The Lead Live Podcast: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Upcoming community events and local government updates dominated the Lead Live broadcast on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, featuring an interview with Pint and Plow Brewing Co. owner Jeremy Walther.

Walther joined host Louis Amestoy and co-host Julie Davis to preview two major happenings: the Pot O’ Hot Festival and his brewery’s 10-year anniversary celebration.

Pot O’ Hot Festival Nearing Sellout

The Pot O’ Hot Festival, a soup-tasting competition, is scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University. Walther noted the event is capped at 25 soup makers and is on pace to sell out its 300 tasting tickets.

“Admission to the area and the live music is free; tickets are only required to taste the soups,” Walther clarified.

He also debunked a rumor about the rules, stating judges score soups on quality, style/culture, and “gusto”—the ability to “taste the love in that soup”—and not necessarily heat. Amestoy is slated to enter the competition with a vegan split pea soup.

Pint & Plow to Host ‘Hobo Gala’

Walther also announced plans for Pint and Plow’s 10-year anniversary at the end of March. The brewery will shut down Clay Street (between Jefferson and Main) for a block party on March 28, officially dubbed the “Hobo Gala,” themed around the hobo code mural on their building.

The event will feature a ticketed steak dinner cooked in the street, barrel fires, storytelling, and a block printing demonstration. Pint and Plow will also release a new seasonal “coffee blonde” ale for the occasion.

Local Government and Tax Update

In local government news, Amestoy recapped the cancellation of City Council elections for the second consecutive year, as all candidates are running unopposed. The council through 2028 will consist of Mayor Joe Herring, Delayne Sigerman (Place 1), Jeff Harris (Place 2), Kent McKinney (Place 3), and newcomer Crystal Smith (Place 4).

Additionally, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) approved an $810,000 contract for the first phase of a new flood warning system.

Amestoy also cited a WalletHub study showing Texas ranks 44th out of 51 for the highest property tax burden in the country, with an effective rate of 1.49%.

Tourism and Arts Highlights

In a tourism update, Davis noted that Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) collections have remained flat or slightly up, despite a drop in the Canadian “Winter Texan” market.

The broadcast also highlighted several community events:

• Arts: The weekend includes the Leading Ladies of Broadway show and the play Sweat at Playhouse 2000.
• Anniversary: The Arcadia Live theater will host its centennial celebration on March 7.
• Local Craftsmanship: Local silversmith Clint Orms has partnered with the historic King Ranch to release a limited-time heirloom collection of hand-engraved silver belt buckles and money clips.