The first annual Texas Bison Festival will be held Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2008 on the grounds of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park, near Stonewall, and kicks off Texas Bison Week.
There'll be two days of live music, culinary experiences, and fun!
Hosted by the Bison Provision Company, in cooperation with the Texas Bison Industry Group, the Texas Bison Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and in conjunction with the Texas Agriculture's "Go Texan" program, the event will honor the majestic bison-popularly known as buffalo. Festivities include Native American dancers, music, and storytellers; cowboy music and poetry, interactive children's activities, a chuck wagon, chef demonstrations, bison food vendors, tours of an 1800's living history settlement, and an arts and crafts venue, plus much more.
Bison have a long history, predating early American settlers, and are considered the largest land mammals in North America since the end of the Ice Age. The LBJ State Historical Park, located on U.S. Hwy 290 east of Stonewall, Texas, is home to a small herd of bison. Festival attendees will be able to observe the herd, as well as learn from bison industry speakers about the history of bison in this region, see bison exhibits, and learn more about the direction of the bison meat industry. Featured will be a Native American blessing of the herd on both days, a park auditorium showing of a short film on Texas bison, and educational demonstrations in flint knapping and bow making.
Because of its low fat content, high protein and iron, and benefits in terms of Omega 3 fatty acids, bison meat is a healthy choice to any diet. And it is produced without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.
"Bison are majestic and fascinating, and have been a traditional and healthy food source for thousands of years," says Debbie Northrup, owner of the Bison Provision Company and festival organizer. "People are discovering bison as a flavorful alternative to everyday meats; it is popping-up on restaurant menus and in retail cases throughout Texas as more and more people are including bison as part of their diets." The festival will be in support of the Texas Bison industry and recognizes its many contributions to Texas' agricultural heritage, Northrup added.
Festival admission is $5 for adults. Children age 10 and under are admitted for free. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's "Lone Star Legacy" fund that provides funding for the Texas State Bison Herd at Caprock Canyons State Park.
For a free packet of visitor information to plan your visit to Fredericksburg and the LBJ Park region, call the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 888-997-3600 or visit www.FredTexLodging.com.
