Dogwood 2010

My hometown of Woodville hosts the Tyler County Dogwood Festival every year. The locals just call it "Dogwood" though. If you're from Tyler County, Dogwood is a big deal! I believe Rhett first heard about Dogwood from my childhood fried, Karen, who is the reason Rhett and I met in the first place. (they went to A&M together). Anyway, he used to make fun of us for caring so much about it and began saying we were in a cult...a Dogwood cult, I guess...or maybe just a Woodville cult. However, when he went with us for the first time and tasted a Rudy's pork-a-bob, he was hooked! Unfortunately, the Rudy's pork-a-bob stand has not been at Dogwood for the past two years so Rhett's love for Dogwood is waning. Too bad for him, though because he has no choice about whether or not he has to go to Dogwood...HE'S GOING!

This year was Caleb's first Dogwood, and although he does not get to partake in the delicious "festival food", I think he had a good time. At least, he did not have a meltdown or really even cry at all so I am taking that as he enjoyed himself! Since we did have Caleb in tow, we did not walk around much except for in search of a pork-a-bob that could substitute for Rudy's delicious masterpiece...but sadly were not successful. We tried two different kinds and neither of them could hold a candle to Rudy. Oh Rudy, how we miss you so! Please come back to Dogwood and forget about the Beaumont fair!! We did have some tasty lemonade that was freshly squeezed right before our very eyes...and an equally delicious funnel cake. I normally top it all off with some sugary cotton candy but I was too lazy to chase down the cotton candy man this year so I settled for some my mom bought at Walmart. :)

It was rather hot outside, but in the shade there was a nice breeze so that's where we parked ourselves. Since we didn't meander much, I did not talk to a whole lot of people but I did get to see my friend, Kassi, and her little boy, Jaxson. We don't get to see each other nearly enough! Dogwood can be a reunion of sorts because tons of people go back home just for this occasion.

After we ate, we found some shade under a tree at the Methodist church (where we always sit) and waited for the parade to start. I have to say, the parade is not as exciting as it used to be when I was a kid. I was actually IN the parade for most of the years I lived in Woodville growing up. I was either riding the FBC Daycare float as an itty bitty kid, marching while twirling (I took twirling from I believe kindergarten through 5th grade) or with the WHS marching band. I think the parade has gotten smaller too...either that or it was bigger in my mind! Caleb didn't know what was going on this year but it will be fun to see it through his eyes next year and for many years to come! One of the best parts about the parade for little kids is all the candy and little toys they throw out. I was so proud of Caleb for being such a good boy throughout the parade, especially since his napping schedule was way off and he was running on fumes. He did not whine once! I think he will enjoy it next year!

Here are some pictures from Caleb's first Dogwood...





















I will do a separate post about the Dogwood Dash 5K!