Onion Fest
Weslaco, Texas

When: early April [check for this year's dates]

Where: Weslaco City Park at 300 North Airport Drive in Weslaco, Texas.

An annual, one-day ode to the 1015 sweet onion makes for a sweet treat for the 26,935 residents of this Hidalgo County town.

Photos courtesy Weslaco Chamber of Commerce

Entertainment: As mariachi music plays, crowds will clap for the rhythmic clip-clop of The Andalusian and Azteca dancing horses. Honoring a proud Hispanic heritage, charro riders in traditional "trajes" take the purebred Spanish horses through their paces, while Escaramuzas perform sidesaddle, demonstrating the elegance of the equine sport.

From country crooners to lively mariachi melodies, soul-stirring gospel to pulsating Latin beats, musical notes will mingle in the air with the spicy aroma of onion blossoms as live musical acts perform on two stages throughout the day.

Events: Wii generation gamers can jam like Jimi Hendrix as they simulate playing a six-string during Guitar Hero III or pretend to be Pikachu, Mario, Link or another Nintendo character during a combative round of Super Smash Brothers, two of the tournaments being held at the Internet Cafe.

Win or lose, participants will have tears streaming down their faces at the conclusion of the onion-eating contest. Four categories-- youth, adult, senior and celebrity, will compete for prizes in this event.

If the sight of award-winning appetizers and main courses inspire you to concoct your own culinary creations, stock up on supplies at the Farmer's Market, where vendors sell vegetables and fruit along with jellies and jams. If have a hankering for tried and true festival food, head over to the food vendors for a corn dog, taco, and of course, an awesome blossom.

The sparkle of a silver necklace or the sight of a bluebonnet painting draws visitors into the Arts & Crafts tent, where the array of books, CDs, artwork and ornaments on sale make a lasting souvenir of your day at the festival.

Children's Activities: The imaginations of little sprouts can blossom with the array of activities offered at the Knapp Medical Family Area, while energetic imps can shoot down an inflatable slide or ride a Ferris wheel just their size, or tackle a rock climbing wall.

For more information:

• visit www.weslaco.com