A friendly passerby offered to take our photo at last year’s fair with Big Tex and (because of our woeful skill at midway games) the most expensive stuffed animal I’ve ever owned.

There’s a little more than a week left to visit the State Fair of Texas, that grand showcase of food, entertainment, amusements, exhibits and Texas hospitality that lights up Dallas’ Fair Park each fall.

This year, be sure to look for Texas Highways at the Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Trails table in the Food and Fiber Pavilion, where you can enter a daily drawing for a free subscription to the magazine. They also have some copies of the November issue to give away (while supplies last), along with plenty of information on exploring the state’s 10 scenic driving trails.

After that, there’s enough to do at the fair to fill a day or a whole weekend. When my husband and I made the trip last year, we made it our mission to try all the food finalists in the Big Tex Choice Awards. My favorite was the fried guacamole, while he savored the buffalo chicken in a flapjack, which took the fair’s top award for 2011. There’s a new roster of deep-fried delicacies to lure adventurous eaters back each year–among the 2012 awards, “Best Taste” honors went to Deep Fried Jambalaya, and the Fried Bacon Cinnamon Rolls were deemed “Most Creative.” (Can you tell I’m trying to convince him that we should make the drive again this year?)

Other fair favorites include games and rides on the massive midway, pig races, museum exhibits, headliner concerts, and the nightly parade and light show. Don’t miss out–the fair runs until Oct. 21.

It’s said that you can’t get blood from a stone, but how about getting a horny toad out of one?

That’s what’s said to have happened in Eastland, Texas, when the old courthouse was being torn down in 1928. A time capsule in the courthouse’s cornerstone since 1897 was opened, and to the surprise of thousands of people gathered for the event, a horned lizard sealed up in the box 31 years ago was still alive. Named “Old Rip,” after Rip Van Winkle, the horny toad was taken on a national tour before dying less than a year later. (According to the story, that wasn’t the end of his adventures.)

Today, Old Rip lies in state in a casket at the Eastland County Courthouse, and the city celebrates this legendary lizard at RipFest each October.  This year’s event on Saturday, Oct. 6, features a full day of activities, including a parade, car show, bull riding, live entertainment.

If you’d prefer to make some weekend plans that aren’t reptile-related, don’t fret — there are lots of options. It’s officially fall, which means Texas is buzzing with big events to choose from:

Gonzales: Come and Take It Festival, Oct. 5-7

Gruene: Music and Wine Festival, Oct. 4-7

Huntsville: Fair on the Square, Oct. 5-6

Rockport: Seafair, Oct. 5-7

Southlake: Southlake Oktoberfest, Oct. 4-6

Waco: Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, Oct. 4-13

Victoria: Bootfest, Oct. 5-6

About a year after the Second Battle of Adobe Walls and later fighting in the Red River War, Quanah Parker and his band of Comanches surrendered themselves at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1875. During the next 35 years, Parker continued to represent his people, and also became known as a rancher, statesman and Native American Church leader. (Photo from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission)

One of the most compelling stories in Texas history is that of kidnapped settler Cynthia Ann Parker and her son, Quanah Parker, who became the last chief of his Comanche tribe. (Be sure to pick up your October 2012 issue of Texas Highways for Russell A. Graves’  story on the recently established Quanah Parker Trail–a preview can be found here.) Part of Quanah Parker’s legacy is his role in the Second Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874, in which he led hundreds of men in an attack on an outpost of white buffalo hunters. The hunters held their ground, meaning a defeat for the southern plains tribes that would hasten their movement to reservations and the extermination of wild buffalo in the region.

On Saturday, this important period in Texas frontier history is examined during the Adobe Walls Trek, an annual event presented by the Hutchinson County Museum in Borger. Expert presentations begin at 9 a.m.  in front of Borger’s City Hall, then continue by caravan to the sites of the 1864 and 1877 Battles of Adobe Walls. There is no charge to participate, though donations are welcome. For more details, call the museum at 806/273-0130.

More information about the Battles of Adobe Walls and their implications for Texas history can be found in this booklet on the museum’s website.

And while you’re in the region, you might also be interested in stopping by the Calf Fry Cook-Off, Barbecue and Beach Party in Canadian (about an hour east of Borger) on Saturday. Pro tip: If you don’t already know what a “calf fry” is, let your education begin by just eating and enjoying — then ask.

