If you listen closely, you can discern the faint echo of yesteryear resonating through the 20 structures that line Heritage Park Village. Although stilled, it is easy to imagine the rhythmic creak of the rocking chair on the worn wooden planks of the Scott cabin’s front porch, a rustic relic from the 1870’s, while the cry of “Hallelujah!” seems to ring inside the Church of the Wildwood, where Van Zandt county residents worshipped at the dawn of the 20th century.
Perhaps you’ll hear the distant blast of a locomotive whistle as you walk up to the cheerily-painted Murchinson Depot, or catch the clink of glasses as you peer through the red and white gingham checked curtains draped across the windows of Tom’s Cafe, where flappers in rolled stockings dined during the Jazz era. Each structure has a story to tell, and since 1977 their tales have been passed down to successive generations as festival attendees gather at Heritage Park Village for a yearly tribute to times gone by.
Competitions: Taste buds are tempted during the CASI Chili Cook-off, and weekend chefs stir up a batch of a favorite Lone Star side dish during the Pinto Bean Cook-off.
Animals also get in on the action as pooches parade around in canine couture, vying for first place in a dog show, while tiny “armored” Texas tanks race toward the finish line in Sparky Sparks Armadillo Races.
Events: From Model A’s to nostalgic Chevrolets, take a trip down memory lane as you view the sassy chassis on display in the Classic Car Show, or enjoy a nostalgic nod to the town’s founding fathers at a historical re-enactment, performed in period costume amid the historic buildings that have a permanent home at Heritage Park Village.
Multi-colored patches of fabric lovingly stitched by hand in Grandmother’s Flower Garden, Double Wedding Ring and Honeycomb patterns will warm your heart at the quilt show, while in another area a basket maker weaves reeds into receptacles– just two of the handmade specialties showcased during the festival. Sewing and basketry were essential skills for women in the past, and visitors can learn more about pioneer life during a tour of the park’s historic buildings.
Children’s Activities: Christmas is just around the corner, and while parents search of presents among the booths at the Sidewalk Art Sale little ones can whisper their holiday gift wish list to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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