Another year, another Wild West Festival is in the books. The annual event turned 41 this year after being started in 1984 by chamber founder Mary Harms — who is still involved with the chamber to this day. The heat didn’t keep anyone away as the festival drew crowds from near and far. It was kicked off with the grand parade featuring Springtown students, the Springtown High School varsity football team, cheerleaders, Showstoppers, business owners, city officials, school district administrators and more. More than 200 vendors surrounded the historic Springtown square — selling baked goods, foods, clothing, accessories, beauty products plus famous food trucks like Cousins Maine Lobster seafood cuisine which has been featured on the Food Network, Good Morning America and more.
The exciting entertainment featured at the festival included the Josh Dutton Band from Fort Worth and the famous gunfights that have been a long-standing Wild West Festival tradition. Showing families what it was like in the old west, attendees got to witness duels and western justice.
While the festival was happening in the square, behind Brookshire’s was the BBQ contest where teams competed in a cook-off tradition marking 26 years. Kent Brown, whose team was called “Runnin’ Buddies BBQ” won first place overall. Steve Cumbie with “Rafter C Barbecue” won first place in the chicken category, while Aaron Lesley with “Texas Oil Dust” won first for Ribs, James Dodson with “Limpbrizkit” took home first for pork, Kent Brown “Runnin’ Buddies BBQ” won again for brisket, and Bobby Gravley won first place for bean with his team “Smokin Barrel.” First place for steak went to Josh Hale with “Sure Shot” and the top spot for dessert wen to Donnie Howard with “Twisted D Cookers.” A Springtown student, Ryder Holderness, competed in the steak competition and won second place.