The kids are back in school, and we’re already working on the winter Texas Events Calendar, but hopefully there’s still room in everyone’s schedule for summer’s last hurrah – Labor Day!

In addition to the usual holiday celebrations, many communities choose this weekend to put on some of their biggest and most unique events.

West puts on its signature Czech heritage festival, Westfest, this Friday through Sunday. Along with the expected festival offerings of a parade and carnival, this event stands out for its cultural displays, including costumes, polka music and dancing, and (my favorite) tasty kolaches. Saturday is the main day for musical entertainment, with Brave Combo and Larry Joe Taylor performing.

Marfa’s Labor Day weekend tradition is the annual Marfa Lights Festival, named for the eerie nighttime phenomenon seen in the desert nearby. From Aug. 31-Sept. 2, the festival will present free concerts, a parade, 5K run and other activities, plus the event’s first soapbox derby.

Then, if you’re already out in Marfa, you might as well take a short drive to Alpine to see the hot-air balloons at the Big Bend Balloon Bash, which runs Sept. 1-3. The balloons are only in flight from about 7:30-10 a.m. (weather permitting), but if an evening visit is more your speed, check out the 8 p.m. Fire Concert at Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport on Sunday.

Galveston’s newest addition to the Labor Day event roster is the BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival, happening Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at Moody Gardens. More than 400 craft beers will be featured at more than 10 events, including beer tastings, food pairings, seminars, poolside parties and a live country music concert. Tickets can be purchased in advance (which also is a good time to plan a safe ride home).

A roundup of other events this Labor Day weekend:

Anna: Hammerfest 2012

Bertram: Oatmeal Festival

Boerne: Kendall County Fair

El Paso: Sun City Music Festival

Granbury: Hoodstock Music Festival

Waelder: Fiesta Guacamole

As musicians and fans roll in for the annual Navasota Blues Festival this Friday and Saturday, I wondered: How did this town get its title as the “Blues Capital of Texas?”

Mance Lipscomb died in 1976 in his hometown of Navasota, Texas.

A key figure in the area’s music heritage is songster and blues musician Mance Lipscomb, who was born in Navasota in 1895 and spent much of his life as a tenant farmer before releasing his first album 1960. (The term “songster” refers to traveling musicians who played in a wide variety of styles that influenced and blended with blues music as it’s known today.) After being signed by a major label at age 65, Lipscomb became a regular at music festivals and blues clubs around the country before returning home to Navasota in his final years. Today, the city celebrates his musical legacy with a two-day festival featuring celebrated local and regional blues performers.

This year’s Navasota Blues Fest is Aug. 10-11 at the Grimes County Expo Center (yes, it’s inside with air conditioning – an important detail during a Texas summer!) For details, check out our event listing here.

Other events happening around the state include:

Alpine: Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, Aug. 10-11

Chappell Hill: Lavender and Wine Fest, Aug. 11

De Leon: Peach and Melon Festival, Aug. 7-11

Though I am no poet laureate, I couldn’t resist throwing my Texas spin on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” I know it’s been done before, but I’ll share my version, nonetheless … with a few links to help you see what a great state we live in.

Happy Christmas to Y’all!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the state,

every Texan was stirring, they could hardly wait!

In the desert, coyotes howled a wintry song.

In the Valley, a chorus of birds sang along.

~*~

Sunbathers on the coast sported their holiday glow,

while Panhandle children danced in the snow.

The Monahans revelers surfed the sands of Christmas time,

and caroling passengers rode the Polar Express from Palestine.

~*~

The big cities were a beacon of bright lights ­– reds and greens,

and Hill Country Main streets aglow with festively-lit scenes.

Across the Lone Star state, it was very easy to see

that hearts were filled with love, and there was much felicity.

~*~

Restless, they were, in their holiday cheer,

filled with the knowledge that Christmas is near.

When what should they spy across the Comanche Moon

But a silhouette of Santa. He’d be here soon!

~*~

They raced to their beds as Santa approached,

And tried to find sleep, as they had been coached.

