All Across West Texas They Tribute the "Lights"

You would think that the "Marfa" Lights Festival would be a celebration pretty much limited to the West Texas town of Marfa and its inhabitants, wouldn't you? But some natural phenomenon, apparently, is so great that it attracts an assorted mass of visitors from as far away as Europe who have come to celebrate the popular "pop culture" mystery. What are the Marfa Lights? Well, according to legend, these mysterious lights that appear on the West Texas desert at night have been spotted as far back as anybody can remember. In fact, some say there are historical accounts of eye witnesses reporting the lights back in the 19th century, when settlement of the area first began. The "lights" appear at a great distance across the desert floor, and have baffled witnesses and even expert researchers down through the years. To read more about the Marfa Lights, click here. But if you want to learn about "the Lights Festival", then read on... This year (2004), it again happens Labor Day Weekend. September 3rd marks the official opening in Marfa with a street dance, a night parade, lectures and food and crafts booths. Saturday morning events include a 5K Run, another parade, and official greetings from elected officials and dignitaries who gather in front of the courthouse. Afternoon activities include the Texas Mountain Motorcycle Rally and Show, a free concert featuring Texas legend Joe King Carrasco, a Mariachi band concert and a night dance. Saturday's events also include a un & Knife Show. Sunday's events include the usual booths, another dance, a hat contest and beard contest, and the Gun & Knife Show. Nightly activities throughout the event, of course, include a motorcade convoy to a designated viewing area where the lights are often seen by motorist traveling down the highway. Will the Lights appear again for this annual festival as they so often have in recent years? No one can say for certain, but all bets are in favor of another excitement and rewarding festival celebrating one of Texas' greatest and most popular natural mysteries. NEXT: Marfa Lights Background Information