29th Annual Ranch Hand Festival
We had such a wonderful time this past weekend at the 29th annual Ranch Hand Festival! The festival is the only day of the year where the Historic King Ranch is open to the public. The Festival lasts all weekend long and is always the weekend before Thanksgiving. I am excited to tell you about the areas of the Festival that our family enjoyed!
After moving to the small town of Kingsville I was honestly a little underwhelmed. We had come from a bigger city and the small community of Kingsville appeared to be kind of quiet and lack luster. However after being here a little while we have come to love and appreciate those very things about this small town. We have also learned that a great way to fall in love with your community is to become involved!
Tree Lighting
The Ranch hand weekend starts off with a tree lighting ceremony downtown, and following this event the entire down town of Kingsville is officially turned in to a picturesque small town Christmas town. The Tree is located right by the Kingsville Train Depot Museum and my kids loved the big round ornament balls.
Ranch Hand Breakfast
We woke bright and early and we headed over to the gates of the King Ranch. Pro Tip: Go EARLY. The breakfast starts at 7 and lasts until 11 but the line fills up fast and you will spend your entire fun filled day waiting in line if you don’t get there early. We arrived at 6:45 and had front row parking, and took the shuttle over to the arena. In front of the King Ranch arena they served a super fun chuck wagon breakfast. They also had other Chuck wagons and tents set up with demonstrations. You could sample food, and visit with the local artisans and chuck wagon professionals.
Team Calf Roping
During and after the breakfast there is team and calf roping in the arena! My kids loved this part! It was like a little rodeo. We took our breakfast on to the bleachers so that we could watch the cow boys warm up and have front row seats for when the roping began!
Down Town Festival
The down town of Kingsville transforms for the Ranch Hand Festival! There are food trucks, and vendors. The Farmer’s Market has extended hours. Not to mention there is live music all day long and Santa even makes an appearance! An entire city block is set a part for a “Kids Corral” where there are bounce houses, pony rides and a stage for even small performers to have a chance to take the stage.
Harrels Soda Fountain
There were so many vendors and food trucks lining the streets but we had to stop in for a burger at our favorite local spot! I also KNEW My kids would eat the hot dogs so we weren’t as stressed. It took a while to get a table but it is always worth the wait.
The Festival Lasts all weekend and includes a concert Saturday evening and a Rodeo the next day! Although we didn’t make it to those events this time we look forward to them in the future! We are already excited for the Ranch Hand Festival next year and I hope you will join us!