With much state for St. Nick to cover, led by Rudolph’s bright red nose,

The excited Texans feigned sleep until they did doze.

~*~

In the still of the silent night, Santa made his way

to every home under the Texas sky, from desert and to bay.

From canyons and subtropical climes, he didn’t skip a beat,

making every stop, like clockwork, savoring each gifted treat.

~*~

Then off in the big sky he rose out of sight,

And with a cheerful belly-chuckle he shouted:

“Happy Texas Christmas, y’all, and to y’all a good-night!”

Across the globe, when talk of music festivals come up, two Texas events always make the list – spring’s South by Southwest and fall’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, both in Austin – the Live Music Capital of the World, as we like to call it. Austin’s Fun, Fun, Fun Fest, in November, is also starting to rise to similar ranks.

We shared a sampling of SXSW in case you decide to add it to your list of things to do (registration for 2012 has already begun … and book those hotels already!). By that same token, Texas Highways senior editor Lori Moffatt and I will hit the ground running tomorrow, Sept. 16, as the three-day ACL festival kicks off. We will try to bring some of the experience to you via updates on Twitter, Facebook and the Texas Highways blog. Feel free to share your thoughts if you’re out there with us. Consider going next year if you’re not there this year.

You’ll also be able to check out some of the live action from Zilker Park on ACL’s YouTube page. The line up is pretty phenomenal with Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Kanye West and Arcade Fire among the headliners. From legendary performers like Mavis Staples to up-and-coming talents like Ruby Jane, the eight stages will be populated by a vast mix of music including rock, indie, country, folk and electronic performances.

Like SXSW, the crowds at ACL prove that the event isn’t just good for Austin, it’s good for Texas, with many traveling great distances – across the country and world – to be part of the musical madness that is more than 130 acts over 3 days with crowds of about 70,000 per day.

We want people to travel to and within the state. It’s good for our economy, so … bring it on, and rock on!

See related: How I Survived SXSW: Film and Interactive

How I Survived SXSW: The Basics

...and the crowd goes wild!

How to survive the Music portion of South by Southwest. Easy. Expect midnight or 1 a.m. headliners, lots of SXSW parties and little sleep.

In my previous installment, I highly recommend the SXSW’s express pass for bigger venues/band names. It’s worth it. Definitely. But realizing bands are playing into the wee hours of the morning followed by all the after parties that don’t end until 6 a.m., 10 a.m. is virtually the crack of dawn. But, if you can swing it, wake up long enough to get it then return to your Zzzzs.

As with the film schedule, the choices are phenomenal. Pick the bands you want to see most, and let the rest be icing on the cake.

Unlike the film portion, there aren’t discussions or Q&A with the bands at the shows, but you can see plenty of panel discussions, keynote addresses at the Convention Center, as well as interviews at the IFC Crossroads House. Bob Geldof and Yoko Ono (talking, not singing) were among the highlights.

There's music everywhere, including this live band at the makeshift CNN Grill SXSW.

Still, the music portion presents the perfect opportunity to explore and experience so many new, up-and-coming bands. Take full advantage.

I did a lot of that and was pleasantly surprised on many occasions. Sometimes, I found the particular music I stumbled upon was not necessarily my style, but I always appreciate the creative education … and people watching.

Duran Duran perform at Stubb's.

Admittedly, I couldn’t help but indulge in the familiar. Music snobs might chide me for going the mainstream route, but I enjoyed nurturing my ‘80s roots while watching The Bangles or Duran Duran. I saw them both from front and center. That wouldn’t have happened “back in the day.” Thanks SXSW.

I also hoped, as part of this whole SXSW experience, to take in two of the consistently big parties – Perez Hilton’s Night in Austin and Rachel Ray’s Feedback Party. Lots shared their personal opinion about each of these “celebrities”, but my interest was not in them, rather the energy around the parties they throw and the people and performers who show up. I managed to score badges for both.

There was talk of a surprise guest at the Perez party – Lady Gaga. Brittney Spears. P. Diddy. No surprise guest showed up, but it was a heck of a party with great music. People with RSVP wristbands started waiting in line at 3 p.m. for open doors at 6. Probably not necessary, as I saw people walking in throughout the evening. Also, if you have a badge, guess what? You don’t need a wristband. Though it’s technically not put on by SXSW, they used the same entry system for the party – badges over wristbands. If you’re badgeless, you’ll have to RSVP for those wristbands, and know that they accept tons more RSVPs than they allow in, and wristband distribution ended about 5 p.m. – All gone.

