America, Countries, Food & Wine

The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas

Bet you’re wondering how I knew, how I knew before you, but they’re championing The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

Our good old Southern compadres in the Lone Star State have borrowed a Yankee icon for this, the 39th Annual Grapefest, in September.

But anything goes in the name of wine, we say.

And we know that Texans and visitors will rise to the challenge to don DJs, Spatz and flapper dresses and coif out of goblets.

Grapevine, which runs four unforgettable days on Historic Main Street, September 11, 12, 13 and 14, is a veritable fest of fun.

Stomp of approval

Stage is set: For Grapefest in Grapevine, Texas

And we can just picture Jay, Nick, Tom, Daisy and Myrtle trampling away in the popular GrapeStomp.

Where teams of two against each other in a race against the clock to stomp about 18 pounds of grapes in a thrilling two-minute frenzy.

The stakes are high, culminating in the Grand Champion Stompoff.

Where the ultimate victors are awarded the coveted Purple Foot Award!

Pour me another: With the big bottle

While for those with a steady hand and a celebratory spirit, the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off offers a unique test of skill.

Participants take aim at targets, with smaller targets yielding higher points.

All building to the Grand Shoot-Off finals on Sunday.

The best possible taste

Spell it out: Texas tipples

Now the Grapevine Annual Grapefest is a showcase for Texan wine and the week when the Lone Star State challenges California’s riches.

Boasting the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine tasting competition in the states, exclusively featuring all Texas wines.

And you can meet Texas winemakers while sampling and judging more than a dozen varietal categories including sweet, dry and blush. 

Elevate your wine knowledge with engaging pairing workshops.

Where experts will guide you in discovering the perfect harmonies between your favorite vinos and delectable cheese, chocolates and more!

All the fun of the fest

All the fun of the fest: Just picture yourself there

While the GrapeFest guys and gals helpfully tell us what else is on offer.

  • Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant soundtrack throughout the festival with performances across multiple stages.
  • Iconic Festival Food: Indulge in a diverse culinary scene with food options to complement the wine selections. And try a Texas corny dog or funnel cake!
  • Artisan Marketplace: Discover unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs made by Texas vendors.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: With activities for all ages, GrapeFest includes a KidZone, Carnival and Midway.
  • Historic Backdrop: Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are repurposed as boutiques, international cafés and bistros, art galleries and winery tasting rooms.

Will you be mine?

Toasting Texas: With the grape

Now, you’ll be glad after your jet lag from Europe to know that the Texas tipplers’ town is just beside Dallas Fort Worth.

For you to roll in and roll back to the airport after all the fun.

And is home to a range of world-class hotels.

From luxe resorts, including Gaylord Texan to the boutique Hotel Vin.

And family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge, visitors will find accommodations that suit their needs and preferences.

Grapevine is also home to the Urban Wine Trail, Historic Main Street, Historic Nash Farm, Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

And hosts many annual festivals and events including GrapeFest.

Super trample: And aim for that Purple Foot trophy

And Main Street Fest – A Timeless Texas Tradition.

While if you can’t get away until later in the year Grapevine is also the Christmas Capital of Texas.

With more than 1,400 Christmas events over 40 days.

And was voted Newsweek Reader’s Choice Best Christmas Town in the US in 2024.

And all year round too, and not just the four days of GrapeFest.

We can celebrate The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

 

 

America, Countries, Ireland, UK

Put your back into Texan Irish Dancing

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

B*witching: Irish dance crossover

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

Flat out: Flatley’s dancers

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Sugarplum fairy: Daddy’s Little Girl

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

America, Countries, Sport

Mums are bigger in Texas

Listen up y’all like everything else in the Lone Star state Mums are bigger in Texas.

No, not the wrinkled stocking screeching mouse-fearing Mamma of Tom and Jerry…or Barbie Bubba from the trailer park.

Though don’t shoot me… I’ve seen all the Smokey films and Texan women are some of the prettiest in the world.

It’s just the received wisdom is that Mums come in bigger (Gawd, I’m digging a hole here) sizes.

I am, of course, not talking mothers here but the big adornments women wear for Homecomings which Texans call ‘Mums’.

More is more

Mum’s the word: Dress-up time

Which traditionally corresponds with the college football team’s first home game.

And we all know college football is as much about what happens off the pitch as on it.

Teddy Bears’ picnic: The parade

And there are big parades featuring the school’s choir, a marching band.

With most importantly the coronation of a homecoming queen (and king).

With a dance following the big game.

Now if you think less is more then just think how much more ‘more’ can be.

Be your own lone star

Love match: Texas boys and girls


So forget the subtle wrist corsages, faux chrysanthemums decorated with ribbons, go big or go home is the message from Texas.

With the Texan friends and big eads I met at the American Travel Fair in San Antonio giving us a flavour of how they do things.

The good folk of the charmingly named Grapevine are running an exhibition on all things Homecoming Mums tagged…

MUMENTOUS: Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized High School Tradition Born Deep in the Heart of Texas.’

Book me in: Author Amy


The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Texas Lakes Trail Region, author and photographer Amy J. Schultz, and the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Activities include the GHS Homecoming parade on Wednesday, October 4.

And the Homecoming football game against Polytechnic High School of Fort Worth on Friday, October 6.

An exhibition of yourself

Frills and thrills: The decorations

MUMENTOUS will be exhibited at the Grapevine Tower Gallery, 636 S. Main Street, from September 23rd-October 14.

The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays, 8am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm.

Additionally, there will be a MUMENTOUS Open House on the evening of October 4 in conjunction with the GHS Homecoming parade schedule.

Grapevine is just six miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

And we found a sample British Airways return flight from London Heathrow for the first week in October from £589 return.