Czech Your Head

The city of West has the most confusing name ever. Tell someone you're going to West, Texas, and they’ll assume you mean West Texas. Tell them you're going to West, and they'll think you're going westward. Actually, those situations are pretty unlikely, because when does anyone travel to West? Gorging on kolaches at one of the Czech bakeries is mandatory when heading back to Dallas from Austin, but West is rarely a destination, except during the city's annual community fund raiser. The 32nd Annual Westfest Labor Day Weekend Celebration boasts a baking contest, kids' activities, a parade of costumes, fireworks, tractor pulls and a Sunday morning 5K run. There will also enough polka music (including Brave Combo's customary appearance) to oompah the last shred of sanity out of your head by—seriously—the Sunday Morning Polka Mass. The preview party Friday includes the Miss Westfest competition and country music by Roger Creager and Donna Beckham for $12, or $10 in advance for anyone over 12 and free for kids. Saturday and Sunday admission is $7 or $4 for military, seniors and kids 6 to 12. From Dallas, take Interstate 35 south to exit 351 and follow the signs. Call 254-826-5058 or visit westfest.com.
Sat., Sept. 1, 11 a.m.; Sun., Sept. 2, 11 a.m.