Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Something pretty special happened at City Hall a couple weeks back — for the first time ever, a woman is leading the Katy Fire Department. That's the kind of quiet history that makes you love a small town, and Chief Dana Massey has spent 27 years earning it.
We've also got a heartwarming update on a park being built for every kid in Fulshear, a Philly cheesesteak spot with a story worth telling, and a packed lineup of live music, baseball, and family fun to close out July.
Now, in today's edition:
Katy Makes History: Meet Our First Female Fire Chief
A Cheesesteak Worth Crossing Town For
Super Dave's Park Is Almost Ready to Play
35+ events & more
– Grant Hamilton
Community News
Katy Makes History with Its First Female Fire Chief
Katy just made a little history – and it happened right at City Hall. On June 22, the City Council voted unanimously to name Dana Massey our new fire chief, the first woman ever to lead the Katy Fire Department. And she has earned every bit of it.
Here's what to know:
Chief Massey is a true hometown story. She joined Katy FD in 1999 and worked her way up from firefighter to paramedic to Assistant Chief of EMS and Training.
Firefighting runs in her blood. Her dad, C.L. Massey, was a Houston firefighter and her hero. "From about age 12 on, I knew that's what I was going to do," she said.
She's been leading the department since February as interim chief, so this is really the well-deserved "made it official."
She was named the City of Katy's Employee of the Year back in 2021.
Big things are ahead: a brand-new fire and police substation is planned near Pederson Road and Kingsland Boulevard to serve our fast-growing west side, hopefully opening in 2027 or 2028.
Next time you see a Katy firefighter, you'll know exactly who's leading the crew. Congratulations, Chief!
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City Updates
Super Dave's Park Is Almost Ready to Play
Calling all pint-sized superheroes – a very special playground is taking shape in Fulshear, and it's built so every single kid can join the fun. And the county just confirmed it's opening later this year.
Here's what's coming:
Super Dave's All Abilities Park is a $3.4 million, 1.6-acre superhero-themed playground at 4200 Katy Fulshear Road, designed for children of all abilities to play side by side.
Expect three play zones for different ages, a splash pad to beat the Texas heat, a shaded pavilion, and smooth accessible paths for wheels, walkers, and little legs alike.
A trail will connect the park right to Cross Creek Ranch, so families nearby can walk or roll over.
It's named for Dave D'Andrea, a beloved local leader who served Cross Creek Ranch for more than 15 years before passing in 2021.
Fort Bend County just opened its first all-abilities park (Galaxy, in Sugar Land) in June — and ours is officially next. Well worth the wait.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
A Cheesesteak Worth Crossing Town For
If you've ever craved a real, no-fuss Philly cheesesteak, we've got great news right here on the Katy Freeway. Philly Flats is the passion project of Scott Boyer, a retired U.S. Marine who grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania — and when he couldn't find a cheesesteak in Texas that tasted like home, he decided to make his own.
Here's the story worth savoring:
Scott started small in 2017, slinging cheesesteaks out of a food truck called Quaker Steaks parked at No Label Brewing. Katy fell in love, one sandwich at a time.
That little truck grew into a concession stand inside NRG Stadium, and in 2023, Scott and his wife Kim opened the Katy brick-and-mortar we know today.
The name says it all: "Philly" for the cheesesteaks, "Flats" for the wings – and folks say those jumbo wings just might steal the show.
The star is the Quaker Steak on a real Amoroso roll with your pick of provolone, white American, or classic Cheese Whiz. Yumm.
Scott keeps it honest: "There's nothing sexy about a cheesesteak," he says. "It's supposed to be crinkly, a little soggy, with a little steam coming off it." Come hungry – and Eagles fans, you've just found your game-day home.
P.S. Send this to your favorite transplant from up north – they'll thank you.
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
Events
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
Josh Weathers | Doors 7:30 PM, Show 9:30 PM, Friday, July 17 | Tickets
Location: Mo's Place
Description: Fort Worth's soul-and-country powerhouse brings his big voice and bigger heart to Mo's Place. If you've never seen Josh Weathers live, this is the one — the man can sing.
Nevels & Crew | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, July 17 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Grab a blanket, some takeout, and settle in for a free night of live soul and pop under the Katy sky.
Nervous Rex | 7:30–9:00 PM, Saturday, July 18 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Central Green's Saturday night lineup keeps rolling with Nervous Rex — bring the kids, bring the folding chairs, and enjoy a free show on the green.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show | 8:00 PM, Sunday, July 19 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
Description: One of the world's great tribute acts recreates Pink Floyd's epic sound-and-light show.
NightBird — Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute | 7:30–9:00 PM, Friday, July 24 | (Free) Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Houston's own NightBird brings the magic of Stevie Nicks to Cinco Ranch. Pack a blanket, your best flowy shawl, and prepare to sing along to every word of "Landslide."
