If you've ever driven down I-35E from Dallas to Austin (or visa versa) you've passed through the small town of West, TX. If you needed gas or if you were tipped off about the Czech stop, you've actually parked somewhere inside West, TX. If you are part of the latter camp, you're a lucky bunch and know that there are no better kolaches around. If that's all you think that exists in West, TX... then you are sorely wrong. While it may not be much, the denizens of West, TX show off their Czech heritage in a big way with a weekend festival called Westfest.
This festival, which sports volunteers in traditional Czech outfits, Polka music, dancing, and food. Now, before I make this seem like a huge and elaborate event... it is not. This is no Octoberfest in Addison, nor is it A Taste of Dallas. This is an old fashioned, small town Festival where you will see more mullets and inappropriate outfits that you would ever think you possibly could. So how could this be the pinnacle of awesome weekend fun? I'll tell you how.
First, there is the arts and crafts. These are all local vendors, artisans and craftspeople, ready to show you their homemade wares in hopes of getting a sale or two. These range from custom popcorn, to salsa, to clothing, to hand carved furniture. All of these live under a huge tent, dancing dangerously close to the intoxicating nature of the flea market. There are also some artists there too, happy to do face painting or the occasional temporary tattoo. Bring about $40 to just blow on these things, because that's half the fun of going to these.
Secondly, there are the events. You can't miss the antique tractor pull, regardless of how many of them you've already seen. I had never seen one before, and these machines are impressive. While we only stayed around for a couple pulls, there were people settling in for a whole day of tractor fun. There is also the main stage, the main hall, and cultural dancing floor. In the beginning of Saturday, there is the Miss Westfest competition, followed up by live music. Live music brings about dancing and singing and merriment.
Lastly, there is the food. We have the general festival food, such as meats on a stick, chicken fingers, and Frito pies on steroids. (affectionately named the gutboat) There is also some really fantastic and unique items as well. The Skunk Egg (cheese, onions, jalapeños, and chicken deep fried in a ball) and the Czech Roll (an egg roll filled with cheese, sausage, sauerkraut and mustard) top the chart as items you have to have. Neither are particularly good for you, but what do you expect from something called a Skunk Egg? To wash all this down, you have lemonade, sodas, and beer... the perfect combination for the heat and grease.
So no one piece of this festival is off the wall awesome, but it's the combination of it all that makes this the greatest small town celebration of being Czech and being Texan. Stay for the Tractor Pull, see who wins Miss Westfest, have a Skunk Egg, and buy something with that says Czech people rock. On your way out, stop at the Czech Stop and buy a couple dozen kolaches, regardless if it's out of your way. Then you'll have the complete West, TX experience, and you'll come back for more next year. read more