Texan Mosaic

By Dayley Mosley/SPC Texan Mosaic

South Plains College students are invited to go downtown in Levelland Saturday where there will be lots to do, including a concert that evening. Earlier in the day, the square will be filled with vendors and lots of activities to participate in.

The event is being hosted by the Levelland Chamber of Commerce with events scheduled throughout the day.

The event is in line with the Chamber of Commerce’s mission, which Mary Siders, President of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce, said “is to create, promote, and support opportunities for our investors, while also enhancing the quality of life.”

The event aims to include activities for multiple generations including a free parade and events earlier in the day followed by a ticketed concert that night.

The Cotton and Crude festival transitioned from a former event, Early Settler’s Day,
which was held annually in July for more than 50 years. Siders said the Chamber of Commerce event is held in downtown Levelland because that is where local residents have always come together.

“People came to the county square to socialize,” Siders said.

Siders said as a way to draw in more participants at the community festival, the Chamber of Commerce moved the event to September to avoid the heat of “Texas in July.” After two years of planning, the Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors decided to officially move the date and change the name of the event.

“In true Levelland fashion, [the community] jumps in and makes sure the event is successful,” said Siders.

The day begins with the morning Rotary Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the corner of Avenue G and Houston Street. At 10 a.m., the parade will begin on Avenue H. No registration is required to enter, and participants could win a cash prize for best float.

Along with the parade, vendors will line the downtown square and the tent, sponsored by Krestridge Funeral Home, honoring all Early Settlers will be set up east of the courthouse lawn on Avenue G.

There will be a special recognition by the Hockley County Senior Citizen Center at the gazebo at 11 a.m. Many more activities will continue, including a stick horse race, cornhole tournament, and a turtle race on the north side of the courthouse. There will also be music throughout the day at the gazebo.

“All day long, the creative arts department through South Plains College has people staged to play at the gazebo,” Siders said.

Erin Wolff and Soul Foundation will start at 11 a.m., followed by Tejano at noon. SPC student Lainie Nelson will take the stage at 1 p.m., and Ashton Naylor at 1:35 p.m. The festival concludes with the Tumbleweed Trio at 2:15 p.m. Siders said there will be something for everybody.

Later in the evening, the Cotton and Crude Festival crowds are invited to the main stage at the intersection of Houston Street and Avenue H for a concert with headliner Giovannie and the Hired Guns.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and music will continue until midnight. The concert will open with musicians from South Plains College’s Country Jukebox followed by Will Banister and concluding with Giovannie and the Hired Guns. Tickets are now available to purchase online or at the event.

There is also a cooler pass available for purchase at the event for $20. While no glass is
permitted, anything from sandwiches and juice boxes to beer and wine is accepted in a cooler,
says Siders. To buy tickets, which are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. To purchase tickets, click here.