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35th Annual Onion Fest Holds a Successful Event
- Updated: April 5, 2024
By Mike Villarreal
On March 23, 2024, the small yet vibrant city of Weslaco, Texas, was buzzing with excitement as it hosted the annual “Texas Onion Fest”. The festival was a celebration of the world-famous Texas 1015 onion, which originated in Weslaco and has put the city on the map.
The festivities were eagerly anticipated by the residents of Weslaco and the valley, and the official Texas Onion mascot, Tex, was in attendance to welcome visitors to the event. The 1015 onion, which is the official State vegetable of Texas, was named after the date it was planted – October 15.
The festival was a true feast for the senses, with something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors had the opportunity to participate in an onion eating contest, browse through a variety of commercial booths, and savor delicious South Texas cuisine. The Texas onion blossom, a deep-fried onion dish, was a crowd favorite, with its crispy exterior and tender, sweet onion center.
Children were entertained by kiddie rides, while adults enjoyed watching dancing horses and browsing through the 1015 market, which featured local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts and goods.
The festival also featured a car show, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment on two stages. The music lineup included popular Tejano artists such as Jay Perez and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, who energized the crowds with their lively performances.
In addition to the festivities, the event also celebrated the crowning of Miss Texas Onion Fest and Jr. Miss Texas Onion Fest. These competitions are open to Weslaco students and are a source of pride and excitement for the community. This year’s winners were Larissa Rodriguez, a 10th grader at Weslaco High School, and Allie Rodriguez, a 6th grader at Central Middle School.
The Texas Onion Fest is sponsored by the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce and is a community event that brings families and residents together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Weslaco and the surrounding valley.
Photo Texas Onion Fest Facebook Page