Heritage Syrup Festival
Henderson, Texas

When: early November

Where: Activities take place at the Depot Museum (514 North High Street) and in the downtown square in Henderson.

Walking along the grounds of the Depot Museum, it is easy to imagine the joyous ring of children's laughter emanating from the Beall-Ross Home, where the future founders of Beall's Department Store were born and raised, or the clatter of a weaver's loom coming from the rustic T.J. Walling cabin. The chatter of passengers as they waited to board the next train still seem to reverberate inside the Missouri Pacific railroad depot, and the monotonous grind during the syrup-making process can almost be discerned from the syrup mill.

Each November these echoes of the past are revived at the Heritage Syrup Festival, a day-long tribute to Henderson's heritage where artisans hand stitch pieces of cloth into kaleidoscopic-patterned quilts, potters mould mounds of clay into bowls and cups, carvers whittle whimsical objects from blocks of wood, and a mule turns the wheel that begins the transformation of sugar cane into syrup.

Since 1988 history buffs have flocked to the festival to gain insight into the lives of their forefathers as storytellers weave tales of days gone by, cowboys rustle up some grub in a chuck wagon cooking demonstration, and beloved gospel, country and bluegrass tunes are performed by a roster of musical acts. Entertainment is lined up for the little ones as well, who will enjoy seeking out souvenirs in the kid's treasure hunt, while the men can mull over the mechanical aspects of yesteryear's farming equipment at the antique tractor and engine show.

Hop aboard a hay ride shuttle for a trip downtown, where auto enthusiasts can check out the antique and classic car exhibit while foodies cheer on the backyard chefs who put their skills to the test in a chili cook-off. An old-fashioned melodrama offers a glimpse into 19th century entertainment, while the fleet feet of cloggers and square dancers perform for an appreciative crowd. Before returning to the depot on the hay ride shuttle, festival attendees can meander among 150 arts and crafts booths for a memento of the day as onstage musicians provide a soundtrack to the search.

For more information:

• visit www.depotmuseum.com