A full weekend of music, tradition, and community drew thousands to downtown Burnet April 10-12 for the 43rd annual Bluebonnet Festival, which continues to bring generations together year after year.
From the first stacks From Page 1 of pancakes served Friday morning to the final calls made Sunday, the weekend carried a steady rhythm of activity. The Burnet Kiwanis All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast opened the festival at the Masonic Lodge, while nearby, vendors set up nearly 300 booths stretching across downtown, offering everything from handmade goods and antiques to one-of-akind finds.
Bluebonnet Fest
The festival officially opened with a ceremony that blended tradition and hometown pride.
Burnet Chamber Executive Director Teryl McFerrin welcomed the crowd and thanked the Bluebonnet Festival committee for the long hours invested in bringing the weekend together. Max Sr. and Max Jr. Cardenas led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge, followed by the Burnet High School choir as the Highland Lakes Commemorative Air Force flew overhead. Chamber Board President Max Cardenas recognized McFerrin, Tyana Abee, Kristi Buck, and Brenda Clark, for their work coordinating the 43rd festival. Roger Moore, a familiar voice to many, served as emcee for the festival.
Just after the opening ceremony, the Luedecke Photography Pet Parade brought one of the weekend’s first big waves of laughter and creativity. True to its reputation, the parade welcomed far more than just dogs.
Alongside costumed pups were snakes, turtles, cats, chickens, baby goats, and even a dragon making their way through the square. Winners included Rheid McFerrin for Precious Pooches, Lori Searcy for Courageous Canines, Holly Rockwell for Unique Pets, Jessie Burton for Best Bluebonnet Theme, and Emory Spratlin, who earned both Best Dressed and Grand Prize Best in Show.
Throughout the weekend, the festival grounds stayed active. The Mighty Thomas Carnival drew families with its rides and games, while the food court and biergarten kept crowds moving between meals, music, and shaded conversations.
Live music carried across the square from day into night, featuring Departure ATX, All Hats No Cadillac, Tyce Delk, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Hired Guns, Daniel Hopkins, Steel Belts, Carson Vangundy, and Western Playboys.
Saturday morning began before sunrise as runners gathered for the YMCA of the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet 5K, 10K, Senior 2K, and Kids Run. By 8:45 a.m., awards were underway. Darrell Crain led the men’s field with a time of 18:38.292, followed closely by Cason Manning and Paxton Courtney. Riley Roberts topped the women’s field in 20:19.620, with Carly Thompson and Journey Denton close behind.
As the morning continued, Main Street shifted from race course to playground. Children lined up by age group for sprints, egg and spoon races, and sack races, with chalked start lines stretching across the pavement and a finish line set near the Main Stage.
Parents and grandparents lined the street, cheering as each heat took off. Watching his granddaughter cross the finish line, John Williams smiled and said, “Well now, this right here’s about as close to perfect as it gets. Folks gathered together, kids laughing, hopping along like they don’t have a worry in the world. Nothing fancy about it, just people enjoying each other and taking in the simple moments.”
The bike decorating contest followed, with entries ranging from Mario themed to bright aloha inspired designs, leading into performances by Studio 29 Dance Center, where dancers ages 6 to 18 took the stage in both group and solo routines.
By noon, the crowd grew for the 43rd annual Bluebonnet Grand Parade. Spectators lined the streets and square as the procession moved through downtown, led by the Shipley Family as Grand Marshal and followed by Trail Boss Brenda Clark.
The parade featured H-E-B’s oversized motorized cart, the Lady Belles; Bluebonnet Pageant, Burnet County Rodeo, Oatmeal Festival & AquaBoom royalty; the Burnet Marching Band, cheerleaders, Highlandettes, and many more local groups and familiar faces.
Elsewhere, the festival offered its share of long standing traditions. The Lakes Area Rod and Classics Car Show lined Hamilton Creek Park with vintage and custom vehicles, while the 42 Domino Tournament at the AgriLife auditorium brought together players for a quieter but no less competitive gathering.
New this year, festivalgoers were able to park at Burnet Middle School and take a free shuttle to the square, easing traffic flow and adding convenience throughout the weekend, with shuttle service sponsored by Chapman Wrecking Service.
The weather began to shift late Saturday. While the evening concert continued, the Demolition Derby was canceled due to conditions. The event, held twice each year, will return the second weekend of October at the Burnet County Fairgrounds.
By Sunday morning, the Burnet Chamber made the decision to cancel the remainder of the festival at 11 a.m., putting safety first.
Even with the early close, the weekend was defined less by the schedule and more by the moments in between, families gathering along Main Street, friends reconnecting on the square, and traditions carried on from one generation to the next. It was a reminder that the heart of the Bluebonnet Festival has always been the people who return year after year to share in it together.
“Huge thank you to all the chamber members who worked all year and got little sleep this whole weekend. We made so many memories, ate a lot of yummy food and treats, and had such a great time,” said Kristin Yantis.
