FORT WORTH, Texas — The 47th Mayfest in Fort Worth might feature different food, performances and vendors than the very first celebration in 1973, but many of the hallmarks are still very much the same.
“We have expanded to 33 acres at Trinity Park, but it has always been a place for family fun,” said executive director Elizabeth Basham.
Old WFAA archival stores from the Jones Film Archive at SMU show the first few Mayfests in the 70s. Like the present day festivals, families can be seen enjoying the attractions at Trinity Park while also having fun on the water of the Trinity River.
Then, as it does now, the festival helped raise money for Fort Worth parks and helped maintain the natural beauty of the city and the river.
Since 1973, the event has raised $7.5 million for Fort Worth Parks and Rec, Streams and Valleys, and the Junior League of Fort Worth.