Kanye West hosted a party that night, too. Again, more RSVPs than available tickets.

While I enjoyed my evening at the Perez Hilton Party, this also was the evening of the biggest moon in ages. I heard it was a gorgeous sight to see. My badgeless buddies enjoyed the view from Auditorium Shores, where the City of Austin hosts a free concert as a thank you to locals who, in essence, give up their city for SXSW. They found the show via listings at www.sxsw.com/free. Between the closing performance by Bright Eyes and the beautiful moon, I hear the night was amazing.

See related: How I Survived SXSW: Music

How I Survived SXSW: The Basics

How did I survive, SXSW? It wasn’t easy, but I did … and it was a fun journey. This is meant to give an overview of what to expect for those who have never attended SXSW before. I recommend the experience – even if just once. I’m also glad to answer any other questions you might have about navigating it.

Liz Phair on the IFC Crossroads stage. Those not fitting in the small studio watch from screens throughout the cozy lounge.

On Day One, while still shuffling through my newly retrieved SXSW registration packet to see what’s what/where and getting set for the week, I head to the IFC (International Film Channel) Crossroads House nestled against the Driskill Hotel. IFC aired daily interviews with film stars and musical talent, and hosted live performances, so a must-have is the free IFC wristband. It allows for a lucky few SXSW attendees to make up the live audience in a lounge setting where it was always happy hour.

This was definitely going to be a hotspot, because for me, it’s not just about seeing the movies or hearing the music, but getting to see and hear from the people behind the scenes.

The IFC Crossroads House had guests including Conan O’Brien, Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, Emmylou Harris, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Pee Wee Herman, Jason Ritter, Rainn Wilson, Brittney Snow, Soliel Moon Frye, Eliza Dushku and more. To see some of those interviews, visit http://www.ifc.com/sxsw. Consider making this part of your SXSW experience.

Actors Danny DaVito, Rosario Dawson and Carla Gugino enter the IFC Crossroads House.

With less than one hour of SXSW 2011 under my belt, I encounter my first (and *last – see tips below) long line, here, at the IFC site. While making a mental game plan, I paced away from the line and moved just around the immediate corner of the building. What a fun surprise. I run right into actors Rosario Dawson, Danny DaVito and Carla Gugino, who everyone is waiting in line to see. They’re coming in the side door – Rosario is all smiles and Danny is signing autographs for the crowd of 5 that happened upon them as well. They were in town to talk about their film “Girl Walks into a Bar,” the first feature length film produced exclusively for the Internet … and its free. While I haven’t gotten around to seeing it yet, this encounter set the stage for the film portion and many celebrity encounters, panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

There are three types of SXSW film attendees, I discovered – those who take in only the world premiere films that already have big stars and a distribution deal (or are close to it); those who see the other film gems hoping for a distribution deal but may never see the light of day again; and those (like me) who really enjoy the underdog film but also enjoy the hoopla of the Red Carpet, and watching a film in my hometown with the big name actors and directors in attendance.

Mottola, left, along with actors Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Kristen Wiig from the comedy, “Paul” answer questions after a SXSW screening at the Paramount Theater.

Director Greg Mottolla's staged keepsake of the SXSW screening of his comedy "Paul". Masks of the alien Paul were handed out to the audience for his requested, out-of-this-world photo op.

SXSW affords attendees the rare opportunity to watch a film and then have immediate access to the cast and crew for a Q&A session. I sat in on a few of these screenings for world premiere films at the lovely Paramount Theater like “Source Code” with Jake Gyllenhall, “Paul” with Kristen Wiig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (of “Sean of the Dead”), “Super” with Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page, and “The Beaver” with Jodi Foster and Mel Gibson. All key actors (minus Mel Gibson) were present, watching the film with the audience and sticking around afterwards for the questions. I got to meet several, face-to-face, including Conan O’Brien, too. But talking one-on-one with Kristen Wiig was a real treat. She’s hilarious – definitely my favorite Saturday Night Live cast member. She’s down-to-earth and nice to boot!

