MayFest promises fun for all at Johnson Park

 By Lew K. Cohn

The Highlander

Managing Editor

The countdown is on for the annual MayFest, to be held at historic Johnson Park in Marble Falls from May 11-14.

This year's MayFest promises to be better than ever as there are a number of fun events for children and adults alike as well as music, contests and the MayFest carnival.

“MayFest started a long time ago as Springfest and was held in conjunction with the Howdy-Roo, but it later split and became MayFest,” said Julia Adams, director of special events for the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce. “This is our second biggest fundraiser after Lakefest and one of the biggest events we hold every year.”

This year's MayFest will begin with family nights at the carnival on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12. The carnival begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and continues until midnight.

Wristbands for unlimited rides at the carnival are $20 per person on those nights, as opposed to $25 per person on Friday and Saturday.

Tokens for the carnival rides are $1 each and rides can take four to five tokens apiece. Tokens and wristbands must be purchased at Johnson Park. Also, patrons should check height requirements for rides before purchasing tickets or wristbands as there will be no refunds due to height restrictions.

The carnival begins at 5 p.m. Friday, May 13, as well and also open at that time will be the MayFest beer garden, with both closing at midnight. Beverage tickets for beer or wine are $3 each, while tickets for soft drinks and water are $1 each. There will be no outside alcohol allowed on the premises during MayFest.

Local favorite Rey Avila y Sus Legitimos Norte will perform for their third year at the MayFest street dance at 8 p.m. Friday. The band plays Tejano and conjunto music and has a large following. Admission to the dance is free.

On Saturday, May 14, the beer garden opens at 11 a.m. Also kicking off at 11 a.m. will be a double-elimination washer tournament. Entry is $20 per team and contestants are asked to bring their own washers (the little, round, metal tool, not washing machines).

The carnival begins again at noon and while the kids have fun riding and playing to their hearts content, the adults can have some fun as well with several events aimed at their age group, beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14.

One of the more interesting events are the Goldfish Races, sponsored by Texas Builders & Roofing. “Racetracks” are set up for the goldfish, using rain gutters. A starting line barrier is lifted and contestants must squirt a water gun from behind their racing fish to get it to swim to the end of the track.
Volunteer race officials will be present to help determine the winners in every heat, who get to keep their racers. Friends can also take the opportunity to race against one another for bragging rights, but please, no wagering, said Adams. The event is free to the public and races will be held every half hour from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Another fun event will be the Blindfolded Paddle Boat Races, sponsored by Jolly Rodgers, in which teams of two will compete in single elimination races to navigate a course in the water. Grab a trustworthy buddy to guide you through as you paddle your way blindfolded down Backbone Creek. Just remember to watch out for buoys, boys and girls! Entry fee is $20 per team and races will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Other fun events include the Twister contest, sponsored by #VisitMarble, and the life size Jenga contest. These events are free to the public and will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. as well.

The music will be “turned up to 11” with four great bands performing, starting with rock, country, blues, and hard rock performers Hard Right from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Following them will be Southern country, rock and blues band Allen Ray and Southern Comfort from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Texas country, blues, folk and rock band The Ain'tNeverBeens will take the stage from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the headliner will be Texas country and blues band Southern Underground, who will perform from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. All concert performances are free to the public.

Johnson Park is located at 230 Avenue J in Marble Falls. For more information about MayFest or for a schedule of events, check out www.marblefalls.org/events/2016/MayFest.