Bluebonnet Festival in full bloom this weekend

BURNET — Are you trying to figure out what to do or if there’s something for you at this year’s Bluebonnet Festival? Well, we’ve listed a few of the things we enjoy below. Go to www.bluebonnetfestival.org for a complete list of activities and times.
April 10
The 2014 Bluebonnet Festival gets going when the Mighty Thomas Carnival rolls into town and hits the “on” switch at 5 p.m. The carnival sets up at the corner of Boundary and League streets just east of the courthouse square in Burnet. From the more gentle rides to extreme thrills, you’ll find them at the Mighty Thomas Carnival, which runs through April 13.
April 11
The Kiwanis get things cooking with the club’s “all you can eat” pancakes starting at 6 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 311 S. Main St. If you can’t make it for breakfast, have no fear. The Kiwanis members will be mixing batter and flipping pancakes until 6 p.m.
At 2 p.m., you can start checking out all the vendors and arts-and-crafts booths around the courthouse on the square in downtown Burnet. They’ll stay set up through the weekend, so you’ll have plenty of time to shop and browse.
The pet parade is always a lot of fun for participants and fans alike. Registration starts at 5 p.m. in front of the Herman Brown Free Library on the square with the parade hitting the street at 6 p.m.
But before the pets hit the road, we have to get this whole thing officially kicked off with the opening ceremonies 5:30-6 p.m. on the square.
And what Texas festival would be complete without some boot scootin’ and live music? People’s Choice gets you dancing 8-10 p.m.
April 12
The early birds will be up and running with the Kids K at 8 a.m. followed by the YMCA of the Highland Lakes at Galloway Hammond 5k and 10k at 8:15 a.m. from the square.
For those who enjoy getting out and about, but maybe not running, you can get moving with the children’s activities starting at 9:30 a.m. And all the kids will enjoy the Bluebonnet Bicycle Decorating Contest at 10 a.m.
But you might want to start eyeing a spot around the square as the Grand Parade rolls through town at 11 a.m. It’s always packed as people try to get a peek at all the entries and floats.
While most of the activities center around the downtown square, you’ll have to take a trip nearby for a couple, including the Mounted 1st Calvary demonstration at 12:30 p.m. You’ll find it at Wallace Riddell Park, which is located on the east side of town just off Texas 29.
The activities continue through the day including a Burnet Gunfighter’s Shoot Out (2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and lots of live music. The day winds up with Brandon Jenkins at 8:30 p.m. performing downtown followed by the Cody Johnson Band at 10:30 p.m.
April 13
If you think everything wound down Saturday, you’d be wrong because after a night of rest, it’s time for the third round Sunday.
The day starts with a Cowboy Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Washington Street. Of course, the vendors will be out on the square and the Mighty Thomas Carnival gets going at noon.
But before heading home, you need to stick around because from noon to 1:30 p.m., you’ll definitely want to check out Mad Dawg Fitness’ annual Doghouse Race on the square. And it’s just what it sounds like: a couple folks racing dog houses.
For the real dogs, however, you’ll want to hang around for the Gary Wideman State Farm Insurance Wiener Dog Races from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the square. This is when wiener dogs line up and go head to head to determine which canine’s little legs are the fastest in town.
A change of duck venue
The Rubber Ducky Race originally scheduled for Hamilton Creek Park on April 12 following the Grand Parade has been moved to the YMCA of the Highland Lakes, 1601 S. Water St. (U.S. 281) in Burnet. Due to the ongoing drought, the creek isn’t quite race-worthy, so officials are moving it to one of the YMCA pools with the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department adding a bit of propulsion thanks to a fire hose or two. The event is scheduled for about 11:45 a.m.