NOLANVILLE – Despite the heat, the Train Whistle Jamboree was packed with families looking to spend Saturday surrounded by music, animals and food.
Final numbers for the event were not available at the time of writing this Saturday afternoon, but a Nolanville spokeswoman said more than 100 families showed up in the first hour of the event, which lasted from 5 to 9 in the afternoon.
“We’re just looking for some family fun,” Anna Mathis said.
Families wandered around the City Hall grounds, checking out the vendors selling clothes, thermoses and other items. Younger children played in the large bounce houses or in the petting zoo, which was full of chickens, ducks, rabbits and baby goats. Near the zoo there were rides with donkeys and horses.
Several Nolanville residents tried mechanical bull riding and ax throwing, though not at the same time.
Helping residents beat the heat was the Nolanville Lions Club, which provided snow cones. Other residents enjoyed barbecue, pizza and more food options.
Live music was played at the event by Jon and Faith Austin and Michael Carabelli.
“The event is going really well,” said Jennifer Shidler, community outreach coordinator. “I can’t say enough about our staff who put their hearts into this event every year.”
Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Ramsdell, who attended the event, said he’s looking forward to “seeing everyone come together.”
In all, the jamboree was made possible by 18 sponsorships, the largest of which was Great Escape Central Texas: Killeen, located at 4400 E. Central Texas Expressway.
