The 2nd Annual Spirit of Texas Festival, scheduled for March 23 through 25 at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater in College Station, invites current and former servicemen and servicewomen and their families to experience the spirit of Texas and the chance to be a part of history. Admission to the family friendly festival is free.
“Those who serve in the military love our nation and Texas as much as we do," says Cynthia Caronna, the festival's executive director. "So, we want to say thank you by inviting them to come join our family friendly event. They will have the opportunity to explore some of the best that the Lone Star State has to offer, all in one place. There is something for everyone; the foodie, the shopper, the music lover, and children of all ages!”
Members of the military and their families are invited to check in with their military ID at the festival on Saturday, March 24, to help build and eat the world’s longest ice cream sundae. According to the Guinness World Record, the current record set in 2016 stands at 3,627 feet, 8.8 inches. Participants will receive an official certificate stating they are part of history by creating a world record.
The record-setting attempt is sponsored by HEB’s Creamy Creations, which is donating 500 gallons of HEB Creamy Creations ice cream, 300 gallons of chocolate sauce, 2,000 cans of whipped cream, 25 pounds of sprinkles and 20,000 cherries to the effort.
The festival’s schedule also offers something for every member of the family:
- Music – The festival has multiple stages that will feature a variety of Texas musical groups. Headliners include rising country star Stephanie Quayle and Tejano band Las Fenix.
- BBQ Cook-Off – This event, which is sanctioned by the International Barbecue Cookers Association, is set for March 23 and 24 and offers cash prizes of $10,000. Last year’s event attracted more than 50 BBQ teams from across Texas.
- Curbside Smackdown Food Truck Competition – Approximately 50 food trucks hailing from around the state will offer crave-worthy dishes for participants to enjoy throughout the festival. The cost will be $5 per offering. These same dishes also will be evaluated by judges who will award $11,000 in prize money to the top trucks on March 25.
- Idea Village – Educational pods will offer a variety of learning activities for school-aged children. These learning experiences range from chemistry experiments to milking cows.
- Trading Market – This combination of Round Top and the Nutcracker Market will include more than 200 vendors and artisans who offer all things Texas and more. Vendors and artists will be set up March 23 through 25.
- Future Stars of Texas – This community stage will feature a variety of children’s and youth groups. Performances will include singing and dancing, martial arts, 4-H presentations, and more.
- Pony Hop Rodeo – This event gives participants the opportunity to hop their way to glory and prizes on inflated horses.
The Spirit of Texas Festival is supporting four nonprofits whose work affect the lives of youth: the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley; Von’s Vision, which was founded by Texas A&M football legend Von Miller; K9s4KIDS; and Mobility Worldwide.
For further information about the festival or to sign up as a vendor, food truck or performer, visit the festival’s website at www.sotxfest.com/ or Facebook page www.facebook.com/spiritoftxfest.
