36th Annual Mayfest in Fort Worth May 1 - 4

The 2008 Mayfest will be held in Fort Worth's Trinity Park May 1^st through 4^th. The event has been a Fort Worth tradition since 1973, making it the North Texas city's oldest community festival. The goal of the festival is to bring families and the community together along the Trinity River to celebrate art, food, music, and culture with a particular focus on children.

The event typically draws more than 200,000 visitors each year to the beautiful urban greenbelt along the eight miles of the Trinity River that runs through the heart of Fort Worth. It is also located close to other area attractions, including the Museum of Science and Natural History, the Kimball Art Museum, and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, as well as the Sundance Square district downtown.

Much of Mayfest is geared toward the kids, and the following is just a few of the 25 free activities they can enjoy:

Gymnastics: Children join with the volunteers of Lone Star Gymnastics to learn about and enjoy gymnastics activities.

Aches and Breaks: Take care of or create your fake broken arm or leg with hospital wraps.

Book Walk: A fun game sponsored by the Fort Worth Public Library where you can win a fantastic book of your choice.

Face Painting: No festival is complete with a face painting area. Kids (and adults) can choose from a variety of designs. It will wash off by Labor Day.

Feeding Frenzy: Kids can make their very own bird feeders to take home.

Paint House: Children can express their creative abilities painting a fence or playhouse, and it's good training for your next painting job at home.

Sand Painting: Make beautiful sand creations with colored sand in keepsake jars

Spin Art: Kids can create beautiful paintings using a spinning wheel and paint.

There is, of course, a Ferris wheel, petting zoo, and pony rides for the little ones. Older kids will enjoy The Zone, which features paintball games, Euro Bungee, and a mechanical bull (a must in Fort Worth). The entire family can try the rock climbing wall, the Batman Obstacle Course, and the Amazon Adventure.

The Trinity River itself plays more of a role than simply being scenic. You can try your hand at Aqua Golf, the Water Balloon Launch, and canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. On a personal note, I won my first canoe race during Mayfest when I was eleven years old (I think my mom still has the ribbon).

Mayfest will showcase local artists throughout the festival, and there will be crafts, art, and other items for sale. Throughout the weekend there will be live music on three stages, with the Gin Blossoms performing on the main stage at 8:30 pm Saturday May 3^rd. The Arizona band's hits include Hey Jealousy, Follow You Down, and Found Out About You.

Mayfest is open from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Thursday May 1 and Friday May 2, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday May 3, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday May 4. Tickets purchased online or at local Tom Thumb grocery stores are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids ages 6-12 (children 5 and under get in free). If purchased as the gate, the adult price is $8.00 and still $5.00 for kids age 6-12. Parking and shuttle are free from the TCU campus north of the stadium, and parking at nearby Farrington Field is $5.00. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring an umbrella and expect high temperatures.