28 replies to this topic

[Willy1]

I'm just curious what everyone else looks forward to on an annual basis. I have a group of friends who always attends the Greenville Ave St Pat's Parade and the FW Main Street Arts Festival. It's something we all look forward to every year. I also attend the State Fair and Stock Show almost every year... the people watching is the best!!! I'm just curious what other annual events people look forward to attending around DFW...

If it's not on my list (which is admittedly very incomplete) please tell what event you love and why you love it.

[seurto]

Actually, one of my all time favorite things to do is the Japanese Garden Festival in the spring and fall. That has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the city and to have the music and dancers and drummers, etc. is really cool to me. I just LOVE it. Used to hit Scarboro Faire every year but after 20 years, got burned out; ditto with Mayfest. Too many people - ugh, it's heck getting old.

[pmburk]

I voted for Main Street Arts Festival. Free admission, lots to do and see. It really has something for everyone.

I like Mayfest, but it is a little too kid-oriented for me to fully enjoy as an adult with no kids. Never been to Pioneer Days or Race Week. The FW Stock Show is fun, but I don't think it is for everyone. Honestly, unless you're into FFA or rodeos, there isn't a lot for a person to do there. I didn't count the Greenville thing or State Fair, since they aren't in FW.

[pmburk]

Used to hit Scarboro Faire every year but after 20 years, got burned out; ditto with Mayfest.  Too many people - ugh, it's heck getting old.

I used to love Scarborough too, but $19 a ticket?

I also got a little sick of guys in tights asking me if I wanted a "Ye Olde Coors Light."

[safly]

I voted for Main Street Arts Festival. Free admission, lots to do and see. It really has something for everyone.

I like Mayfest, but it is a little too kid-oriented for me to fully enjoy as an adult with no kids. Never been to Pioneer Days or Race Week. The FW Stock Show is fun, but I don't think it is for everyone. Honestly, unless you're into FFA or rodeos, there isn't a lot for a person to do there. I didn't count the Greenville thing or State Fair, since they aren't in FW.

So... you want a kid?

[safly]

You're right. ROdeo is bunk w/o George strait headlining it or a $1million bullride. It is a bit neat when you can pet them potbellys, but nothing more. I would create more interaction such as carriageing guests from downtown or the stocky on towards the rodeo and back, cuts down on the "DD". I love CITG (Concerts in the Garden) for personal reasons but I always appreciate the music and talent produced at those events for CHEAP, then you get fireworks. It's a shame that not enough people attend them all, I think it is quite an introductory towards the ever appealing classical music, of course their are other styles played throughout the season. I just hope the PTB showcase the talent of the musicians more than the flair of the firework shows.

A typical ad would be like this- Come See the CITG FIREWORKS accompanied by the fwso and FIREWORKS ALWAYS AFTER EVERY SHOW KIDS.

[tamtagon]

For me, it's hard to beat the cavalcade found at the State Fair.

[seurto]

Used to hit Scarboro Faire every year but after 20 years, got burned out; ditto with Mayfest.  Too many people - ugh, it's heck getting old.

I used to love Scarborough too, but $19 a ticket?

I also got a little sick of guys in tights asking me if I wanted a "Ye Olde Coors Light."

Ain't that the truth!

A long, long time ago and galaxy far, far away, my summers were built around Shakespeare in the Park; the REAL SITP, blankets, picnic baskets, all free! Who could forget the summer of '80, sitting at Trinity Park, hearing the locusts buzzing, the cars whooshing by on 7th, the planes zooming overhead, it's 325 degrees as you wipe the sweat out of your eyes, to hear the one of the soldiers on the battlements of Elsinor declare, "This bitter cold and I am sick at heart." But, by golly, it worked! I just loved it

[safly]

FW should really push some sort of FIESTA week like they do in the Alamo City. Not just about the predominant Hispanic culture there but always including other influential heritages which make TEXAS such a wonderful state to be from. A week or 2 of partying, fanfare, music and FOOD like N.I.O.S.A.
with; German style smoked sausages/buns on a stick, bratwurst, Italian sweets, Poteet TX strawberry parfaits, Indian pilafs, Phillipino lumpias, grilled fajitas, and everflowing CZECH BEER! Not to mention the St. Mary's Univ. Oyster Bake Festival to kick it all off. Gooood night.

[pmburk]

I voted for Main Street Arts Festival. Free admission, lots to do and see. It really has something for everyone.

I like Mayfest, but it is a little too kid-oriented for me to fully enjoy as an adult with no kids. Never been to Pioneer Days or Race Week. The FW Stock Show is fun, but I don't think it is for everyone. Honestly, unless you're into FFA or rodeos, there isn't a lot for a person to do there. I didn't count the Greenville thing or State Fair, since they aren't in FW.

So... you want a kid?

Are you handing them out?

[safly]

I voted for Main Street Arts Festival. Free admission, lots to do and see. It really has something for everyone.

