Weatherford's newest downtown event takes place this Saturday

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October 24, 2012

Weatherford's newest downtown event takes place this Saturday

Brian Smith Weatherford Democrat The Weatherford Democrat Wed Oct 24, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD —

A stampede of sorts will be rolling through downtown Weatherford Saturday but it’s the type people will want to see.

City of Weatherford’s Main Street Program is hosting the inaugural Hometown Heritage Stampede from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a number of entertainers and vendors helping to transform the northwest quadrant of the square into a 1900s style town. There will be a number of western themed options for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day.

City of Weatherford Main Street and Special Event Coordinator Kim Thieme said the event has a number of working parts to make sure something is happening year round.

“This event is a culmination of the City and Chamber partnership to host one major event in Downtown Weatherford each quarter of the year,” Thieme said. “In addition to Weatherford Blooms, the Peach Festival, and Christmas on the Square, the Hometown Heritage Stampede is another celebration of Weatherford’s rich heritage and will bring more activity and vibrancy back to the heart of the community.”

Buffalo Bill’s Cowboy Band, a 28 piece group period specific to Buffalo Bill’s 1915 stop in Weatherford, is one of the featured entertainers. The band will perform two hour-long sets, one at 11:30 a.m. and the other at 2 p.m.

The Legends of Texas, an award winning professional group that reenacts comedy gunfights in the Fort Worth Stockyards, is also scheduled to perform. Entertainment can be found at the parking lot at York Avenue and Dallas Avenue.

A kiddie dress-up contest will be held in the entertainment area. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and children ages 3 to 12 can participate by dressing in conjunction with one of two categories: Cowboy/Cowgirl and Historical Character/Novelty (saloon girl, Roy Rogers, etc.).

Immediately following the dress-up contest, kids ages 2 to 8 can participate in a stick horse barrel race contest. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m.

In conjunction with the Hometown Heritage Stampede, businesses will offer a downtown trick-or-treat. Throughout the day, children and their families in costume are encouraged to explore downtown Weatherford. Select stores around the square, Main Street, York Avenue and more will host this event. It’s simple: businesses with a cut-out pumpkin placed on their doors are welcoming trick-or-treaters.

Also scheduled is a kids korral with a number of western activities to help children understand what life was like back in the Wild West. While the kids are learning a bit of history, adults will have a chance to visit a number of western vendors and an antiques area.

An “antique alley” along York Avenue will display several local vintage vendors. Event goers are encouraged to park in any of the other three quadrants of the square, surrounding the Courthouse.