If you see deuce-and-a-half, 6x6 cargo trucks or Army jeeps rolling into town early Saturday morning, don’t be alarmed – they’re just featured units in this weekend’s Military Festival and Car Show, presented by the Veterans Association of Whitesboro (VAW).
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this free community-wide event will take place on Center Street and the parking lots surrounding Past and Blast and the ATM. The opening ceremony kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and colors to be presented by Red River Sea Cadets out of Gainesville. Whitesboro resident Carol Golden will play “Taps” on her trumpet, and members of the Whitesboro High School band will join local Brandy Leach for the National Anthem.
Attendees can enjoy a car show that, at press time, includes six military vehicles and several cars and motorcycles from 1900-1990.
Twenty-five vendors will be selling their goods and services, ranging from fudge to non-profits. Food trucks will be selling food, and a cooling station with misters will help keep attendees comfortable. One booth will be offering popcorn, lemonade and water on a donation-only basis.
A kids’ zone will offer a bounce house, face painting and temporary tattoos. For a donation, kids can wear a wristband as an all-access pass to the fun.
A punch card program will send people to downtown businesses (many of which are offering specials that day). Completed cards will be entered into a drawing for a gift card basket to shop at local businesses.
A live DJ will provide music throughout the day, specializing in hits from the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Car show awards will be presented at 1 p.m. First and second place will be awarded in each category, presented by on-site judges. Additionally, People’s Choice awards can be voted on in each category by attendees who scan a QR code (or visit carshowpro.com online). People can sign up to participate in a corn hole tournament (to take place at 2 p.m.)
Car show in-person registration will take place from 8-10 a.m. that morning. Registration fee is $20 per vehicle and is half-price for Veterans and active military. The first 20 vehicles to check in will receive a swag bag.
Event attendees can also sign up to participate in a corn hole tournament taking place at 2 p.m. that day.
Notices went out at the beginning of the month to households on Center and Mineral Streets to alert residents about street closures for the festival. From 6 a.m.-4 p.m. on the day of the festival, Center Street will be closed off from E. Main Street to North Avenue and Mineral Street will be closed off from Past and Blast to Virginia Avenue. In addition to road closures, residents in the affected areas are asked to please remove any vehicles from the street.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Veterans Association of Whitesboro, providing funds that will enable them to offer services and resources to area veterans. For more information, contact VAW President Keisha Head at 940-445-3729 or [email protected]