Small-town festivals in Granbury and Ennis on Saturday provided a relaxing break for residents shouldering the grim task of putting their communities back together after tornadoes wrought destruction mere days ago.
Folks said the festivals exemplified the spirit of coming together and finding comfort in times of tragedy.
Lake Granbury’s water level was too low for safe boating, so people attending Granbury’s Memorial Day Celebration focused on shopping, food and visiting. In Ennis, the lighthearted National Polka Festival amassed a crowd for a weekend of dancing, music and celebration of Czech culture.
A wave of tornadoes struck North Texas on May 15. Six people were killed by a twister in Granbury. City officials said that 600 homes were damaged and that the worst-hit areas will need a year before they look normal again. At least 17 homes were damaged and dozens of businesses were damaged in Ennis, including many in the downtown district, where the Polka Festival’s parade usually runs.
In Granbury, 61 houses built by Habitat for Humanity were destroyed. Several residents have said the nonprofit has committed to rebuilding them.
Granbury’s Memorial Day weekend festivities were concentrated around the tiny Hood County Courthouse, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Frances Wilson, who works at Truly Trendy Boutique on the town square, said business at the shop had been brisk Saturday. She recalled how she and her family had left one of her son’s school functions and returned home not long before the tornado arrived.
“It’s been very refreshing and humbling to see how the community is supporting one another,” she said. “It’s the most enduring, sweet, quaint town. I think it’ll be just fine. So many people want to help with the rebuilding.”
Rylee Hendrix, a student at Acton Middle School in Granbury, was at the festival filling a glass bottle with brightly colored sand.
“The sky looked like we were inside a yellow Easter egg coloring kit,” she said. “I thought this is how Easter eggs must feel when we color them.”
In Ennis, dozens of white festival tents housing arts and crafts and food lined the streets. Though the tornado forced organizers to change the parade route and find new locations for activities, the close-knit Czech community rallied in full force to attend.
“Everybody’s needing this right now,” said Gina Rokas, the city’s tourism director.
Ennis resident Gary Kudrna said he’s been attending the festival almost since its inception 47 years ago. This year, he sensed a different atmosphere — an appreciation for life in the midst of tragedy.
“The people are having more fun because of the tornado and because of the damage — they’re celebrating what’s still left,” he said.
Girls adorned with yellow, blue and red flower halos danced near the main stage while crowds of people lounged on bleachers, taking in the tastes of klobase, sauerkraut and kolaches. The morning’s parade showcased the Ennis High School marching band, Mayor Russell Thomas and floats carrying the Polka Festival king and queen.
Donnie Victorick and Brian Vanicek, director and president, respectively, of the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, were at the festival. Victorick said he was happy the festival wasn’t canceled.
“It’s a way of healing the loss or the frustration you went through,” he said. “And it’s great to see people come together and … ”
“Celebrate life,” Vanicek finished.
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