Category Archives: Festival

Haslet Wild West Fest

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Over the weekend we went to check out the 2nd Annual Haslet Wild West Fest and Chili Cookoff. Needless to say, we’ll be back next year. Haslet is a small, growing community north of Ft. Worth, Texas. You are in the country yet far away from the city that you forget it’s there.

When we first arrived we saw cattle trucks. I was already excited. They had a small rodeo arena set up with a lot of bleachers ready for fans to view the day’s upcoming events. Over in the park there were small venues set up including Lee’s BBQ (my food critic says the turkey leg was delicious), Sweet Tea, Italian Ice, Craft booths, a bus for the blood drive and a festival wouldn’t be a festival in Texas without a mechanical bull. On the far end of the park sat the contestants for the Chili Cookoff.

This being only the second year of this festival, there were about 10 teams ready to go for the Chili Cookoff. Each person gets a sample of each tent’s Chili, then when you are ready, you can vote for the “People’s Choice” award. I’m just going to come right out and say it – I voted for Hippie’s Blend Chili. It was so good I’m thinking of showing up next year with a mason jar asking if I can take some to go. It was nice to walk around, talk to the chefs and see the different tastes in each chili. Some were more meaty, one had brisket and some were pretty watery. The thing I love best about Texas Chili is that it has no beans. Makes my choices a little easier – I’m not a bean fan.

Hippies Blend! Yummy!

The Rodeo Arena had events going on all day. First, we started off with high school rodeo. I had never seen high school kids partaking in bull riding so I figured, eh they are probably on smaller bulls. Wrong. They get right up there like the grown men. They did really well! Hopefully we’ll see some of them in a professional competition in a few years. Later on in the evening, the professional bull riding was to take place. We didn’t stay for the entire day so we happened to miss out on this. At least we got to see the high school kids ride the bulls.

Next up – Weiner Dog Races. We were looking forward to this but happened to miss the event.
Mutton Bustin! This I was excited about and apparently so wasn’t everyone else. For those who are not familiar with Mutton Bustin, parents sign up their children (under 50 lbs) to ride on the back of a sheep and hold on. It’s the children’s form of bull riding, with sheep. It’s really quite entertaining, and super cute.

My favorite future rodeo star!

If you are in the North Texas area in May, be sure to swing over and check out festival. It’s great for the entire family in this small Texas town. Great food, entertainment and I think all the ladies will agree there’s nothing like walking around and seeing real cowboys everywhere you turn. You really get to experience what Texas is all about!

The Edmunds Family at the Wild West Fest!

Prairie Festival, Ft. Worth, TX

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A friend of mine informed about an upcoming event at the Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth, the Prairie Festival. I didn’t know a lot about this, only that it was at a local park / hiking trail and they were promoting sustainability and the environment. With that being said, I was instantly intrigued. I would love to work for a company promoting sustainability and environmentalism. We don’t see this in Texas as much as we do back in Vermont (I’m not really sure, a ton could be done considering how many people live here…I’ll leave this for a different discussion). I had to check this out, not only out of curiosity but in hopes that I would be exposed to a company that would hire me.  
I arrived, mid-afternoon, missing the morning crowd. Parking – parking is on the street. The traffic being forced in one direction only, side streets closed. Took the first stop I could find, walked three blocks. Heck, walking is good for you! Soon enough I found myself arriving upon the festival. I saw a ton of tents, tables and a stage! Wait a second, what’s that I hear, bluegrass, could someone really be playing bluegrass?! I think at this point I began to walk a little faster.
Walking around I saw a ton of exhibitors, ranging from artists, photographers, cassette tape wallets, energy efficient electric companies, Rahr beer. You name it there was something for everyone.
(3L Photograhy – I absolutely LOVED her prints!)
There were two stages, one near the entrance with a solo performer, Jeff Gibbons and the larger stage with my bluegrass band, who turned out to be the Blackland River Devils.
I found myself sitting in front of the solar powered stage, listening to the band, surrounded by hippies, drinking beer, with the hiking trails in the background. I thought I was back in Vermont there for a few seconds. I could’ve been fooled.
 
On the way out I was sure to check out the silent auction table. They had great items supplied from various exhibitors at the festival. Rahr bicycle, wooden rocking chair, organic dog food, a photograph, birdhouses, the list goes on!
 
If you have free time, be sure to check out this event next year, or if you can’t wait that long, check out the Tandy Hills Natural Area. If you enjoy the outdoors, being earthy and environmentally conscious, you are bound to love this area. In the meantime, if you happen to hike the area, let me know how it is!
Info:
Cost: Free
Location:

3400 View Street, Ft. Worth, TX
Pets, Children are welcome.
Parking: Free (Street Parking)  

Main Street, Ft. Worth Arts Festival

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Every April, you can anticipate going to the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival. Don’t be surprised, but you will not be the only one attending this event. Artists come from all over the country to display some of their work and its fascinating. Jewelry, paintings, photographs, metal sculptures and live performers will all be found throughout the area. You will also find local booths promoting various Fort Worth organizations. There is definitely something for everyone.

The festival is free – and there is plenty of free parking in the area so it makes for great afternoon entertainment. Mid-April in Fort Worth is just the kind of weather you are looking for to be able to get out and check out some great creativity (70’s and sunny!). Bring your kids (there was a children’s entertainment stage) but not your pets (they are not permitted). The booths are centrally located on Main Street, everything is one central location so it makes it easy not to get lost and to stay in the general mix of things. Do expect there to be a lot of people. The only downside was we found ourselves walking more on the sidewalks out of people’s way (so we wouldn’t be popped by strollers, even though we did) – it made it a little difficult to try to get to some of the booths. This should be expected for an event like this, just an FYI.

Food and beverages are available however you will need tickets to purchase. There was a wide array of options, including alcoholic beverages. Ticket booths can be found throughout the area.

Here are a few photos that I took from yesterday’s event so you can try to get a feel of what to look forward to next year.  
One end of the street you will find yourself facing the Tarrant County Courthouse.
The heads move on all these guys! The kids were loving it (and me too)!
 
 
 
 Children’s Stage.
 Tarrant County Convention Center behind one of the stages at the end of the street. 
Main Stage
(You can also check out free, live performances in Bass Hall.)
 I LOVE trucks and I absolutely LOVED this photo. Gorgeous!
 Check out these leather binded, handcrafted books. (Jourals and photo albums.) I tried to get myself one but they were out of the small ones. Beautiful! (And very popular!)
 Chimes.
 One of the live entertainers. The hole in his instrument is his tip jar. 
 This was completely woven. I can’t imagine how long it took to make these. Beautiful, vibrant colors.
 

Don’t leave without getting a free hug! It was a great one!
 **I tried to include links to artists pages when I could grab a card to take. If you find yourself listed on this page and would like me to include a link to your personal site, please let me know!**