Please note that prices, dates, telephone numbers and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead before making plans.

(January 1) thru Middle of March 2005 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

(January 14) thru February 6, 2005 - SPORTING EVENT - Fort Worth: 109th Annual Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show & Rodeo. Established in 1896, this popular event attracts nearly one million people from around the world to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for the nation's oldest livestock show and daily performances of the world's original indoor rodeo. Grounds open daily 8am-10pm. Grounds Admission: $8 Adults, $4 Children (6-16). Grounds admission tickets are available upon arrival. Tickets on sale at the Will Rogers Box Office located at 3401 West Lancaster Ave. Please call 817-877-2420 for ticket information. Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center. Region: Texas Prairies and Lakes. For more information, call 817-877-2400 or visit www.fwssr.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

(January 28) thru February 8, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Galveston: Mardi Gras Galveston. A Salute To "Red, White & Blue". The largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas has more than 75 events including: an awesome entertainment district, colorful parades and processions, elaborate balls and parties, plus exciting exhibits and sporting events. This pre-Lenten celebration draws an estimated 500,000 revelers to beautiful Galveston Island each year. Contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information at 888-425-4753 or call 409-797-5164, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com, or come by our Visitors Center at 2428 Seawall Boulevard. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

(January 29) thru February 20, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Laredo: 108th Washington's Birthday Celebration. A 17-day, 32 event festival, consisting of parades, pageants, street parties in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, concerts, carnival, children's Fun Fest, fireworks, Jalapeno Festival and more. One of the biggest and oldest celebrations of the first president's birthday. Celebrating since 1898. Call for times and costs. Location: Around the city of Laredo. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: 250,000-500,000. For more information, call 956-722-0589. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in February, around George Washington's Birthday.

(January 29) thru July 10, 2005 - EXHIBIT - Canyon: "Lace & Linen in a Land of Iron & Dust." Euro-American settlers of the American West enjoyed fine things as much as friends and relatives living in more settled parts of the United States. Exhibit includes household textile and clothing items that improved the quality of life on the Texas Panhandle frontier. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Time: Museum Hours. Cost: Museum General Admission. Location: 2503 4th Ave Canyon TX 79015. Region: Texas Panhandle Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 806-651-2244. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 3-6, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Port Arthur: Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas. This four-day event brings to Southeast Texas seven exciting parades, magnificent costumes, Mardi Gras floats, concerts, street entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic and carnival food concessions, KidZone, fireworks, street dances, carnival rides and games, souvenirs, ongoing activities, Mardi Gras beauty pageant, treasure hunt and more. Advance discount tickets available prior to event at area businesses. Handicapped parking available. Time & cost details at www.portarthur.com/mardigras. Event Location: 600 block of Procter Street, Downtown Port Arthur, Texas. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Phone number for more information: 409-721-8717. Held annually.

February 4-20, 2005 - SPORTING EVENT - San Antonio: Stock Show & Rodeo. Features a family fair, carnival, livestock shows, rodeo and named entertainers. Location: SBC Center & Freeman-Coliseum Grounds. For more information visit www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-5851. Region: South Texas Plains. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 9, 2005 - CONCERT - New Braunfels: Comal Country Music Show. A house band and three featured artists provide country music for the listening audience. Snack bar provides delicious sandwiches and desserts. Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $4. Location: 380 S. Seguin. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-629-4547. Recurring: 2nd Wednesday of each month. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 12-13, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Old Town Spring: Frontier Days. Event includes CASI Chili cook-off competition. Free entertainment including Hoovers Rangers re-enactments of the Old West Cowboy days, a Native American campsite, Civil War soldiers in full uniform, Mountain men and more. Step back into the 1800's and celebrate our true Texas heritage. Crafters will be present to do things such as flint knapping, soap making, etc. It will be a fun day as well as an educational experience for the youngsters. In addition, the towns 150+ shops will also be open. Chili will be offered for sale, as well as a variety of soft drinks. Time: 10am-5pm Sat., noon-5pm Sun. Cost: none. Location: Preservation Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-OLD-TOWN. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in mid February.

