By Nate Simmons

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Old Town Lewisville transformed into a haven for country music fans and gastronomic challenge enthusiasts over the weekend as the Lewisville Western Days festival rolled into town. Headlined by Gretchen Wilson and Shane Smith, and the Saints, the two-day event kicked off on Friday, September 26, and continued through Saturday, September 27, offering a range of entertainment and activities for all ages. According to the festival’s official press release, admission was complimentary before 6 p.m. each day, and a $15 charge was to be applied for entry after that time, with children 12 and younger enjoying free admission at all times.

The festival’s varied program included six live stages, with Major League Eating’s top-ranked eater, Joey Chestnut, making a return to potentially set a new record at the Padrino Foods World Tamale Eating Championship on Saturday. The event promised to fully engage attendees, from the expanded Western Village sponsored by Frost Bank to the Kid Kountry Playground. Also featured were shows like “The Crash at Crush,” a humorous take on an actual train collision that occurred near Crush, Texas. Festival organizers advised visitors to utilize free shuttle services due to limited parking in Old Town Lewisville, as detailed on the City of Lewisville’s website.

In addition to the outdoor festivities, the Lewisville Playhouse offered two encore performances of the Lewisville Centennial-themed “Old Town Neighbors” play, adding a historical flavor to the mix. Inside the Black Box at Lewisville Grand Theater, these shows were presented on Friday and Saturday evening, showcasing local talent and commemorating the city’s storied past.