MARFA — The Presidio County Courthouse lawn and surrounding streets will be abuzz with activity this weekend as vendors, musicians and locals gather to celebrate the 37th Annual Marfa Lights Festival, kicking off Friday, August 30, at 4 p.m. and wrapping up Sunday, September 1, at 1 p.m.
The entity organizing the event, the Marfa Chamber of Commerce — which is under new leadership — sought to increase community involvement this year by initiating a pie baking contest, carnival games and a parade grand marshal that was nominated and voted on by the public.
“We love that folks come out for the music and that it’s really just a big block party that people treat as a homecoming … but we want the community to also be involved,” said Marfa Chamber Secretary Lindsay Smith.
Music starts at 7:15 p.m. on Friday with Bonnie Montgomery, a singer who recently moved to Marfa. “She’s a little bit country, a little bit contemporary, so we’re really stoked to have her kick off the festival,” Smith said. Following Montgomery is local favorite The Grand Tourists and visiting group The Jukebox Preachers.
Saturday’s lineup includes Rick Ruiz, Pecos River Band, Presidio outfit Zauna, Asalto and headliner Art Tigerina Band. Around 60 vendors will populate the town center for the duration of Marfa Lights.
Participating food vendors are Texas Twisted Treats, selling nachos and smashburgers; Mr. Taco, selling tacos, burritos and quesadillas; Desert Frost Snow Cones; Oh My Pizza Pie; Pink Pineapple Baking; Joe Crow Coffee and more.
New vendors include June TeeZe, custom painted and printed shirts by Junie Villarreal, and Forgotten Words, a book trailer operated by Mandi Sanchez. “It’s exciting to see local folks starting new ventures and getting out there,” Smith said.
There will also be a slew of nonprofit booths including Grand Companions, the Blackwell School, Big Bend Democrats, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife and more set up throughout the weekend.
The annual Marfa Lights Festival parade will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, with participants lining up at the Marfa Elementary School starting at 9 a.m. before making their way towards the courthouse.
The chamber is hosting a float decorating contest to be judged by Pearl Hessleden, Katy Milam and Alyse Ronayne. Prizes include stays at El Cosmico.
Over 600 people voted for the parade grand marshal, who will be revealed at the parade. Nominees are Mark Scott, Mac White, Primo Carrasco and Hector Sanchez. “That’s something we’ve never done before,” Smith said. “I believe they’ve always been announced beforehand, but this is an exciting little secret and unveiling.”
On Saturday carnival games including a mechanical bull, dunk tank, bounce house, obstacle course and racing slides will be set up behind the courthouse on Washington Street. Tickets will be required to ride the mechanical bull, which is limited to ages 18 and up. Advance sign-ups for the dunk tank will be available.
Wassermann Wranch will be set up on the courthouse lawn with Carl the Camel, who is available for pets and photos, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The pie baking competition will also take place on Saturday — submissions are due at the Chamber Beer/Information Booth located next to the stage at 3 p.m., followed by a 3:45 p.m. judging and 5 p.m. winner announcement. Both savory and sweet pies will be accepted. Those wishing to participate can sign up online or simply turn their pie in for judging on Saturday.
The chamber requests that pies are labeled with names, phone numbers and any potential allergens upon drop off. Judges are Lisa Kettyle, Nohely Ramirez and Julie White, and prizes include a stay at the Hotel Saint George.
Smith said the pie baking contest was inspired by past events that took place at inaugural editions of the festival, detailed in old newspaper articles, as well as the successful cake walk that took place at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. “The pie baking is just a way for folks to show off their baking chops, have some bragging rights and have a friendly competition with their fellow community members,” Smith said.
Marfa ISD’s Ballet Folklorico, sponsored by Cristina and Hector Mendez, will round out the weekend with an 11 a.m. Sunday performance. Marfa Lights Festival merchandise including T-shirts, now in kids’ sizes, designed by Yosdy Valdivia and Chris King, and posters designed by Valdivia will be available for purchase throughout the weekend at the Beer/Information Booth.
The event will take place rain or shine.
For more information, visit marfachamberofcommerce.org/marfa-lights-festival