Tom Tom Festival

The Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 96th Annual Tom Tom Festival May 31-June 2.

The tradition begins at the Community Center with the fan-favorite Miss Yoakum pageant on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. as the carnival debuts alongside the rodeo arena. The fun continues on Friday with a Kiddie Parade at 6 p.m. in downtown as the BBQ Cook-off begins with more than $8,000 awarded in prizes! Enjoy ‘Polka at the Park’ with the Shiner’s 2nd Wind band 5:30-8:30 p.m. and The Bellamy Brothers 10:30 p.m.-midnight. Do not forget about the famous ‘Lester Meier Rodeo’ held at 7:30 p.m. at the arena!

Saturday brings more excitement with the first annual Tomato Trail 5k run at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Grand Parade at 10 a.m. As the BBQ Cook-off continues throughout the day at the park, live local bands featuring The Barditch Hippies, Reed Gearson & Travis Aaron Thamm, and Crossroadzz Crew will take the main stage. Shop lots of arts and craft vendors as you enjoy food trucks, a biergarten, and activities for the children. Catch another rodeo at 7:30 p.m. and walk your boots on back to the pavilion for great country music by opener Triston Marez 8:30-10 p.m. and headliner Mike Ryan 10:30 p.m.-midnight.

Sunday continues with a grand finale to the festival with free admission, extended shopping hours, meat, drink and dessert competitions, walk-up Domino tournament and classic western performance by the Blue Denim Band 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wristbands for Friday and Saturday may be purchased ($20: one-day pass or $35: combo) at the gate or with special early discounted pricing by Thursday (May 30) at the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 105 Huck St.