37th Edgewood Heritage Festival, Van Zandt County, Texas

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I have given the honor by the Edgewood Historical Society to design the artwork for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival this year. A sketch of The 1927 Myrtle Spring School done by a talented local artist, Paige Bridges, is used as the main focus. The picture of the two kids holding hands were taken during 2009 festival. They were getting ready for a street dance performance together with their peers from the local school during this fun event.

The festival celebrates the legacy, traditions, and customs of rural life in East Texas around late 1800s and early 1900s. What makes this festival very special and worth visiting is that the event is held in the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas that houses about 21 authentically restored and furnished historical buildings depicting a rural village in Van Zandt County in its early development. The buildings are well maintained and furnished, the ground beautifully manicured. All the buildings will be opened for tours with docents ready to tell the visitors the history of each one.

Special vintage craft demonstration are always a big part of the heritage festival. The East Texas Blacksmith Association will operate the old blacksmith shop in the village and many will bring their vintage anvils to show off their skills. The antique printing presses will be running in the restored print shop and the making of lye soap at the log smoke house will be popular spots. The restored train depot will be the destination of model train enthusiast as an extensive exhibit of trains will be operating in the freight room. A Knife and Tomahawk Throwers group will make their debut in this festival this year and demonstrate their skill and may let the visitors experience it, too.

A talent show on the main stage will offer a variety of entertainment while a dog show around the gazebo in the log village and -for the first time this yea- a DOG PARADE, will be a highlight for canine lovers. The 20th Pinto Bean Cook-off is on tap and competent beaners offer their best talents in preparing this Van Zandt County gourmet treat. These contests feature prizes to be awarded.

In addition to the popular Classic Car Show on the streets of downtown Edgewood, the third annual antique Tractor Show will attract collectors from a wide area. Each of these shows award many prizes to the participants. The Heritage Quilt Show will take place in the Edgewood Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of the highlights of the day will be Sparky Sparks, “The King of Armadillo Racing”, and his famous Texas Armadillos. This must-see event will begin around 10 a.m. and will end with a ‘celebrity’ race featuring three of Van Zandt County’s well-known citizens.

Vendors Ally offers the visitors a shopping spree to remember. There will be a children’s playground area with rides, a food court featuring a variety of culinary treats and the Heritage Bake Sale will be held in the restored Gilliam Gas Station.

The festival is possible through many generous sponsors throughout the area. Net proceeds from the festival go to the future development and maintenance of Heritage Park Museum of East Texas.

Mark your calendar for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival:

Saturday, November 9th, 2013, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Live acoustic music will be offered throughout the day.

At the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas, downtown Edgewood, Texas (50 miles east of Dallas, 50 miles west of Tyler, on US Hwy 80)

To view the festival’s pictures go to my previous posts:

https://inegaleri.com/2012/05/04/edgewood-heritage-festival-heritage-park/

https://inegaleri.com/2012/05/04/edgewood-heritage-festival-downtown/