It’s time to break out your camouflage for the sixth annual Wild Game and Wine Camofest from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, in downtown Bay City.
“The festival, held on Avenue G and Sixth Street, is the Main Street program’s annual fundraiser designed to attract people to Bay City’s historic downtown area,” said Bay City Main Street Manager Tina Israel.
“Tickets are on sale now at baycitycamofest.net and can be picked up from 9 a.m. to noon or 2-4 p.m. Jan. 24-27, at 1112 7th Street in Bay City or at the will-call booth the day of the event.”
The event honors Bay City native and world-renowned artist, Forrest Clemenger Bess, 1911-1977.
While serving in the Army Corps of Engineers during WWII, Forrest received a commendation for designing camouflage.
Visitors will have the chance to sample wild game, fowl, and seafood prepared by local cook teams and to taste regional wine from Texas wineries.
Those wineries will have wine for sale by glass or bottle as well as tasting samples.
For those with a taste for beer instead of wine, craft and Texas beers will be for sale.
Live entertainment will be provided by Ernie Aparicio and Ashtyn Kruse, Zydeco Dots, and Rewind Texas.
There will be nearly 30 retail vendors with everything from custom cups, shirts and home décor to treats and outdoor wear and supplies.
“Right now I have five confirmed food trucks that will have pizza, funnel cakes, corn dogs and concession treats,” added Israel.
The festival is free to enter with different paid ticket levels available to sample the game and vineyard offerings.
A wristband is needed to visit the Wild Game and Wine Food Camp and Camocash is needed for wine tastings, beer, and Camofest merchandise.
Wild Game and Wine Food Camp tickets are $10 per person per wristband.
“Wild Game and Wine Food Camp wristbands can be purchased online or at the festival for our guests to sample locally caught wild game, fish, fowl, and other delicious dishes,” said Israel.
“We have 10 cook teams confirmed dishes will include alligator, elk, wild hog, mule deer, duck, and oysters you’ll have to come out and see what all these guys whip up. I can assure it will be some of the best food you’ve ever had.”
The food camp teams will also have a chance to win a custom cutting board by winning the fan favorite contest.
“Each patron coming into the food camp will receive one ticket to put in a drawing for their favorite dish,” she explained.
“The winner of the competition will receive a custom cutting board. This is something new, but we wanted to give a little extra incentive to our guys coming out to cook.”
Children under 5 do not need a wristband to enter the food camp area, but must be accompanied by an adult.
There will be a “Kid’s Zone” from noon until 4 p.m. that has a slew of different activities.
“There’s face painting, balloon art, blowups, games, and a cooking demonstration from the Matagorda County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office as part of the zone,” added Israel.
Israel is looking for volunteers – per person or with an organization.
“We will accept high school students needing community service hours as well as anyone from other organizations or if you’re just interested in helping us out,” she said.
“You will be needed from about 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the absolute latest.”
To sign up to be a volunteer, contact Tina Israel at tisrael@cityofbaycity.org or call 979-245-8081.
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