Main Street Days in Grapevine this year was a lot of fun. The whole weekend stayed fairly cool and it was good to be outdoors. The warmest day was Sunday which reached the low 80s in the afternoon. Of course, Sunday is the day I went.
Getting There
I took 635 to Grapevine. The organizers of Main Street Days set up signs along 635 to guide people in. I followed the signs to the well-marked free parking lot behind the library (Main Street and Vine) and hopped on the free air-conditioned shuttle to the festivities.
The shuttle dropped me off right at the entrance and I bought my ticket. $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 6-12. They offered weekend passes for $15 and $20, but I only went for one day. An ATM right outside the entrance provided cash to those who had forgotten to bring enough. Food and entertainment inside the festival is paid for with coupons, instead of cash. $10 bought 20 coupons.
Things To Do
World's Tallest Inflatable Slide
Immediately upon entering I saw plenty of fun things to do. A rock climbing wall had been set up in the middle of the street. Pony rides were off to the left. The world's tallest inflatable slide (or so it said on the sign) was set up on the right. HawkQuest demonstrated the abilities of various birds of prey, including a bald eagle and a barn owl. Time Warner Cable sponsored free photos with kids' favorite costume characters. Scooby-Doo and Hong Kong Phooey were delighting the kids when I arrived.
Heading on down Main Street, local and national artists offered jewelry, clothes, sculpture, paintings, and Tupperware. Many of the permanent stores were open with special deals and bargain bin sales for the festival.
The Food
Bald Eagle at HawkQuest
I grabbed some roasted corn for six coupons at the Grapevine Elks' booth. The Elks painted melted butter on, then pointed me to a self-serve tray with flavorings like lemon pepper and seasoned salt. Ice cold Dasani was available at another booth for four coupons. Funnel cake--that staple of festivals and carnivals--cost eight coupons. Cotton candy, turkey legs, sausage on a stick, roasted nuts, kettle corn, and ice cream were just a few of the other festival foods offered. Beer and wine were available for seven coupons.
