In Historic Downtown Carrollton, hundreds of spectators gathered around to see the headlining act to finish off the night. Grammy award-winning rock band, The Wallflowers, put on a show for all to enjoy.
The Festival at the Switchyard lit up the Historic Downtown Square as it entered its annual celebration on Nov. 2.
The Troy Singers, the premier show choir at Newman Smith High School, opened the festival with a live performance of the national anthem. Many other performances, activities and booths filled the afternoon and evening with something for people of all ages.
The city’s signature event was free to attend. Performances in front of the stage and strolling entertainment, primarily filled with local talent such as Danzarte Academy and Pocket Sandwich Theatre, provided liveliness to those attending booths, rides or simply eating and hanging around. Face painting, arcade games, balloon art and games were some of the other attractions featured.
Local organizations showcased and displayed the talent of Carrollton and adjacent cities. “We hope to be able to spread K-Pop to a more generalized audience, and bring entertainment and joy to the crowd watching,” Steven Mai, an Aeon spokesperson for the dance group, said. “Aeon is family first and dance group second. We hope to show that through out teamwork and performance.”
All along the streets, food, drinks, arts and crafts vendors were stationed, ranging from barbeque, Latin American concessions, deep-fried cuisine, ice cream and the classic funnel cakes.
Main stage attractions include: Havana NRG, Pearl Gem – A Pearl Jam Tribute – and Downtown Fever. These performers set the stage for the audience to welcome highly anticipated headliners Deep Blue Something and The Wallflowers.
Susan Prosoco, marketing manager for the City of Carrollton, said: “We try to spread the daytime entertainment all around so that every itch can get scratched. As for headliners, we’re following the lead of our attendees and what we’re hearing from them. And so far, that’s been, ‘Keep up the good work.’” Attendees were able to provide this feedback by filling out the 2024 festival survey, incentivized by the chance to win a custom wrapped guitar signed by The Wallflowers.
According to the event website, the festival honors the role railroads played in Carrollton’s past and their importance into the future. Launched in 2010, the festival marked and recognized the first station of DART’s Green Line in downtown Carrollton. DART has since sponsored the festival. This year marks the 14th year of the event, with the absence of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kelli Lewis, marketing director for Carrollton, said that in its initial year the festival was a two-day event and tickets cost $5 per person. “It was a totally different feel,” Lewis said. “After that year, we went to our city council and they no longer wanted to do ticketed. They made it a free event and when it became a free event, it became just the one day.”
Lewis said that while the event was still successful, the hope was to be able to provide the community with a breath of fresh air with a free event. “They really wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Lewis said. “It’s what’s unique about it. It’s a free event for families to come and attend and be able to ride the rides and get in without the cost and it really helps us stand out in the sea of all the other festivals.”
