Tips for Navigating Texian Market Days!

By Melinda Narro
Fort Bend Museum Intern

Now in its 33rd year, the Texian Market Days festival has become a well-loved tradition here in Fort Bend County— and the 2016 event, held at George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, October 22, will offer the same family-friendly mix of tours, demonstrations, activities, and entertainment that have helped make Texian Market Days a hit with thousands of visitors annually. The sheer number of things to see and do may seem overwhelming, so here are a few tips for navigating all the historical hijinks:
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• Get up and get in early: Fuel up with a good breakfast and make your way to the Ranch while the sun is still low in the sky. You’ll get a jump on crowds and squeeze in several hours of fun before the heat of the day hits. (And if you get here early enough, you might want to bring a jacket! The cool front is supposed to blow through this weekend and bring lows in the 50s! We can't wait...!) A morning’s worth of ambling will help you work up a healthy appetite by the time lunch rolls around. Speaking of which…

• ​Please your palate: Along with free old-fashioned cooking samples at the 1830s and 1860s sites, multiple local food, drink, and snack vendors will set up shop near the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and the 1930s George Cattle Complex. Whether you’re craving classic carnival fare (turkey legs, chicken tenders, kettle corn), Texas specialties (barbecue brisket, Frito pies), or maybe something on the exotic side (lobster tacos, anyone?), you’re sure to find something satisfying.
• Make a shopping stop: Support small business owners from around the state (and score some one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!) by hitting up the Cotton & Cane Vintage and Handmade Market, located in the Longhorn Barn near the Park’s Visitor Center. Talented and creative Texas artisans will be selling goods such as jewelry, candles, ladies’ apparel, bath and body products and much more. Keep an eye out, too, for a number of unique stalls at the 1830s, 1860s, and 1890s sites.
• Keep calm and carry on: Don’t panic if you arrive at a site just as a cool program is wrapping up! Certain events, like battle re-enactments, puppet shows, and dance performances, will reoccur periodically over the course of the day. For example, if you miss the Civil War skirmish at the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home at 11 a.m., just swing back around at 2 p.m. and you can take in the same spectacle. Download a full schedule or festival map here to start plotting your Texian Market Days plan of attack.

Check out the Texian Market Days website for lots of additional information, and we’ll look forward to seeing you on Saturday at the Ranch!