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Mason County Apple Fest is slated for Sept. 4.

Events Calendar

Peruse our database of Texas events – from community plays and cook-offs to mega-festivals and touring productions. We highlight a few of options here.

Some Like it Hot

Some folks can’t get enough of the heat—even in August—when it comes to salsa picante. The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival celebrates 20 years by hosting the hottest show in town on August 29, from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in downtown Austin’s Waterloo Park. What started as a friendly competition between Austin and San Antonio salsa makers has grown into one of the largest annual hot sauce contests in the world, with more than 350 entries each year. Individuals, restaurants, and commercial bottlers compete separately in three categories—red, green, and special-variety. The judging panel features renowned Texas foodies and a few special guests. (Last year, TH Photo Editor Griff Smith put his taste buds on the line.) Music and salsa-making demonstrations round out the event, as well as plenty of ice-cold beverages to quell the heat. Admission is free with a donation of three nonperishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. Call 512/454-5766; www.austinchronicle.com/hotsauce.

Nice Ride

The annual classic-car caravan—the Bug Tussle Trek (August 28-29)—begins in McKinney and heads to Farmersville, then on to the tour’s namesake, Bug Tussle, followed by stops in Honey Grove (picnic lunch), Roxton (ice cream), Paris (banquet/overnight stay), and Greenville (watermelon). For more on this year’s Northeast Texas automotive adventure, contact the Honey Grove Chamber at www.honeygrovechamber.com, or the Paris Visitors and Convention Council at 800/727-4789; www.paristexas.com.

How ’Bout Them Apples?

Apple lovers, unite for the Mason County Apple Fest, held in Mason on Sept. 4 from 10-4. From frozen apple-cider slushies to apple arts-and-crafts and games, this annual celebration on the lawn of the historic Mason County Courthouse offers everything any apple addict could desire. Flaunt your food flair at the apple-baking contest. Participate in The Great Topaz Treasure Hunt. See the Little Miss Apple Blossom Style Show, witness a William Tell archery contest, bob for apples, enjoy live music and revel in the fruits of Labor Day weekend. Call 325/347-1808 or 325/347-5758; www.masoncountyapplefest.org.

Heard Through the Grapevine

Celebrate the charm, romance, and wonder of the vineyards’ harvest at the 23rd Annual GrapeFest from Sept. 17-20 in Grapevine. GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, presents festivalgoers with wines from more than 30 Texas wineries as well as wines from across the nation and the world. Kids in tow? Not a problem. GrapeFest accommodates the family with live music, arts-and-crafts booths, carnival rides, midway games, and ice carving. Step into the action feet-first and take part in the GrapeStomp competition, stomping 20 pounds of grapes for a chance to win the “Purple Foot” Award. Call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800/457-6338: www.grapevinetexasusa.com.

7th Annual Conquer the Coast cycling event is set for Sept. 24–25. Cycling the Coast

Bicycle the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast during the 7th Annual Conquer the Coast cycling event, Sept. 24-25. The tour begins in Corpus Christi at Whataburger Field. Cycling criteriums will take place both Friday and Saturday at a course set up nearby. Cyclists will gather early Saturday, Sept. 25, to participate in either a leisurely 10- or 25-mile cruise along scenic Shoreline Boulevard and Ocean Drive on Corpus Christi Bay, or take a 65-mile tour of the Coastal Bend. The longer route crosses the Harbor Bridge to Portland, and proceeds through Ingleside, Aransas Pass, onto the Port Aransas ferry, through Port Aransas, Upper Padre Island, and back along Ocean Drive and Shoreline Boulevard to Whataburger Field. Call 361/881-1800 ext. 224; www.conquerthecoast.org.

Want more? Go to the Events Calendar.

For a free printed copy of an even more detailed, quarterly schedule of events, write to Texas Events Calendar, Box 149249, Austin 78714-9249. Or, call 800/452-9292 from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, between 8-6 Central.

For Texas travel questions, call 800/452-9292 to reach a TxDOT Travel Infor-mation Center, where a professional travel counselor will provide routing assistance, advise you of any emergency road conditions, and send brochures (including the official Texas State Travel Guide and map, accommodations guide, and quarterly Texas Events Calendar).

Send future event information to: Texas Events Calendar, Box 141009, Austin 78714-1009; fax: 512/486-5879; e-mail: trv-tec@dot.state.tx.us. Listing deadlines: Spring (Mar, Apr, May) Dec 1; Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug) Mar 1; Fall (Sep, Oct, Nov) Jun 1; Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) Sep 1.



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