February 13, 2005 - CONCERT - New Braunfels: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. In the tradition of a New Orleans style gospel brunch, we are serving up awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with a mouth-watering buffet. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gruenehall.com, by calling 830-629-5077 or in person at Gruene Hall. Time: TBA. Location: Gruene Historic District. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-606-1601. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held monthly, 2nd Sunday, starting in February.

February 18-19, 2005 - FAIR - Deer Park: Another Man's Treasure. Come shop from over 75 booths at our city wide garage sale! Clothes, furniture, toys and much more. Time: 8am-5pm. Cost: free. Location: 610 E. San Augustine. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-478-2050. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, twice a year.

February 19-20, 2005 - OTHER EVENT - New Braunfels: Old Gruene Market Days. Over 100 vendors feature uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods. Enjoy entertainment, restaurants and over 25 permanent shops. Time: 10am. Cost: Free. Location: Gruene Historic District. Region: Texas Hill Country. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 830-629-6441. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Recurring: Held the 3rd Sat & Sun of the month starting in February.

February 20-27, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Brownsville: Charro Days Fiesta. Celebrated with a four day Latin Festival each year since 1938, complete with elaborate costuming, carnivals, parades, dances. A program of events is held in both Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico, which demonstrates the relationship between both countries. This is a spectacular and colorful event with spectators and participants dressing up in traditional Mexican costume. Admission is Free. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. For information call 956-542-4245. Held annually on the last Thursday in February.

February 24-27 & March 2-6, 2005 - FESTIVAL - EL Paso: Siglo De Oro Drama Festival. Annual festival that celebrates the literature and linguistic ties still shared by Spain and the border region of Mexico and the United States. The festival brings the best amateur and professional groups to the Chamizal stage, presenting works of the Spanish masters, both in English and Spanish. Participants come from as far away as Puerto Rico, Spain and Jerusalem. Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre, 800 S. San Marcial, El Paso. Region: Texas Big Bend Country. Admission is free. Call for exact times. For more information, call 915-532-7273, ext.102. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

February 25-27, 2005 - OTHER EVENT - Port Aransas: Celebration of Whooping Cranes & Other Birds. Celebrating the endangered whooping crane, this festival features presentations by world renowned conservation and nature experts, guided birding tours, both by boat and bus, educational exhibits, workshops, nature related juried trade show, and an opportunity to see the last wild migrating flock of whooping cranes in North America. Cost: $20 registration. Location: Various places in Port Aransas. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-45-COAST (26278). Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in February.

February 26, 2005 - SPORTING EVENT - Houston: 17th Annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run. The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run leads the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade. Both the 10K and 5K races begin in downtown Houston and finish at Minute Maid Park. All race entry fees benefit the Rodeo's Educational Fund. The post-race party takes place inside the Park. Reduced airfare and hotel discounts provided. Time: 10:50am. Cost: $20-25 varied. Location: Texas and Smith Streets. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 281-293-5591 or visit www.conocorodeorun.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

February 26, 2005 - EXHIBIT - Munday: 10th Annual Knox Prairie Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show. We have over 100 quilts, many vendors, an excellent home cooked meal for $5 per person, and we also offer some classes and demonstrations. While you are in Munday, be sure and stop in at our local antique, craft, and quilt stores. We also have local lodging as well. Time: 10am-4pm. Cost: $2 per person. Location: Munday Elementary School, 1111 West Main Highway 222, Munday, Texas 76371. Region: South Texas Plains. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 940-422-4540. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last Saturday in February.

February 26-27, 2005 - FESTIVAL - Weslaco: First Annual Spring Fest. Organized by the Valley Nature Center, Spring Fest will be held in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. This general audience, Nature Themed Festival will offer Live Animal Exhibits, Nature Art Show, Children's Crafts/ Rides. Great food, music, and loads of fun for all ages. Nature Film Festival, Speaker Series, Field Trips and a 5K Race will accompany the main festival. Time: 10am to Sunset. Cost: Adult $3, Children $2. Location: 1020 18th Street (18th / Westgate), Harlon Block Sports Complex Park. Region: Texas Gulf Coast. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 956-664-2475. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.