Founders Day parade canceled
The annual Dripping Springs Founders Day parade has been canceled due to inclement weather, according to a statement from the city this afternoon.
Dripping Springs’ celebration of heritage and pioneer spirit was scheduled to take place on and around Mercer Street from April 28 through 30. The largest city event of the year, Founders Day celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community. This year, however, the festival’s kickoff event will not be able to continue as planned.
City officials, along with the Founders Day Festival Commission, met with area emergency management officials and representatives from the National Weather Service. The result was the cancellation of the parade — with no intentions to reschedule.
“Our area is expecting severe weather early this evening that includes potential lightning, hail and possible tornadoes,” the city said in a statement. “For the safety of all parade participants and parade viewers, we are canceling tonight’s Founders Day Festival Parade. If we were to experience hail and lightning, we would not have sufficient shelter or any way to keep children and families safe.”
“The National Weather Service expects the severe weather to pass through quickly, so all other Festival activities for today will go on as planned but will be dependent on when the storm has cleared our area,” the city added. “We know that many will be disappointed. We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Our top priority is the safety of all our residents and visitors.”
A wide variety of activities are offered during the Founders Day festival, including the Mighty Thomas Carnival, delicious food, barbecue cook-off competitions, live music and more than 150 arts and craft booths and vendors. These will be available to the public (weather permitting) from 4 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 29; and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.
The festival is hosted by the city of Dripping Springs, as well as the Founders Day Commission, which includes representatives from different local organizations. The proceeds collected from the three-day event are contributed back to the community and benefit local nonprofit organizations, parks, churches, schools, youth groups and charities.