George West Storyfest to hold Red Wagon Parade[Storytelling Capital of Texas...Ergo, the world!]

The Progress ^ | 10-25-06 | Nancy Deviney

[SwinneySwitch]

You don’t have to wait much longer…George West Storyfest is almost here. The fun kicks off on Friday, November 3, with the Community Breakfast and Chuckwagon Dinner and then sails into Saturday, November 4, all day on the Live Oak County Courthouse Square, with storytellers and music for all.

In between all the breakfast tacos, tall tales and toe tapping tunes, you’ll find plenty to entertain you from the Red Wagon Parade to the Texas State Liar’s Contest © to Living History demonstrations to the Reptile Adventures display. Here’s just a sample of the Saturday line up and, remember, grounds admission is free all day long.

The Red Wagon Parade and Decorating Contest isn’t just for kids. There are three categories including youth (age 14 and under), adult (age 15 and above) and commercial. Tell your own story by decorating your red wagon to promote your business, your school spirit, your favorite holiday or whatever strikes your fancy and compete for the first, second and third prize trophies in each category.

This walking parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the Courthouse Square on East Houston Street in George West and will wind through the grounds where the wagons will remain on display until 5 p.m. when the trophies are awarded.

Entry fee for the parade is $5 per wagon. An entry form is available online at www.georgeweststoryfest.com or at the George West Chamber of Commerce. Deadline for entry is October 27.

The Civil War-era will come alive for one day at Storyfest thanks to the dedicated folks of the Living History groups, Behind the Lines and the Society of Historical Interpreters of Texas. You won’t want to miss the stories told through their reenactments using authentic uniforms, saddles, weapons and the like.

Behind the Lines will capture the drama and excitement of life during the Civil War through field demonstrations of living history. The Society of Historical Interpreters of Texas will portray “The Calvary of the West”, an actual Confederate home guard unit based in South Texas during the Civil War.

While the able-bodied young men were fighting the Yankees back East, the old men and boys of the home guard were defending South Texas. The Calvary of the West actually fought and won the last battle of the Civil War in Brownsville.

You will also be able to get an up-close look of some giant slimy snakes along with more than 75 different species of reptiles, including massive lizards, huge turtles, and a myriad of crocodilians. Danny Conner’s Reptile Adventures collection boasts one of the most impressive reptile exhibits and shows in the United States.

This exciting exhibit will be open all day and will feature interactive shows to thrill young and old alike. You may even have the privilege of holding a python!

Get ready for some really fantastic fibs during the second annual Texas State Liar’s Contest © from 2-4 p.m. Some of the state’s best liars will compete in this invitation-only event that would put Pinocchio to shame. Last year’s winner, Donna Ingham from Spicewood, will be back to defend her title.

Plan to stay all day and enjoy the Classic Car Show sponsored by some of the area car clubs, and, while you’re there, don’t forget to cast your vote for the car of your dreams in the People’s Choice awards.

Or maybe the quilt show at the Church of Christ, just off the Courthouse Square, will be just what you’re looking for. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., you’ll be able to see the creative handiwork of the local ladies.

The children’s area will feature inflatables and games, including a ring toss and cakewalk, and even a petting zoo! Don’t forget to bring your Christmas gift list and plan on doing some early shopping. There will be numerous arts/crafts booths featuring an array of items you won’t be able to live without such as handmade silver jewelry, candles, bath soaps & salts and children’s puppets.

Forget your diet for one day and enjoy the great food offerings on hand such as fried snickers, funnel cakes, caramel apples, jambalaya and other mouth-watering delights. Top them all off with a cold beer, soft drink or a hot cup of coffee, and there will be no need to leave the grounds until closing time.

You won’t have to worry about a baby-sitter because George West Storyfest is a kid-friendly event and, even better, there is no charge for grounds admission.

Don’t miss this 18th annual event in the Storytelling Capital of Texas.

For more information about this weekend of sensational stories and fantastic fun, visit the Storyfest web site at www.georgeweststoryfest.org, call 888.600.3121 or email info@georgeweststoryfest.org.

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[SwinneySwitch]

"Society of Historical Interpreters of Texas will protray "The Cavalry of the West" this was a Confederate home guard unit here in South Texas. As all the young men were fighting Yankees back East the home guards were all old men and boys. The Cavalry of the West fought and won the last battle of the Civil War. It took place down in Brownsville. We will set up and do static living history all day with weapons, saddles, uniforms and various other equipment displays."

[SwinneySwitch]

Storyfest Ping!

[CindyDawg]

This looks like fun. I was going to the beach but.....

[texanyankee]

I went to the first Storyfest and everyone for the first 10 years or so.....it was always fun and we enjoyed it. Great family fun and lots of good stories & music.

I wish we could go this year.....

[girlscout]

Sounds like a fun time. I wish I could be there; my great grandfather had a ranch in Dinero back in the day and it would be interesting to be on his old home turf. Y'all have fun and maybe I'll see you next year.