Kolby Cooper | Doors 7:30 PM, Show 9:30 PM, Friday, July 24 | Tickets
Location: Mo's Place
Description: Texas country's rising heavy-hitter Kolby Cooper takes over Mo's Place for a big Friday night. Boots strongly recommended.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Nashville Sounds | First pitch 7:05 PM (6:35 PM Sunday), Tuesday, July 21 – Sunday, July 26 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Description: The Astros' Triple-A club hosts Nashville for the franchise's first-ever home interleague series — and the theme nights do not disappoint. See the details link for specifics.
🐣 Family Fun
3D Printer Orientation | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 15 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Come and learn how to use the 3D printer at the library. Completing this session allows you to use the 3D printers at any of the HCPL branches. Open to all ages, children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Morning Movie Matinee: “The LEGO Movie” | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Friday, July 17 | (Free) Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Library
Description: All ages invited to watch The Lego Movie while playing with Lego. Need I say more?
Mr. Leo’s Dance and Puppet Show! | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Friday, July 17 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Join for a high-energy show featuring puppets, music, and dancing. Should be a great afternoon for kids of all ages.
Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Saturday, July 18 | (Free) Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Sign up in teams of up to 5 for this friendly competition to see who can put a puzzle together. First place wins a special prize. Registration required.
Typhoon Texas Summer Event Days | Select July dates | Calendar
🏛️ Community & Culture
Katy Christian Ministries Food Center Ribbon Cutting | 3:00–5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 15 | (Free) Details
Location: KCM Main Campus, 3506 Porter Rd., Katy
Description: Celebrate the expansion of KCM's Katy Food Center with a ribbon cutting, light bites, tours, and time to mingle. The upgrade means KCM will now be able to feed up to 250 neighbors a day, five days a week — a big deal for our community.
Women of Katy Symposium | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Thursday, July 16 | Tickets
Location: 2707 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. K-100, Katy
Description: The third annual symposium spotlights business, family and mental well-being. A great morning to connect and get inspired. Lunch provided with your ticket purchase.
Historical Crafting – Sewing Traditional Quilt Blocks | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Saturday, July 18 | (Free) Details
Location: Katy Branch Library
Description: This class will let you learn about the tradition and technique behind one of quilting’s most classic patterns, the nine-patch quilt block. If you’ve seen the Netflix documentary on quilting then this one’s probably for you.
Together, We Can Fight Cancer | 12:00 PM, Saturday, July 18 | (Free) Details → Sarah at 832-483-5865
Location: Twins Tavern
Description: Cody Barber is a longtime Katy resident. She has been a source of strength, encouragement, and support to many in the community, including running 100 miles to raise awareness and support for those battling cancer. Now, she is facing a battle of her own with cancer. This event is for the Katy community to support her, and will have Bingo, live music, great food & drinks, and more, with all proceeds going towards Cody’s medical expenses and treatment. There is also a GoFundMe set up for her here for those who are interested in contributing - Link
Word & Number Puzzle Hour | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Monday, July 20 | (Free) Details
Location: Fulshear Library
Description: An hour for adults to solve word searches, crosswords, sudoku, and more!
Fort Bend County Libraries Multicultural Festival | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Saturday, July 25 | (Free) Details
Location: George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Dr., Richmond
Description: About 25 minutes from Katy but absolutely worth the drive. A family-friendly celebration of Fort Bend's cultures with performances, workshops, a "Food Hall" of local vendors, and a replica of artist Betirri's 2026 FIFA World Cup mural (with an artist talk at 1:00 PM). The Houston Brass Quintet plays "Around the World" at 2:00 PM.
🍺 Food & Drink
Mild to Wild Spice Fest | 3:00–8:00 PM, Saturday, July 25 | Tickets
Location: MKT Distillery
Description: An afternoon and evening of heat, flavor, live music, food, drinks, and local vendors from Be Someone Markets – complete with spicy competitions, judges, and prizes. Bring your water bottle. And maybe a fire extinguisher. Know someone who loves all things spice? Send this to them!
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10:00–11:00 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is July 20 | Details
No Label Brewing Co. | Daily Food Trucks, Monday - Thursday | Details
No Label Run Club | 5:30–6:30 PM, Monday | Details
Walking Group at Mary Jo Peckham Park | Tuesdays, 8 AM | Details
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run | Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green | Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
No Label Ruck Club | Wednesdays, 5:00 PM | Details
Bird Walk | Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Details
Totally Toddler Time | Thursdays, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Details
Adult Watercolor Art Club | Every Other Thursday, Next is July 23 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Next is August 6th | Details
Adult Coloring Hour | Thursdays, 6 PM | Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is August 13 | Details
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway | Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
George Ranch Historical Park | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturdays | Tickets
Knotty and Nice Knitting Club | Every Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Details
That's it for today!
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch this week! See you next Tuesday!
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