Shivaree
Gatesville, Texas

When: early June

Where: Coryell County Activities Complex in Gatesville.

Known as the Spur Capital of Texas, a drive through the city of Gatesville is a trip down memory lane. A town where couples enjoy an old-fashioned date night at the local drive-in and hunt for that special Shawnee vase or vintage Raggedy Ann doll at the myriad antiques stores, this central Texas town is also home each first weekend in June to a free festival that's a nostalgic nod to the innocent pastimes of yesteryear.

Events: A reality TV-inspired itinerary gets underway in the afternoon as future Carrie Underwoods and Taylor Hicks hit some high notes during the Shivaree Idol singing contest. Festival goers can also cheer on the contestants in both the adult and 12 and under divisions who chow down on the mystery meal served during the Shivaree Factor Eating Contest.

Auto enthusiasts can check out the four-wheeled wonders on display at the car show, wild West fans can watch a true Lone Star shoot-out, and brave buckaroos can sign up for the bull-riding contest. Animal lovers can root for their favorite cuddly canine as dachshunds vie for dominance in the Weenie Dog Race.

Attendees can join in on the time-honored hobby of pitching horseshoes in the horseshoe contest, or participate in a domino tournament. Gatesville residents and their guests can guess where a cow will answer the call of nature during the cow patty bingo contest or shout "bingo!" while playing the regular version of the game. Music aficionados can applaud the acoustic artistry of local musicians at the fiddler's contest, then shuffle their shoes to the tunes played at the final night contest later that evening.

For souvenir seekers, booths brimming with arts and crafts are set up both inside the complex and outside.

Children's activities: A special area dubbed Kiddie Land will keep young ones entertained, as will the games at the carnival.

For more information:

• visit www.gatesvilletx.info