Texas Now Magazine February 2014 | Page 22

Early 80’s night, these folks know how to bring the community together in support of their firefighters. Oysterfest officials have been working closely with seafood sources along the Texas Gulf Today also had received a 6x6, which they had received as a surplus, which the firemen were able to modify into a brush truck. In 1979, while Les “Googles” Cole was Fire Chief, the Fire Department was in need of rescue equipment. During a brainstorming session on how to raise the necessary funds, Oysterfest was born. The money raised with the first event gave the Fulton Fire Department enough to put down on Hurst Rescue Tools and the invaluable “Jaws Of Life”. Every year since then proceeds from Oysterfest have gone to help the Fulton Fire Department acquire the needed funds to purchase equipment, trucks and a new state-ofthe-art building to house the Fire Station, making it one of the top Fire Departments in the state. Coast to locate the freshest oysters and other seafood for the event as well as the most popular entertainment. Each year’s celebration is a labor of love for the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. Having participated in Oysterfest last A Trip Down Memory Lane With Photos From The Past 22 The parade starts on Saturday morning at 11am, and gives you plenty of time to keep the ball rolling and take part in all the Oysterfest festivities. From the thrilling carnival rides, to succulent oysters, along with lots of other delicious food and drink to pick from, you’ll be enjoying it all with live entertainment, music, and shopping afterward…..and did I mention the Oysters? Some of the great line-up of musical performers will be on hand for this year’s Oysterfest. Opening-up this fourday event is Fine Wine Gary Prukop. This singer/songwriter's soothing voice grabs the atten- tion of an audience right from the start. He was chosen to appear in the movie "Johnny Be Good" with Anthony Michael Hall, Uma Thurman and Robert Downey Jr., so this is one performance you won’t want to miss. The Fulton Fire Department has come a long way since that 1947 fire; with the help and support of the many loyal, dedicated men who risked their lives to help others and the Fulton residents who supported them. Oysterfest 2014 marks the 35th consecutive year the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department and the many volunteers who assist them, have put on one of the largest and best attended events in the state - over 35,000 people attended last year’s Oysterfest! From selling beer out of a skiff in 1979 to the spectacular fireworks show at this year’s opening year, I’m really excited about this year’s event. Different volunteer groups within the community get together putting together some of the most outstanding and creative floats you’ll see and taking part in one of the largest parades in the Coastal Bend. They’re all competing for the coveted trophies awarded for Best Float and you’re sure to be delighted and entertained by the originality of each. Beginning on Traylor and continuing on to Fulton Beach Road, you won’t want to miss this spectacular show. Come Make Your Memories Today At Oysterfest Also, don’t forget Friday night’s performances by James Edwards and local favorite Riptide. These performers are both crowd pleasers and you’ll be up and dancing the night away. On Saturday after the parade, Oysterfest has you covered with musical guest Whiskey Bent beginning at noon. This band has relentless stage presence and energy that can satisfy any crowd. Playing from 2pm-4pm is