Texas 2024 Chicken Fried Steak Festival Is Back This Weekend

Lamesa, Texas is the home of chicken fried steak thanks to a story that isn't true but has grown to be a true tale.

The story goes that in 1911, Jimmy Don Perkins, a short-order cook at Ethel's Home Cooking in Lamesa, either misheard or misread an order for chicken and fried steak. Perkins took a piece of steak, dipped it in milk and flour, fried it and served it with French fries and gravy. The thing is, this story was completely made up by Larry BeSaw, a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman at the time. The story spread and was even picked up by a couple of national publications. Despite BeShaw's best efforts to show the story was a spoof, the legend became truth.

The city of Lamesa embraced this legend turned true. The State of Texas has even recognized this incredible tall tale and passed HCR 134 declaring Lamesa, Texas "Legendary Home of the Chicken-fried Steak."

Now they are on their 14th year of hosting an Annual Chicken Fried Streak Festival and it is happening this weekend.

There are multiple events and locations. This is a free event, you pay at each vendor booth.

It all kicks off Friday, April 26th at 7 p.m. On that date, there will be a parade at 7 p.m. followed by live music by DJ Jake Gonzales, Texas Rain and Slade Coulter.

Saturday is the big full day of events starting at 7:30 a.m. and going all the way until 1 a.m. The schedule is listed below.

For more information on the festival, concert times, and events, click here.