Tommy invites you to the Bob Wills Day Celebration from the Church of Western Swing
The location in America we now know as Turkey, Texas, was originally called Turkey Roost, as the local creek, (aptly and cleverly retroactively named Turkey Creek,) appeared to serendipitously be a naturally favored roosting place for the local wild turkey population, (which was booming.)
Texans being Texans,that location soon accumulated enterprising, farming individuals. Growth there resulted in the 10 square block city being recognized by the US Postal System, as a stop, in 1893, with the name shortened to Turkey. The 2nd generation community there at the time was dealt a blessing both to and from their parents.
In 1919, the youthful city was visited by a “Wills” family, and their son Bob; who spent most of his young years there, coming to terms with Life under the Texan sky, Music, Love, and the Texan fiddle, and what finding and making a good musical time for his neighbors meant.
Young Bob went on to invent a new style of music, “Western Swing;” both local and polished.
At heart, Bob Wills wanted to make you dance. To find the rhythm of the music and a release to the pounding bass, the fiddle to the sax, to the fantastic solos from all the players. The feeling of joy in the music was both familiar and celebrated. The narrative never strayed.
*******************
Well guess what! A lot has transpired since the account I just visited. Bob Wills is now world renowned, revered as a great performer, and the music he inspired and is identified with is currently alive and well, thanks to his showmanship and creative spirit.
And so, happily and consequently there is a time and place for this celebration of the new and old music of Bob Wills, both his own entrepreneuring musical borrowings, as well as our current host of Bob Wills performers.
And its right here in Turkey Texas, the last weekend in April every year. That’s Thursday thru Saturday, April 23 - April 26. The entire city of 300 actual residents will bloom to 4,000 to 5,000, including folks who have attended the celebration over the years. (Now in its 53rd year!)
If you want to attend this special event, which is basically held in 10 square city blocks, you must know that there is a process involved. However, it’s not complicated: (There are very few hotels or motels in the area. There are some BnB accommodations to be had.) If you miss those, plan on the following:
1) Secure a spot for yourself, basically a space with a trailer or RV hookup. There are many in town, call Stephanie at City Hall for info about sites. Her phone is (806) 423-1033.
2) Go to RVShare.com to reserve an RV or trailer:
Option 1: Drive the rented RV yourself to Turkey Tx , then deliver it back to the owner. (You need to negotiate the rides both to and from the airport)
Option 2: Rent a trailer (24’-32’ ft long) Usually $150 per night average. Search for trailer owners who DELIVER!
You will negotiate the delivery cost, (usually the miles involved ) the owner will want a security deposit. Once you have your location settled (what site number and address you have) you’ll give that to the trailer owner.
Then, you secure a rental car at the airport, and you go to the store to buy some WATER, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks etc. You then proceed to Turkey (90 minute drive,) where you will find the key in the door of your trailer, your home for the next 3 days.
Congratulations! You’ve made it to Turkey safely and you’ll discover the many exciting things at the Bob Wills Day Celebration! Parades, free concerts, nightly dances, and much, much more!!!
Turkey, Texas, 10 blocks square
So, to Recap:
1) Secure a trailer space.
2) Get your rental trailer (delivered to the location you’ve secured.)
3) Fly in to Amarillo, or Lubbock Texas . Get your rental car and go to the store. (Few stores in Turkey.)
4) Drive to Turkey, find your location, unpack your bags, take a Deep Breath and enjoy yourself …!! You made it….! Congratulations!!
5) Stop by and say Hi at the Church of Western Swing, 1010 Houston St, just south of ALLSUPS….
See you there!
