A note from the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce:
There are only three Saturdays between now and the Annual Founders Day Festival and the 2018 edition appears to be destined to be one for the ages. The Howe Founders Day Festival will be on May 5 which is also local election day.
With headlining act Texas Flood to perform from 5:30 – 8 pm thanks to a sponsorship by Tomlin Investments, the festival has drawn interest from not only Howe and surrounding cities, but the entire North Dallas region. Vendors have filled up all of the street spaces over two weeks ago and now overflow spaces have been issued for spaces near City Hall and the FBC Howe parking lot which will feature a Kid Zone. Interested vendors can still register online by clicking here.
Currently, 50 table vendors have registered in addition to five food vendors and four sponsorship businesses.
What’s new?
An old-fashioned turtle trot will take place at 4:40 pm. Kids (or adults) will need to bring their own turtles for the circle race. Those interested can register by clicking here.
A limbo contest will be held at 5:15 pm in front of the stage. It is sponsored by “It’s My Party.”
Wine tasting – the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce will host six local wineries and for $10 patrons will receive six wine tickets. The event will take place from 5 pm – 8 pm. *Glasses of wine can be purchased and bottles can be purchased but not corked or consumed outside of the designated area.
What will return?
The Annual Lawnmower Race sponsored by Advantage Business Machines. It will start at 5 pm and no more than 10 contestants will be allowed. To register for the lawnmower race, click here.
Horseshoes – it’s not an official tournament unless you want it to be.
The Interurban Kid Train was a smash hit in its 2017 debut. This year Sara Jerome of Vincent Realty and Don Berry of CB Roofing have sponsored the train. It will run from 3 pm – 7 pm through the old Interurban Alleyway through downtown.
Bounce House – A 15′ bounce house will keep the kids active for hours thanks to Kevin Sarlls of Exalt Realty.
Inflatable Obstacle Course – 65′ of pure fun for kids. The inflatable is sponsored by Michelle Castle of Guild Mortgage and Kevin Sarlls of Exalt Realty.
What’s the entertainment?
The first band is Bent Creek with lead singer and Howe native Brent Hollensed. They will play from 2 pm – 4:30 pm. Bent Creek has a Founders Day Festival Facebook event which can be found by clicking here.
The featured performer is Texas Flood which is a tribute band to the blues and Stevie Ray Vaughan. They perform all over the country, but especially in Texas including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth. The Texas Flood Founders Day Festival Facebook event can be found by clicking here.
Will there be food?
Of course, there will be food! To start, there’s already yummy restaurants in town such as Abby’s Restaurant and Gabriela’s Mexican Cocina in downtown Howe along with Palio’s Pizza Cafe within walking distance. Festival food options will be Pop Pop Popcorn, Magic Smoke BBQ, B-Dawgz Street Doggz, and Sparky’s Bar-b-que. Cool refreshment options are Chill Out Shaved Ice, and Mackenzie’s Mississippi Sweet Tea.
Is it free?
Nothing in life is free except the Founders Day Festival. You can hang out in Downtown Howe all day and not spend a dime. However, vendors will have items to sell, wine tickets are for sale, and there will be plenty of food to purchase.
Where’s the car show?
The Howe Fire Department decided to move the annual classic car show to a later date in September.
What do I need to bring?
A lawn chair and some sunscreen. The bands are hot and so is the sun! Be smart. Vendors are suggested to bring a canopy and table with their chairs as the chamber only provides the space.
Can we drink alcohol on the street?
No. Only wine tasting in the chamber building – and it’s tasting, not gulping. It is a family-friendly festival.
We can’t wait to Show you Howe!
