Texas Border Business –
The 26th Annual Texas Onion Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 to be held at Weslaco City Park bringing all the attractions attendees know and love, with a few new features.
Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Sweet Texas Onion which was developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M University Extension Service. Originally called the 1015 onion, the name came from the suggested planting date, October 15. The festival brings the community together for a fun filled day of onion eating contests, cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, entertainment and so much more. The festival is just one of the many attractions Weslaco has to offer, and reminds the community of Weslaco’s agricultural achievement.
Texas Onion Fest will add to this year’s festivities with two major firsts. Joining Texas Onion Fest for the first time is the Heart of America Carnival, which runs Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29, with $20 all-you-can-ride armbands. In addition, Texas Onion Fest will debut its first official mascot, Tex the Sweet Onion, at the event.
“Expanding the event with a carnival and a mascot is really exciting for us,” remarked Daryl Smith, Texas Onion Fest committee chair. “We want to always look for ways to improve and add to our event.”
On Saturday, live entertainment is scheduled for both the Hermes Music Stage and the Frost Bank Stage. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of country, Tejano and Norteño music during the day. In the evening beginning at 6 pm, Johnny and Nora Canales return to Texas Onion Fest to record an episode of their music variety show, bringing a lineup of fresh new Latin artists. The Frost Bank Stage will feature the famous onion eating contest, magician Oscar Muñoz, Donna’s Line Dancing and Sabor Vallero Latin Dance Company.
Always a crowd favorite, Rancho Caballo de Puro Raza Azteca will be performing at 1:30 and 3:30 pm at the HEB Charro Arena, featuring dancing horses. Live cooking demonstrations and the Onion and Salsa recipe contests will be held at the AEP Texas Culinary Center. Check out classic cars and modern hot rods at the Magic Valley Electric Co-Op Car Show and Shine.
Admission for adults is $5, $3 for children. Ages 3 and under get in free. For more information, contact the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce at 956-968-2102.
