Schulenburg Festival
Schulenburg, Texas

When: early August

Where: Most events take place at Wolters Park in Schulenburg, while the golf tournament is held in nearby Flatonia.

The German translation of the name Schulenburg is "school city," and each first weekend in August the visitors to this Fayette County community learn the meaning of hometown pride as residents gather for a three-day salute to good, old-fashioned summertime fun.

Rodeo: The Colorado River Shootout Rodeo at Wolters Park Rodeo Arena offers a roster of rootin'-tootin' cowboy competitions, including barrel riding, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and steer wrestling.

Competitions: Choruses of "Swing batter batter!" ring out at the Sports complex when players step up to the plate in the slow-pitch women's and men's softball tournaments, and fun is par for the course as 4-person teams tee off during the golf classic at Flatonia Golf Course. While athletic attendees race for first place in the 5K Run/Walk at Wolters Park Pavilion and participants take aim in the horseshoe pitching contest at the American Legion Hall, foodies hungry for a culinary competition can cheer on their favorite charcoal griller in the Go Texan BBQ Cook-off, jackpot beans contest and the CASI Chili Cook-off.

Entertainment: Music lovers can meet up at The Beirgarten Pavilion to listen to some Texas tunes and two-step through the evening during a free street dance, held on the final night of the festival.

Shopping: Folks can find a Lone Star-themed souvenir among booths brimming with arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles.

Children's Activities: Little ones can promenade down the street in a special Kiddie parade, and watch an array of floats and marching bands during the festival parade, which leads from downtown to the park. Pint-sized sprinters can lace up their sneakers and join Mom and Dad for a Family Fun Run, or race their peers in the 10 and under division of the 1K run. Tiny tots can get in on the action as they pedal toward the finish line in the tricycle races, or they can simply enjoy the many child-friendly carnival rides at the festival.

For more information:

• visit www.schulenburgfestival.org