I like Mayfest, but it is a little too kid-oriented for me to fully enjoy as an adult with no kids. Never been to Pioneer Days or Race Week. The FW Stock Show is fun, but I don't think it is for everyone. Honestly, unless you're into FFA or rodeos, there isn't a lot for a person to do there. I didn't count the Greenville thing or State Fair, since they aren't in FW.

So... you want a kid?

Are you handing them out?

I'd better stop before the Forum starts thinking I'm a 2 timing fool?

[hooked]

I've always enjoyed Grapefest, but haven't been in several years. Also enjoyed Arbor Days in the Mid-Cities (Euless, I think). Always fun to get something for free, even if it is just a scrawny little sapling; the music's good and the weather is usually nice.

[cjyoung]

FW should really push some sort of FIESTA week like they do in the Alamo City. Not just about the predominant Hispanic culture there but always including other influential heritages which make TEXAS such a wonderful state to be from. A week or 2 of partying, fanfare, music  and FOOD like N.I.O.S.A. 
with; German style smoked sausages/buns on a stick, bratwurst, Italian sweets, Poteet TX strawberry parfaits, Indian pilafs, Phillipino lumpias, grilled fajitas, and everflowing CZECH BEER! Not to mention the St. Mary's Univ. Oyster Bake Festival to kick it all off. Gooood night. 

Sounds good. Let's get it started.

[tamtagon]

For me, it's hard to beat the cavalcade found at the State Fair.

I believe I've changed my mind. Fry Street Fair in Denton is my favorite annual event.

[salvag]

I don't look forward to any of these.

[safly]

FW should really push some sort of FIESTA week like they do in the Alamo City. Not just about the predominant Hispanic culture there but always including other influential heritages which make TEXAS such a wonderful state to be from. A week or 2 of partying, fanfare, music  and FOOD like N.I.O.S.A. 
with; German style smoked sausages/buns on a stick, bratwurst, Italian sweets, Poteet TX strawberry parfaits, Indian pilafs, Phillipino lumpias, grilled fajitas, and everflowing CZECH BEER! Not to mention the St. Mary's Univ. Oyster Bake Festival to kick it all off. Gooood night. 

Sounds good. Let's get it started.

We can start by asking if any of the appropriate counsel members of the FW public festivals are currently FWA Forum members. Then we hit it up with the city, to get some feedback and ideas on the feasibility. Then we get our "Sister Cities" reps to scout out SA Fiest Week and NIOSA activities, bring back survey data, POI's, and other related topic info. We present a CLEAR and CONCISE portfolio for the city and arts counsel. We get approval of mixed-funding, then contract a promise that proceeds of the festivals will be allocated towards trust of funding public education, ALL restorations & preservations efforts, and non-profiting efforts to promote the city of FW. Anyone interested in scouting Fiesta with me or solo?

[Willy1]

I like the idea of a week-long celebration. Memphis has a great thing called "Memphis in May" where every weekend in May hundreds of thousands of people gather on the banks of the mississippi and have a huge party with top-tier concerts. When I was there, I was standing between two huge stages. In front of me was Dave Mathews and behind me was George Clinton and the PFunk band. They have more food than you can imagine and it is a gigantic event. I've never been to anything even close to that size. It dwarfed the FW Main Street Arts Festival. Maybe once FW has the new Trinity River Plan built and has a real river front area to use for things of this scale... I would think that a giant ampatheater on the Trinity would be a great idea.

[AndyN]

I am a BIG FAN of the Spring Rally at LaGrave Field. Sure, it's more of a motorcycle and car enthusiast event, but the venue is great and last year's music was great (Junior Brown etal). This is the second year, and part of the proceeds goes to benefit homeless Tandy Subway cars. I think it is held the last weekend in April, but I will definitely get the facts and post back later.

In the name of full disclosure, this is North Texas Historic Transportation's biggest annual fundraiser. We really hope to turn this into a premier event at LaGrave. Unfortunately, we can not hold an event for more than two days a year, otherwise we would jeopardize our 501©3 tax status. However, if we joined efforts with another non-profit organization or two, then bring on the brats and tacos!

[hooked]

The Spring Rally is April 23 and 24. $5 for one day, or $8 for a two-day pass.

[mosteijn]

The only one of these I even remotely attend on an annual basis would be the Main St. Festival, and I wasn't even planning on going last year until I heard Bowling for Soup was going to be putting on a free concert! Good times...

[safly]

The only one of these I even remotely attend on an annual basis would be the Main St. Festival, and I wasn't even planning on going last year until I heard Bowling for Soup was going to be putting on a free concert! Good times...

BFS did redeem itself after a disastrous '03 appearance. the pad I'm in has a wonderful view of the stage and crowds. Anyone interestd in my 2yo pictorial known as "Pic's From the Penthouse" ?

[safly]

I am a BIG FAN of the Spring Rally at LaGrave Field. Sure, it's more of a motorcycle and car enthusiast event, but the venue is great and last year's music was great (Junior Brown etal). This is the second year, and part of the proceeds goes to benefit homeless Tandy Subway cars. I think it is held the last weekend in April, but I will definitely get the facts and post back later.

