In the late 1800’s, Waco, Texas was ranked as one of the largest cities in Texas, along with Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso, due in part to the Waco Suspension Bridge, the largest single span bridge in the United States. Also contributing to Waco’s large population was the Waco Tap Railroad which tapped into the Houston and Texas Central Railroad from Houston to Dallas.
Waco aspired to have a Fall Festival which would promote the city. In 1894 Waco residents raised the money to build an exposition hall with seating for 5,000. Opening day was November 8, 1894. The event included a parade, agricultural exhibit, amusement area, orators, and musicians. The first Exhibition was a grand success, bringing visitors from all over the state. Unfortunately, six weeks later the building burned.
In 1970, the celebratory Exhibition event was revived by a group of Waco citizens. Now celebrating its 55th year, Festival on the Brazos continues to celebrate Waco with a four-day event, hosting visitors from all over the state, and featuring an energetic stage production, highlighting local citizens and theater students, who chronicle and celebrate the history of the city.