Jodi Foster attends SXSW to screen and discuss her film "The Beaver" in which she directs and co-stars with Mel Gibson.

For the record, Jodi says she would have cast Gibson in the role, again, regardless of his negative publicity of late.

Tourists on the Austin Duck Tours got a real treat when they stopped to observe the buzz in front of The Paramount. They just happened to stop when Jake Gyllenhall was doing Red Carpet interviews for “Source Code.” They had a front row seat for that, and you could tell, by the squeals of excitement on the bus, that they’ll likely not forget that tour.

I also enjoyed a slew of other less visible films including one of my faves – “Bag of Hammers”, starring Jason Ritter, son of the late John Ritter. He’s super talented and the film deserves wider distribution. We shall see.

Also on my roster of films was “Matter of Taste”, a fascinating documentary about one of New York’s top chefs Paul Liebrandt. My friend, Rachel Mills, is a producer for the HBO-backed documentary that had its world premiere here. I was excited for her and the project. The after party at Eddie V’s had haute hors d’oeuvres and a rare chance for me to get some sustenance. Between bouncing from venue to venue at breakneck speed sometimes, there was little time for food. I call it the SXSW diet. Lots of walking/running across town and no time to eat. The beauty of it is that there IS plenty of time to eat, if you choose. I just chose to take in as many panel discussions and films that I could, instead. There’s plenty of time to rest, too, if that’s what’s important to you. A friend called me after Day One saying she was skipping the next evening’s premiere – she was already tired. Good for her. Not for me! But you definitely need to know what your limits are, and heed them. Pace your stamina to carry you through your time at SXSW.

This portion of the film grid – between 4 p.m. and midnight on Saturday, March 12 – represents only a small fraction of the film screenings held throughout an eight-day period.

Taking it all in required much stamina because while some nights went long with films (the Kristen Wiig double-feature of “Paul” and “Bridesmaids”, didn’t finish until about 2:30 a.m.) my mornings/afternoons were also booked with Interactive panels that addressed so many crucial areas of new media – the way technology changes the way we report and receive news and information. Was I tired? Heck yeah, but I was also feeling charged by it all, too.

In fact, I saw a documentary about Kevin Clash, the man (and voice) behind Elmo, the ticklish Sesame Street celebrity. It was only by chance that I saw it. I went in treating it as a time killer in between two nearby interactive panel sessions I was sitting in on. The location was suitable for simply getting off my weary feet. But the documentary was wonderful … and I admit to shedding a tear or two – mostly for joy. I don’t think we ever lose our giddy love of the Sesame Street puppets we knew as children. But, it also was a very real story with life lessons and all.

Earlier this winter, my friend Chris and I decided to broaden our cultural horizons with a post-holiday trip to the Dallas Arts District. Our original plan was to visit the Nasher Sculpture Center, but the cold, drizzly weather didn’t really lend itself to walking outdoors, so our itinerary shifted to the Dallas Museum of Art.

I’m a fan of primitive and folk art, so I was happy to check out one of the traveling exhibits, African Masks: The Art of Disguise (until Feb. 13). It included lots of great sculptural costumes from around Africa. Then, knowing we couldn’t possibly see it all in a day, we attempted to choose which galleries to view. We ended up meandering through the second floor visiting modern design, early 20^th-century decorative arts, into Pacific Island art and past some wonderfully detailed Japanese sculptures. We even came upon a re-created villa—fully furnished with artwork on the walls.

I like the spacious, but warm, feel of the DMA building. It offers lots of opportunities to wander through different worlds of art, and—my favorite—to watch people interact with art. Not a bad place to spend a rainy day!

On a break, we took a walk around the vicinity and were pleasantly surprised at the proximity of the Nasher and the Crow Collection of Asian Art. I see another trip or two to this area in my future.

Side trip: Our excursion included a quick jaunt through downtown Waxahachie to check out the Ellis County Courthouse. I’ve always wanted to see this building in real life, particularly all those face sculptures on the outside. I’m not sure if these are likenesses of the legendary Mabel or not, but they sure are expressive! If you’re curious, read about the gargoyles on the Waxahachie courthouse.