Olympian honored on Saturday, Sunday

September 27, 2012, 7:00 pm by Phil Schoch

Olympic silver medalist Leonel Manzano and his family will be honored at several events in Marble Falls and Granite Shoals in the final two days of his homecoming celebration, Sept. 29-30.

On Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., there will be a benefit dinner in Manzano’s honor at the Lakeside Pavilion in Marble Falls. Proceeds will benefit the St. John the Evangelist Building Fund.

There will be live music, a silent auction, cash bar and dancing. Tickets are $30 per person if purchased in advance or reserved, and $35 per person at the door.

The following day, Manzano is scheduled to speak and sign autographs at Marble Falls High School at 3 p.m. The community is invited to participate in the festivities.

At 5 p.m., Manzano and his family will travel by motorcade to Quarry Park for the groundbreaking of the new Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail.

"We hope Burnet County will come and share Granite Shoals' Leo Manzano Day and show how proud we all are of Leo and his family," said City Manager Judy Miller.

At sundown, fireworks will illuminate the sky over Quarry Park and the Granite Shoals Municipal Complex in conclusion of the hometown celebration honoring Manzano and his family.

"We'll have some chairs but most people will want to bring their own seating for the event here," said Mayor Dennis Maier at Tuesday night's Granite Shoals City Council meeting. "Refreshments will be available by the fireworks and we'll have music by two noted musicians, Joel Guzman and Sara Fox. The fireworks will begin… about 7:45 (p.m.)."

After the ceremony and presentations, the Granite Shoals City Hall will be open for tours.

Parking will be available within a short walk of the festivities. Admission is free.