The opening night will take place at the San Felipe de Austin Historic Museum,” Humes said.

The Featured Film April 28 will be San Antonio & The Alamo documentary hosted by Stephen J Hardin.

April 29, the film festival gets kicked off at 11 a.m. and will run through 10:30 p.m. where various films created by a range of artists from amateurs to professionals will be featured. After the last film of the day, there will be a meet and greet with the film creators.

Also that Friday, the Sealy High School Culinary Competition will start at 2 p.m. and will be followed by the Battle of the Bands at Saddleback Saloon & Grill from 6-8:30 p.m.

April 30, BOTA attendees can enjoy free access to explore the Sealy Historical Park in downtown Sealy. The film festival will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. that day.

From 10-11 a.m. Saturday, the Sealy Band and Choir will take the stage by the clock tower. The flash mob dance will meet by the clock tower at noon to perform followed by an acoustic performance by Will Carter at 1 p.m.

Sealy ISD Art & Appetizers will be displayed at the Sealy Trinity Lutheran Church from 1-3 p.m.

At 2 p.m. the Advanced Culinary Arts Competition will be held across the street from the Texas Theater then at 3 p.m., the Novice Culinary Arts Competition will be held in the same location. Battle of the Bands will end the night at Saddleback Saloon & Grill from 6-8:30 p.m.

A closing ceremony and awards ceremony will be held on May 1.

Artists looking to get involved in BOTA events like battle of the bands, cooking competitions and more can visit botasealy.com to sign up. Humes said she is most excited for BOTA so people can really see what they are about.

“We have got murals working and all kinds of things in the works. We are excited to get everybody together to see what our historic downtown has to offer,” Humes said.

The Sealy News will have a BOTA directory going out April 21 filled with maps, schedules and information regarding the festival. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses.

“We also have many ways for local businesses to help out whether it is volunteering or sponsoring. A great way to helpout is by being a part of The Sealy News’ directory and we would love to advertise you as well and get your name out there and help support our cause,” Humes said.

For more information on how to advertise in the BOTA directory, call 979-885-3562 or email sales@sealynews.com.