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America's trademark year was 1872: New York
City's Metropolitan Museum of Art opened;
Yellowstone was established as the world's first
national park; Susan B. Anthony voted for
the first time; and Columbus, Texas, held its
first annual spring festival. Nearly a century-
and-a-half later, the people of Columbus are still
very proud of the Columbus Folk Fest. They wanted to
continue to "showcase the town's role in the fight for Texas' in-
dependence" in a way that was enjoyable for the whole family.
Come One, Come All
The annual festival takes place at Beason's Park on the first weekend of No-
vember, this year on November 1-3. Starting early evening on Friday, the festival
is like a "choose your own adventure," with events and activities for everyone. For
the history buff, re-enactments from the Texas Revolution will occur. Pioneer Camp
features period music from The Tejas Pioneers, whose members, dressed in costume,
play "authentic music of early Texas...[including] songs of the pioneers in the early days,
patriotic music of the mid-19th century...and authentic cowboy songs."
For more information about the Columbus Folk Fest, call the
Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 979.732.8385, email
questions to ColumbusFolkFest@gmail.com, or view the full
schedule of events at www.columbusfolkfest.com.
By Emily Barnby
For the adventurer in your family, Nesbitt Memorial Library's
"Live Oaks and Dead Folks" popular cemetery tour, at the
Old City Cemetery, offers Columbus locals dressed in period
costume representing historic residents and sharing stories
from the past. Characters who lived in memorable times
spring to life through the eyes of history and the voices of
local re-enactors. You will meet the ghosts of Columbus'
past whose strange, heroic and sometimes tragic tales
will have you wiping away tears of joy and sorrow. This
event is a fun and educational way to learn about Texas history
while celebrating those who lived through it.
Have someone in your family who's a fan of home-and-garden shows? The Columbus
Historic Preservation Trust hosts their iconic homes and museums' "Magnolia Homes Tour"
and "Architectural Tour," like the Stafford Opera House, the only f lat-f loored Texas opera house still
in existence, and the Alley Log Cabin and Antique Tool Museum.
Made in Texas
The artists will enjoy viewing the Plein Air Art Competition, a traditional outdoors-style of painting, featuring his-
toric Columbus scenes as well as the Live Oak Photography Club exhibit, highlighting Columbus' celebrated Live
Oak trees.
If you are a food connoisseur or just someone whose idea of a good time includes a stack of napkins, the food vendors
will be a favorite hot spot. Wear the kids out by playing washers and horseshoes, and the little princess in your family
will enjoy the presentation of the "Magnolia Belles" and "Miss Columbus" Pageant.
For 141 years, Columbus has hosted a festival that delights, educates, and encourages family fun. Don't miss this
year's trip to a Texas yesteryear!