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Who We Are

Frequent Questions

  1. What is Festival on the Brazos?
  2. How do you raise money? And who does it support?
  3. How do I advertise with Festival on the Brazos?
  4. I’d like to make a donation in honor/memory of someone.
  5. Who do I contact if I have a question?
  6. Where is your office located?
  7. Who is in charge of Festival on the Brazos?
  8. How do I get involved?
  9. Do you have to pay to participate?
  10. Who can attend the Production?
  11. Who can attend the Royal Reception?
  12. How can my child participate in the court?
  13. Where do the court families stay?
  14. More questions? Please contact us...
  1. What is Festival on the Brazos?

    Waco's Historic Festival on the Brazos, formerly known as Waco Cotton Palace, is an annual community-wide Production and Pageant celebrating Waco and its history that goes back as far as the early 1900's. FOTB began in the early 1900's as a 3-week festival similar to a state fair held at the Cotton Palace Complex celebrating Central Texas and the cotton industry but the complex burned down, and the Depression set in, sadly ending the festival. The festival in its current format was reintroduced in 1970. Festival on the Brazos brings together people throughout the town and is host to out-of-town families from across the state and even around the country. With the hard work of over 200 volunteers, the production tells the story of Waco's history. Around 60 local and out of town outstanding high school seniors, the court, are then presented at a royal presentation following the production. A Festival on the Brazos Ambassador (a local outstanding citizen) and queen (high school senior) are crowned at the presentation.

    Annually held the last full weekend of April, the 4-day social event is unique in that local families devote their time and resources and even their private homes to welcome out of town guests, providing an intimate, warm experience, and a true glimpse at the heart of Waco. There is an unbreakable bond among the participants that is handed down for generations and provides future friendships, especially for the Seniors going off to college, business connections, and wonderful one-of-a-kind memories.

  2. How do you raise money? And who does it support?

    Not only is Festival On the Brazos full of fun, but it also gives back to the community. The Educational Fund, supported by community donations and as part of the court participation fee, allows the organization to provide scholarships to college bound high school seniors. Festival on the Brazos has given over $100,000 in scholarships over the years.

    The money raised each year also supports a local philanthropic organization each year. The court participants are often given a gift in their honor to philanthropic organizations throughout Waco.

    Donate

  3. Businesses and Individuals are more than welcome to support our organization through advertising. We offer ad space in our annual Production Program and the Special Festival on the Brazos Section of the April Edition of the Wacoan Magazine. Please "contact us" for more information.

  4. Please print the Educational Fund Form for donation details.

  5. Who do I contact if I have a question?

    Questions can be sent through our “Contact Us” page.

    However, out of town families participating will be hosted by an in-town “sponsor”. Sponsors are your host and guide leading up to and throughout the weekend and can answer most questions. Volunteers and Participants can find information and forms as well once logged in to the portal.

  6. Where is your office located?

    Festival on the Brazos is all volunteer based, there is not a main office. However, we do have a PO Box checked often.
    Contact Us

  7. Who is in charge of Festival on the Brazos?

    Festival on the Brazos has a Corporate Board that is made up of officers that meet quarterly to make decisions for the organization. Policies and Procedures and Budget Decisions are decided by the corporate board. The “General Chairman” of any given year, who sits on the Corporate Board, however, is responsible for the organization and planning of the event, with the help of over 30 volunteer committees.
    Contact Us
    Corporate Board

  8. How do I get involved?

    Festival on the Brazos loves our volunteers! We are a tight knit group where life-long friendships are made. It’s very easy to get involved and there is something for everyone, with time commitment ranging from one day to year- round.

    Simply submit the “Committee Preference Form” and the current General Chairman will be in touch.
    Get Involved

  9. Do you have to pay to participate?

    Participants and Sponsors invited to participate do have a “Participation” fee. The female participants also have a costume fee associated with the cost to make their handmade original, uniquely designed gowns.

  10. Who can attend the Production?

    The Production is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased directly through our Ticket Chairman.
    Ticket Order Form

  11. Who can attend the Royal Reception?

    The Reception is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased directly through our Ticket Chairman.
    Ticket Order Form

  12. How can my child participate in the court?

    High school seniors in the Waco community are invited after being thoughtfully selected by a revolving selection committee based on their school, community, and personal achievements.

    Out of town participants are proposed by local volunteers, then invited to participate based on same qualifications as the local seniors.

  13. Where do the court families stay?

    Court Families, including the in-town court and parents, are required to stay in a local hotel. A block of rooms secured through Festival on the Brazos are secured and participants are able to easily book rooms through a secure hotel link.

  14. More questions? Please contact us...

    Contact Us

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