Texian Market Days Celebrates 30th Year!

     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 30^th 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 30^th 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