Like a scene out of Pirates of the Caribbean, a rabble chants, “Walk the plank! Walk the plank!” as Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo accepts her fate and plunges from an anchored pirate ship into the bay. And with the annual “Dunking of the Mayor” complete, Buc Days is officially underway.
Since 1938, the pirate-themed festival has featured family fun along the Corpus Christi bayfront, with activities ranging from professional bull riding and rodeos to parades and concerts, all while raising money for student scholarships. One standout is the Stripes Carnival, where families can play games at the midway and ride the Ferris wheel and carousel. For shoppers, there’s Treasure Island, a venue with over 76,000 square feet of exhibit space. Local makers and vendors sell handmade furniture, leather goods from King Ranch Saddle Shop, kettle corn, children’s toys, jewelry, clothing, homemade jellies, and other merchandise. More than 60 vendors are expected this year, according to America Segura, the director of communications at Visit Corpus Christi. “Plus, you can see plenty of animals with the petting zoo, pony and camel rides, and even racing pigs,” she says.
Along with regular rodeo events, competitive action can be found at the Robotics Rodeo, where STEM students put their engineering skills to the test for $10,000 worth of prizes. At Barbecue on the Bay, local pitmasters duke it out for the glory that comes with making the best barbecue. The Children’s Parade lets area youth groups, aka “young bucs,” have a moment to shine, while the Night Parade features marching bands and floats decked out in glow-in-the-dark décor. “It’s always a blast to see families rushing to claim a prime spot for the Night Parade, sometimes days before the event,” Segura says. “Then they host watch parties with tents and grill. It’s a whole experience that multigenerational families can enjoy together.”
Buc Days, May 2-12
American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi. bucdays.com
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 4
This local tradition features a themed downtown parade, music, dancing, a car show, and the popular “Gran Mercado” (Great Market) on historic Murphy Street. Downtown, 103 E. Murphy St. 432-294-2370; visitalpinetx.com
FORT DAVIS
Dark Sky Week
May 7-11
Celebrate the dark skies of West Texas with special tours, science lectures, a film screening, solar viewing, and star parties.
