49th Fair on the Square this weekend
Oct. 3—The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce is busy preparing for the 49th Annual Fair on the Square set for Saturday, Oct. 7. But before the vendors back in to the downtown Huntsville area, a Pre-Fair on the Square Concert will be held Friday, Oct. 6, made possible by presenting sponsor Wischnewsky Dodge.
Entry to the concert is free and will be held under the large tent on the corner of 14th and University in The Watering Hole! The Friday night concert will take place at the Watering Hole, featuring Pushwater, a Texas County Music live show. The gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert will end at 10 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Wiesner, Inc.-Huntsville.
Pushwater is a family band, made up of a father, son, and two cousins. They have joined together to bring their version of Country music to Texas and wherever else the road leads them. Members include Jesse Duke, vocals and rhythm guitar; Jerry Duke, bass; Eddie Duke, lead guitar; and John Sunkes, drums.
The Fair will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 6 p.m., a first for the Fair. Over 400 vendors line the streets, along with other attractions. This event has become a tourist attraction, as well as an annual reunion for area residents and friends from afar.
The Wine Knot, sponsored by Walker County Federal Credit Union, is a come and go tasting of several wines from Texas Vineyards and Meaderies. Tickets are $15 each for one or get two tickets for $25! Tickets will be on sale at the event.
The ticket gets visitors 10 tastings or the ability to purchase wine by the glass or by a bottle to take home. The Wine Knot is located in the parking lot between the Walker County Title Company and Cloud 9, off of University. Several Huntsville restaurants will be on site preparing appetizers, including Farmhouse Café, City Hall Café, Café Texan, Sam's Table and Southwood Restaurant.
The Watering Hole is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and will feature the Battle of the Bands Contest. Stop by and vote for performing bands. Entry is free, and beer and soft drinks are available for purchase.
The Food Court, located in the Walker County Annex parking lot, will feature 30 plus different vendors selling everything from barbecue to fried pickles, sweet tea and lemonade to root beer floats and so much more.
The Huntsville Cruisers Classic Cars will be in the Allstate Insurance Parking Lot and City Hall Café, right off Sam Houston Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and vote for their favorite car, with awards at 3 p.m.
There will be two Kids Zones: Kids Zone 1 — Rather Park (corner of 13th and University Avenue); and Kids Zone 2 lot across from 1st Baptist Church (corner of 13th & Avenue J). Activities will include and Archery Station, Balloon Artist, Boys & Girls Club & Home Depot Crafts, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Giant Painting Mural, two Bounce Houses, Giant Slide, Train, Sno Cones & Cotton Candy, Giant Board Games Mattys Chainsaw Art, Boy Scouts, and more.
Local performers will be on the new stage in Rather Park.
Many downtown merchants and restaurants will open their doors on Saturday as well. Be sure to visit them and see their specials for the day. These are located on the square and in the Midway Plaza.
Parking has been an issue in the past, but organizers believe they have found a solution. Two locations for free parking will be available with a free shuttle. The first option is to park at Sam Houston State University Bowers Stadium Lot Z2-14, next to the large scoreboard at 620 Bowers Blvd., and take the shuttle provided by First Baptist Church and Northside Baptist Church or park at University Heights Baptist Church, located at 2400 Sycamore Avenue, and take the shuttle provided by Covenant Fellowship. Both shuttles will provide free drop off at the doorstep of the fair.
For more information call 936-295-8113, visit www.faironthesquare.com or the Facebook page.
Contact Brenda Poe at editor@itemonline.com
