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Western Days wrangles up good time for 56th year
Main Street came to life for Elgin’s annual Western Days celebration last week, with hundreds lining the streets for the Grand Parade in one of the city’s oldest and most cherished traditions. This year’s theme, “Wrangler Roundup,” brought western flair back downtown, celebrating both Elgin’s and the festival’s deep-rooted community spirit. The three-day event culminated in the parade early Saturday, June 28, proving once more to be a family affair that spans generations.
Henry Montemayor and his son, who once drove classic trucks in the parade, chose to watch from the sidelines this year with his children.
“We’re here to support the parade, support the town,” H. Kevin Montemayor said. “We love Elgin.” James Ford, another longt ime attendee, brought his two young grandsons. He said he never misses the parade and was excited to share the experience with them.
“The parade is my favorite part of Western Days,” said Shoquoa Smith, particularly fond of the horses in the show.
After the showcase of all that Bastrop County has to offer, festivalgoers made their way to Memorial Park, where the celebration continued with live music, games and crafts vendors—alongside plenty of good food, drinks and conversation.
Western Days, now in its 56th year, is one of the longest-running festivals in Texas and serves as a homecoming for Elgin, drawing extended families back to town. The festival began in 1969 and was officially named in 1972 during the city’s centennial. Over the years, it has grown into a celebration of heritage, hospitality and community connection, according to organizers.
“For 56 years, Western Days has been a cornerstone of tradition here in Elgin,” said Veronica Seever, president of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the festival. “It’s more than an event, it’s a homecoming.”
Festivities began Thursday, June 26, with a golf tournament at ShadowGlen Golf Course in Manor. That evening, the Family Foam Hoe Down at Memorial Park featured music by DJ Fernando, arcade games, dancing and foam cannon fun. On Friday night, the Lost Pines Riding Club hosted goat roping at Julius Marek Arena, followed by the Ranch Rodeo Saturday night.
While the rodeo once served as the festival’s centerpiece, it has since become a separate tradition. Still, Western Days continues to evolve while honoring its roots, Seever said—welcoming back alumni, celebrating Elgin’s small-town heritage and inviting new residents to join in.
It is also the largest annual fundraiser for the chamber, with proceeds helping support yearround programs.
“The festival may look a little different each year,” Seever said. “But what keeps this tradition alive after 56 years is the people who continue to show up.”
