Guests of all ages are invited to experience over 100
years of history as it comes alive before their eyes at Texian Market Days.
This exciting and educational event will be held at George Ranch Historical
Park on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
As the 30th
anniversary draws near, staff members of Fort Bend County Museum and George
Ranch Historical Park remember the early days of the annual celebration. In
1984, the Fort Bend County Museum Association created Texian Market Days as a
gathering for Texas history enthusiasts and local craft and food vendors. It
was originally held at Decker Park in Downtown Richmond.
“The goal was to create a lively living
history atmosphere, where costumed re-enactors portrayed characters of the past
to educate a modern audience,” said Candace Jones, Director at George Ranch
Historical Park.
Five years
later, it was moved to the George Ranch Historical Park as the festival began
to outgrow the space. Every October, the Festival’s coordinators and volunteers
have strived to bring a unique, historically accurate and immersive educational
experience that people remember long after the event.
Texian
Market Days is still bursting at the seams with the sights and sounds of Texas
history! Re-enactors come from cities as far away as Austin, San Antonio, and
Fort Worth and even as far as out of state to stage the battle skirmishes and
camp life of the Texian Revolution and Civil War.
“We
salute the ranks of dedicated Museum Docents and volunteers who do everything
from making corn husk dolls to selling hot dogs. A small, special pool of
volunteers who have participated from the beginning will also be celebrating
their 30th anniversary with us in 2013,” said Claire Rogers, Interim
Executive Director for Fort Bend County Museum Association.
It
would not be Texian Market Days without the Texian Marketplace. Crafts
and food are still at the heart of the celebration with a wide variety of
booths scattered throughout the park, ready to sell their unique wares to
passing patrons.
Although
different types of games, demonstrations, hands-on activities and attractions
have come and gone as the festival evolved over the years, there is always
something fun and unique.
“Whether
learning pioneer survival skills, waiting for the smoke to clear after a Civil
War skirmish, or learning the cowboy way, guests of all ages are sure to enjoy
this celebration of Texas history,” said Krystal Willeby, Director of Programs
at George Ranch Historical Park.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early on
October 26 for the 30th annual Texian Market Days because there is
so much to see and do! Tickets are just $10 for adults, $5 for children ages
5-15, and children under 4 years old are free. For more information for guests,
sponsors, volunteers and vendors, visit www.texianmarketdays.com or call
George Ranch Historical Park’s Visitors Center at (281) 343-0218 x0