In the name of full disclosure, this is North Texas Historic Transportation's biggest annual fundraiser. We really hope to turn this into a premier event at LaGrave. Unfortunately, we can not hold an event for more than two days a year, otherwise we would jeopardize our 501©3 tax status. However, if we joined efforts with another non-profit organization or two, then bring on the brats and tacos!

Now your thinking, I like it! Maybe with my Pro Sports inside info. we can put a face on it.

[safly]

I like the idea of a week-long celebration. Memphis has a great thing called "Memphis in May" where every weekend in May hundreds of thousands of people gather on the banks of the mississippi and have a huge party with top-tier concerts. When I was there, I was standing between two huge stages. In front of me was Dave Mathews and behind me was George Clinton and the PFunk band. They have more food than you can imagine and it is a gigantic event. I've never been to anything even close to that size. It dwarfed the FW Main Street Arts Festival. Maybe once FW has the new Trinity River Plan built and has a real river front area to use for things of this scale... I would think that a giant ampatheater on the Trinity would be a great idea.

The "Memphis in May" sounds like a sure winner. As for the Amphitheater idea, in the last 2 yrs I have mulled it over with some local area musicians and it would be a VERY PROMISING venue to push the Arts here in a way never before seen. Sydney's Opera House or Amphitheater would be the model to chisel from. I also presented the idea for FWSO concerts to be played on an elaborate water stage, or to move 1/2 the summer concerts or 4th of July concert(s) to a TRV musical stage. We just need some private/Corp. interest to support the presenting of our vision with some muscle.

[Bretley42]

I enjoyed the event a lot last year, so much I am trying to get my vintage MC club in this year (but the fw weelky has yet to update their page for registration).

I do believe that they are messing it up by streatching it across two days, part of the coolness last year was the cars, bikes, and music all combined into one crazy day. This bit of carshow and music on Sat, and bike rally and music on Sun, is missing the boat.

That said, I'll be there both days, (well, if I can scrounge some VIP passes for Saturday).

-b

I am a BIG FAN of the Spring Rally at LaGrave Field. Sure, it's more of a motorcycle and car enthusiast event, but the venue is great and last year's music was great (Junior Brown etal). This is the second year, and part of the proceeds goes to benefit homeless Tandy Subway cars. I think it is held the last weekend in April, but I will definitely get the facts and post back later.

In the name of full disclosure, this is North Texas Historic Transportation's biggest annual fundraiser. We really hope to turn this into a premier event at LaGrave. Unfortunately, we can not hold an event for more than two days a year, otherwise we would jeopardize our 501©3 tax status. However, if we joined efforts with another non-profit organization or two, then bring on the brats and tacos!

[SouthSideAllan2000]

FW should really push some sort of FIESTA week like they do in the Alamo City.

Yeah that would be great. Maybe we should have it in September/October and be a Heritage week since Labor Day is around that time it could be a 'good bye summer' party, then there's Mexico's Independence day Sept. 16, Oktuber Fest, and just nicer weather that time of year. Who knows maybe years from now people will feel that the summer isn't over until after Fort Worth's Fiesta/Heritage Week.

Allan

[salvag]

The only one of these I even remotely attend on an annual basis would be the Main St. Festival, and I wasn't even planning on going last year until I heard Bowling for Soup was going to be putting on a free concert! Good times...

gag

[AndyN]

I enjoyed the event a lot last year, so much I am trying to get my vintage MC club in this year (but the fw weelky has yet to update their page for registration).

I do believe that they are messing it up by streatching it across two days, part of the coolness last year was the cars, bikes, and music all combined into one crazy day.  This bit of carshow and music on Sat, and bike rally and music on Sun, is missing the boat.

That said, I'll be there both days, (well, if I can scrounge some VIP passes for Saturday).

Yeah, I am curious how it is going to go over a two day period. I am busting my rear end trying to get my 1957 GM 31 passenger bus in operable condition by then, but probably won't make it. Alternatively, I could load up the horse-drawn streetcar.

We'll have a booth there at the very least.

www.northtexastransport.org

[Call me Arch Stanton]

I am a big fan of the Stock Show, and I think the Nextel Cup races (two of them this year) out at TMS are very important, and a TON of fun, but perhaps a little too narrowly focused.

Just from my knowledge of the events, I'm going to have to lean towards the Main St. Arts Festival, even though I've yet to attend one of them I'm not quite sure how I've missed them up to this point, but I fully plan to attend this year. It still gets my vote due to the number of people who attend, the prestige the event carries nationwide, and the overall impact it has on the city.

[SouthSideAllan2000]

If anyone is interested, I will be crushing cans at the annual Corporate Can Crush at the Main St. Arts Fest hosted by Rebecca Miller of NBC 5. It is, I believe, my fourth year doing it and we are returning Champions for the 2nd year. So wish us good luck. By the way, it is at noon and I represent Colonial Savings so your all more than welcome to come by and say hi, I'm the shortest/chubbier of the males(3 males, 1 female).

Allan