BUDAFEST CANCELED DUE TO IMPENDING CONSTRUCTION IN DOWNTOWN BUDA

TOURISM DEPARTMENT GEARING UP FOR BUDAFEST’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN 2020

(BUDA, Texas) – Construction has started on Main Street between Cabela’s Drive and Railroad Street as a part of a bond approved by voters in November of 2014. This fall, construction will also begin at the intersection of Main Street and RM 967 for improvements to sidewalks and the road. 

Improvements to the intersection include reconfiguration of the sidewalks, signing and striping to enhance pedestrian safety, and the creation of turning lanes and through lanes to address traffic flow. With all this upcoming construction in downtown, the City of Buda had to make tough decisions regarding the annual Budafest celebration. After much thought and consideration, the City made the decision to cancel Budafest for 2019 due to construction and safety factors ruling out other locations. Staff is looking forward and gearing up for a big 40th Anniversary celebration in 2020 after downtown and park improvements are made.

“We discussed the possibility of moving Budafest to a different location this year,” said Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez. “At the end of the day, we kept going back to Budafest’s roots. Budafest is a perfect way to showcase what makes Buda unique. We did not want to change the feel of the festival or try to put on a scaled-down version of the event.”

Budafest is a time-honored tradition that began as a small festival in the heart of Downtown Buda. The holiday festival has grown to more than 75 vendors and attracts thousands of visitors each year. From the lighted parade to the craft vendors showing off their unique creations, Budafest has drawn out families and visitors alike to Buda for nearly 40 years. The spirit of this cherished holiday festival is rooted in Downtown Buda.

Vendors who have already registered for Budafest will be fully refunded. Meanwhile, the City is looking ahead to December 2020 when Budafest will celebrate its 40th Anniversary.

“Budafest will return for its 40th anniversary celebration and we plan to make it bigger and better than ever,” said Gonzalez

Until then, we invite citizens to attend the City’s other holiday events, including:

Trail of Lights at Stagecoach Park - Dec. 5-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22

Cocoa Jingle/Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Buda Greenbelt on Main St. - Saturday, Nov. 30

Main Street Sip & Stroll - Friday, Dec. 13

We will share more information on these events in the coming months on our website and social media channels. For any additional information on Budafest email us at visitbudatx@gmail.com or follow us on social @visitbudatx. 

### 

CITY OF BUDA ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL HOLIDAY EVENT NAME

Budafest Website Launched Vendor, Sponsor, and Volunteer Opportunities Now Open

BUDA, TX – Sept. 2017 – We are pleased to announce that our new holiday event will keep the Budafest name. Last month, it was announced that the City of Buda is gearing up for a new holiday festival that would replace the annual Budafest celebration. In the spirit of this time-honored tradition, we are proud to announce that the name Budafest will be talked about for many more years to come.

“The Budafest celebration has been a part of our community going on thirty-eight years. It’s important that we honor the legacy that the previous Budafest Committee has worked so hard to build over the years,” said Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez.

The Budafest celebration will include the Brilliant Lights Parade and Downtown Lighting. This lighted, nighttime parade goes directly through the heart of Downtown Buda. Watch as community organizations ride in their decorated floats that bring out the spirit of the holidays. The parade ends with a lighting ceremony where Santa Claus will count down with parade goers to “turn on” downtown and kick-off the beginning of the holidays in Buda, Texas.

Other Budafest activities include entertainment, food, carnival, and artisan vendors selling handcrafted items. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures with kids in the Downtown Gazebo. Below are new activities we are adding this year: 

• Snow Slide New this year, is our snow area with built-in snow slide. The snow slide will be located in Buda City Park. Come sled down the berm on snow and experience a winter tradition that doesn't happen too often here in Texas! 
• Artisan Workshop Festival goers can watch demonstrations and get a more hands-on holiday craft experience. More details to come.
•  Reindog Parade The Reindog Parade will kick-off the second day of festivities. Dogs from all around will gather to trot down the street in their best holiday costumes and outfits.

For information on how to become a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer please go to our newly launched Budafest website at www.budafest.org

***The former Budafest Committee offered all 2016 vendors a $40 credit for the 2017 Budafest. The City will honor the $40 credit. The deadline to be a vendor is Nov. 17, 2017.

*** TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE (The event times may be subject to change)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park

________________________________________

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park ________________________________________

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

12:00 PM: Festival and carnival grounds open to the public
12:00 PM - 6:30 PM: The following activities are open for the duration of the festival: craft and food vendors, kid's activities area and Santa's Artisan Workshop
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Snow slide in Buda City Park
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Lighted holiday parade with downtown lighting ceremony
8:00 PM - Festival grounds close to the public
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
10:00 PM: Carnival grounds close to the public

________________________________________

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

12:00 PM: Festival and carnival grounds open to the public
12:00 PM: Reindog parade
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The following activities are open for the duration of the festival: craft and food vendors, kid's activities area and Santa's Artisan Workshop
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Snow slide in Buda City Park
5:00 PM - Festival grounds close to the public
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival in Buda City Park
10:00 PM: Carnival grounds close to the public

###

CITY OF BUDA ANNOUNCES NEW PLANS FOR BUDAFEST

It may be a little early to think of Santa Claus and his elves, but the City of Buda is gearing up to bring you a new holiday festival. The yet to be named holiday event will replace the annual “Budafest” celebration.

“Budafest has been an integral part of Buda for years and an important part of the Holiday season to our citizens. The work by organizers over the years must be commended for the time and effort spent to keep such an event alive and vibrant,” said City Manager Kenneth Williams. “Thanks to Eileen Conley, Bert Bronaugh and Elaine Purvis, just to name a few, for all their hard work in keeping the event going.”

“I feel encouraged about the future of the Budafest tradition. The spirit that was brought to this event over the past 33 years was embraced by the City, and I feel it will be in good hands,” said Budafest Organizer Bert Bronaugh.

“The accomplishment of running an event for over 37 years is unprecedented in Buda for sure and there are many people over the years that I have worked with that helped to mold and make it successful and a boon to the community, helping to boost the economic needs of churches, community organizations, Main Street merchants, as well as all the arts and crafts booths participating,” said Budafest Organizer Eileen Conley.

Conley also wanted to thank Carol Whisenant and Danny Levin, along with the many others who took part in Budafest over the years. “Hundreds of scholarships for college or trade schools, as well as needful organizations received proceeds from Budafest over the years. It has been an honor to serve the community all these years,” said Conley.

Like Budafest, the new festival will include a Christmas parade, entertainment, carnival, and over 125 artisans selling handcrafted items. Santa Claus will also be on hand to take pictures with the kids.

“The City of Buda’s Tourism and Main Street Departments are coordinating with the Parks Department to shape a new holiday tradition we can all be proud of and we look forward to carrying on the tradition started by the original Budafest group,” said Williams.

The Budafest Committee’s dedication and hard work throughout the years is much appreciated. With the City’s continued growth and higher attendance at local events, the Budafest Committee determined that the City would be able to provide additional resources to ensure the festival’s continued success.

“Budafest is a time honored tradition. It’s important to our community and the City that we honor the legacy that the Budafest Committee has worked so hard to build over the years,” said Tourism Director Lysa Gonzalez.

The City’s Main Street Program will play a major role in the new holiday festival. Buda was designated a Texas Main Street City earlier this year. The Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. As we are revitalizing our downtown, we also want to take a look at how we can revamp our downtown events.

The original Budafest group will assist the City in planning the upcoming holiday event. Those interested in being a vendor at the event can contact the Buda Tourism Department at 512-295- 7170.