Annual event will feature wire walkers and more
There is a living definition of longevity and he lives in Grapevine, Texas. This month marks 50 years of William D. Tate as mayor of that popular North Texas city. He is the longest-serving mayor in Texas and in U.S. history for a city of this size. While Grapevine is currently around 51,000 in population, when Tate took office a half century ago it was much less than 10,000. The city’s growth is in direct correlation with the many things Tate did to attract folks.
Once a farming community, the city is now an internationally recognized corporate and leisure destination – thanks largely to Tate. Through all of its growth with Tate at the helm, Grapevine has maintained the comfort of a small town while offering all that visitors might also expect from large cities.
Among the things established under Tate is Main Street Fest, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17. The 42nd annual event will begin with the start of Tate’s Golden Jubilee celebration, a year-long event. During his time in office, Tate has been instrumental in advancing not just Grapevine, but the entire North Texas area, as exemplified by his being an integral force in bringing the DFW Airport to the area.
“Mayor Tate exemplifies a true gentleman and a man with an unwavering vision,” said Paul Coury, Founder and CEO of Coury Hospitality (Hotel Vin Grapevine). “His commitment to keep the community of Grapevine true to its identity has paid off 10-fold. I am grateful for our partnership with Hotel Vin and Harvest Hall.”
During Main Street Fest, Tate will receive the “Tall in Texas” Award, recognizing his contributions to the Texas wine industry. The gala will recognize his 50 years of impactful leadership for the Texas wine industry and will have special dignitaries in attendance. The gala is Friday at 6:30 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner and ceremony at 7 p.m. This is a private, ticketed event at the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau World Headquarters Grand Hall. On Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m., the community is invited to attend a public art dedication where a mayoral statue of Tate will be unveiled. It will include a smoke blessing ceremony, speakers and a high-wire performance between Grapevine City Hall and Messina Hof Winery.
Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, wine makers and founders of Messina called Tate “The best mayor in this universe,” noting that he has led Grapevine with great vision and created a wonderful place to live and work and celebrate Texas wine. The Golden Jubilee activities continue on Sunday, May 17. Folks are invited to attend a community picnic. To accommodate picnic attendees, festival admission is free until 1:30 p.m. The community picnic will feature proclamations honoring Mayor Tate and lively musical entertainment from each of Grapevine’s Sister Cities and the Grapevine Cornet Band. Visitors can enjoy mariachis, bagpipers, a didgeridoo and other performances. Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
Also, Grapevine Vintage Railroad is honoring Mayor Tate’s service with the Golden Jubilee Express. During Main Street Fest visitors can enjoy special rides for $5 per passenger or $20 for a family of four or more. Guests will receive a commemorative keepsake ticket. The 22-minute excursions will recognize Mayor Tate’s lasting impact on Grapevine’s heritage programs. They will take place at 2 and 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Main Street Fest admission must be purchased separately. Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday. Ticket proceeds benefit an enclosure for the 1896 restored steam locomotive 2248, affectionately known as Puffy.
High-wire performers Antigravity Art will be recreating a historic moment from 1914, when Will Taylor, known as “Bill the Movie Man,” staged a high-wire walk across Main Street. The local theatre owner promoted the stunt in The Grapevine Sun newspaper with bold, Hollywood-style flair, promising that during Trades Day on Saturday, May 9, 1914, he would walk, crawl or even swim across a tight wire from one of the destination’s tallest buildings. The spectacle was designed to draw attention to his business, Taylor’s Theatre. The following week, the newspaper’s editor confirmed the feat was a success, and they later published a grainy photograph that offered a faint glimpse into the moment.
During the 42nd Main Street Fest, there will be six high-wire performances between Grapevine City Hall and The Wallis Hotel (Messina Hof Winery). Walks will take place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday walks will be at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
While the Golden Jubilee begins this weekend, it will continue with other events throughout the coming year, concluding in May of 2027. Additional details and event updates will be announced in the weeks to come. For more information on the Golden Jubilee visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com/GoldenJubilee. For information and tickets for Main Street Fest visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.
