Festival gets bigger and better with old faves, new attractions

With a silver anniversary as inspiration, YesterYear organizers are pulling out all the stops to make this year's festival extra special.

For the first time ever, a Car, Truck and Bike Show is on the bill. And a staple of the event, the outdoor concert, has been moved from the city park amphitheater to Wildcat Stadium. With four musicians headlining the "Red Dirt Roundup" on Saturday, June 23, the bigger arena was a necessity.

Two favorite attractions, absent for many years, return in 2007.

Especially fitting for the silver anniversary is the appearance of the Texicans, a group of men and women dressed in period clothing who depict wild west gunfighters of the 1800s.

For longtime festival-goers, this will bring back fond memories of YesterYears past.

Also making a comeback is a YesterYear carnival. The past few YesterYear celebrations have missed the lights and sounds of the carnival. This year they are proud to have D'Heilly Midway and Jim's Rides in Whitehouse to make the week even more fun.

The carnival will open on June 20 and run through June 23 and will be set up on the south side of FM 346 across from the city park.

Those familiar with the festival will be glad to note that some things are the same.

When the fourth weekend of June finally arrives, it's time for the YesterYear Review on Friday, June 22. The Review is a variety show of sorts with local talent singing, dancing and acting their way into the hearts of many.

This year's theme of "Sterling Moments … A 25th Celebration" will focus on the 25 years of the festival and those who have made it great. This will also feature the Royal Courts and all their pageantry. Tickets for this event are $5.

The event that every kid in town waits for finally arrives on Saturday, June 23. The annual parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the junior high. The route will take the floats, clowns, Shriners and marchers south on Hwy. 110 and then east on FM 346 to Bascom Road.

Those interested in being a part of the parade should contact Kurt Kunzman at 903-839- 3118.

Other events of Saturday, June 23 will include a petting zoo in the city park.

As always, the park will be filled with craft vendors, cotton candy and popcorn and a wonderful barbeque meal will be available at the fire station. This year's BBQ event is being sponsored by the Henry Marsh Bell Masonic Lodge.