Buzzard Bump Fest reflects Spicewood’s identity of ‘just outside of weird’
CONNIE SWINNEY • PICAYUNE STAFF
SPICEWOOD — From recipes such as cornish game hen-stuffed boudin balls to a classic car show, the fourth annual Buzzard Bump Fest combines unique flavors with a laid-back country atmosphere to celebrate spring.The Buzzard Bump on May 18 is the Spicewood community’s spring festival, featuring a bird cook-off, live music, a classic car show, a 5K run and vendors.
Proceeds benefit the Spicewood Lions Club and the Central Texas Lion’s Kidsight Foundation.
“It’s geared toward family and community. It’s the only bird cook-off I’m aware of,” organizer Brett Weiss said. “Contestants can cook any kind of bird they’d like except if it’s endangered, so, of course, you can’t cook a buzzard.”
The community’s honorary bird, the buzzard, inspired the name of the festival.
“It’s a unique title we came up with to create a buzz about the event,” Weiss said.
Just like the name of the festival, the Buzzard Bump appeal remains true to the Spicewood identity, referred to as “just outside of weird.”
“It’s so diverse. You have people from Bee Creek to Double Horn Creek,” Weiss said. “You’ve got the folks on the other side of the river. They commute into Austin, and then there’s old Spicewood: a lot of ranchers, retirees and families.”
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the pasture at 9751 Texas 71, just west of the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Deptartment hall.
A 5K run and a one-mile run — both for the first time this year — start at 9 a.m. at the Spicewood Community Center (the Old Spicewood School), 7901 CR 404 just off Spur 191.
Along with the runs, activities include the Road Kill Car Show, a washer tournament, the kids’ area, vendors, live entertainment and the judging of cook-off entries.
Cook-off prizes include $100 for first place, $50 for second place and a People’s Choice Award. The cook-off entry fee is $25.
“As long as the primary ingredient is a bird, you can put it in the cook-off,” Weiss said. Contestants may utilize pre-prep cook time at home for bird dishes that require timely boiling or smoking; however, the primary preparation must be done on site.
Live musical acts include Two Hoots and a Holler, described as a honky-tonk rockabilly band; folk rock artist John Napier; The Texas KGB (Kelly Green Band); Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars; and Andrea Marie.
Organizers announced a Saluting Buzzard Award, which involves nominations for a notable local leader and/or volunteer in Spicewood. The winner receives $1,000 for his or her charity of choice.
“Bring a chair and blanket, sit and listen to music. You can certainly bring your own cooler,” Weiss said. “‘We want everything to be unique for this event.”
Entry into the Buzzard Bump is $3 or three canned goods. Leashed pets are welcome.
Go to www.buzzardbump.com for more information and to register for all events.
connie@thepicayune.com
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fourth annual Buzzard Bump Fest
WHEN: Festival is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 18; 5K run and one-mile run at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Pasture at 9751 Texas 71, just west of Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department hall in Spicewood; 5K run and one-mile run begin at Spicewood Community Center, 7901 CR 404 in Spicewood
ADMISSION: $3 or three canned goods
FOR MORE: www.buzzardbump.com