George West Storyfest
George West, Texas

When: The first weekend in November.

Where: Live Oak County Courthouse Square in George West, Texas. The Party In The Park takes place at the August E. Caron, Jr. Pavilion in George West City Park.

From John Henry Faulk to "Kinky" Friedman, the Lone Star state has given birth to a number of famous fable of Designated the "storytelling capital of Texas," the community of George West passes on the tradition of tall tale-telling with an annual fable-themed festival.

Events: Get a taste of the upcoming festival at the free community breakfast at historic Buck West House, where you can say "Hey!" to the storytellers who will spin tales over the three-day fete as you chug down some coffee and breakfast tacos, a spicy start to a day that leads to a Party In the Park!, where you can cheer on the quarterback in the football game, or save your pipes for a karaoke performance.

The art of exaggeration is the focal point of this festival, and all weekend long storytellers spin yarns ranging from fanciful children's fables to ghoulish ghost stories. Cowboy culture is honored with a chuckwagon dinner and show, and on Sunday performers recite parables in praise of a higher power during the "Sacred Stories" gathering.

Like the festival's storytellers, musicians weave tales into a verbal tapestry onstage, transporting you back to those happy days with 50's favorites, or conjuring up the independent spirit of the cowboy with country and western standards. After a day spent listening to tall tales, let your feet do the talking as you move to the groove of Texas tunes during the street dance.

The squeaking wheels of Radio Flyers announce the arrival of the Little Red Wagon Parade and Decorating Contest, a cavalcade of America's favorite childhood toy, gussied up for the judges. If vintage vehicles are more your speed, check out the classy chassis on display at the classic car show.

Children's Activities: Little ones can lollop about inside crayon-colored bouncy castles or slither down an inflatable slide in the designated children's area, while pre-teens and adolescents can ascend a rock-climbing wall or enjoy the old-fashioned fun of a dunking booth. Children of all ages will love the cuddly critters at the petting zoo.

For more information:

• visit www.georgeweststoryfest.org