44th annual Mayfest begins Thursday

Our annual harbinger of spring has arrived.

Mayfest begins Thursday at Trinity Park, and the 44th annual festival will offer a couple of new attractions along with old favorites.

New to the festival is the BMX Pros Stunt Show, which will feature the world’s most extreme bicycle stunt riders and skateboarders. Each day, professional chalk artists will produce colorful street art, and passers-by will have the opportunity to draw alongside them.

The Great American Duck Races, Best of the Fest food competition and Student Art Contest will return to the four-day festival.

Elizabeth Basham, Mayfest’s executive director, said the festival draws thousands of people every year because it has become a part of the fabric of Fort Worth.

“Mayfest is near and dear to people’s hearts,” Basham said. “People grew up coming here, and now they bring their own children.”

Since it started, Mayfest has provided $6.9 million in grants to its three founding organizations, Junior League of Fort Worth, City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation, and Streams and Valleys. Much of that money has helped beautify the Trinity River and surrounding area, Basham added.

“Sometimes Fort Worth does not realize what a jewel we have in our natural resources,” she said. “We want everyone to have fun at Mayfest, and we also want to showcase the beauty of the Trinity.”

Severe weather will be a concern later this week, and Mayfest officials will work closely with the city and the National Weather Service to monitor conditions, Basham said. Festivalgoers should check Mayfest’s website and social media outlets for closings or delays.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 7:14 PM with the headline "44th annual Mayfest begins Thursday."