If you like Dr Pepper, you'll love Dublin, Texas. It is home to the oldest DP bottling plant in the world and is the only producer of the soft drink using pure cane sugar syrup. Legendary golfer Ben Hogan called the Erath County town home, and it is the site of several UFO sightings in 2008. But Dublin also hosts some pretty neat annual festivals that celebrate the town's history and heritage.
When the Dr Pepper bottling plant turned 100 in 1991, Dublin began celebrating its birthday. The weeklong festival begins when the town of about 4,000 people changes its city limits sign to "Dr Pepper, Texas." It includes the Tour de Pepper, AlleyFest Arts and Crafts Fair and the Lions Club 10-2-4 K Run. The arts and crafts fair is located across from the plant. Visitors are treated to free tours of the plant and museum, Dr Pepper from a giant can, music by the 10-2-4 Band, birthday cake and carnival games.
Old Doc's Soda Shop
105 E. Elm
Dublin, TX 76446
888-398-1024
www.olddocs.com
This event, which pretty much is open to anyone who ever thought about Dublin, Texas, is held in conjunction with the Dr Pepper Birthday Celebration. Dublin National Bank and the Dublin Historical Society host the barbecue, which has occurred for several decades and allows people to renew old friendships and begin new ones.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
108 S. Patrick St.
Dublin, TX 76446
(254) 445-3422
www.dublintxchamber.com
Cowboy Culture Celebration
Each April, the town of Dublin hosts a festival that celebrates its Old West heritage. The Cowboy Culture Celebration is a two-day event that features Wild West shows and shootouts, shopping, a horse show, horsemanship clinics, a horseshoe tournament, fashion show, parade, trail ride, cattle drive, mutton busting and cowboy poets.
Cowboy Culture Celebration
P.O. Box 29
Dublin, TX 76446
254-707-0119
www.cowboyculturecelebration.com
St. Patrick's Day Festival
As you might expect, a town named Dublin celebrates St. Patrick's Day -- even if it's in Texas. The event includes a Shamrock Queen pageant, a dog show, stew cook-off, carnival and 5K run. It is held annually over several days. There also are Dublin Idol and pet shows and authentic Highland Games.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
108 S. Patrick St.
Dublin, TX 76446
(254) 445-3422
www.dublintxchamber.com
