East Texas

WACO -- The Waco Cotton Palace Corporate Board announced that tickets are now available for the 2009 Waco Cotton Palace. The popular spring event is continuing its successful theme of "Weaving Community Past and Present."

The Texas Cotton Palace originally began in the 1890's when Waco became known as an inland cotton center. Larger than Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso, Waco's appeal to farmers was due in part to the Waco Suspension Bridge, the largest single span bridge in the United States. Also contributing to Waco's large population was the Waco Tap Railroad that tapped into the Houston and Texas Central Railroad from Houston to Dallas. To honor the cotton city, Waco residents established the Texas Cotton Palace Exposition.

The first Exhibition was a grand success -- bringing visitors from all over the state -- but six weeks later the building burned. In 1910 the Texas Cotton Palace was re-established and the building re-built. It became more elaborate each year, until 1930, when the "rain came," the crowd was small and the Depression was telling on the Exhibition.

In 1971, the Texas Cotton Palace was revived by residents of Waco. Today, in its 39th year, the Waco Cotton Palace is an energetic stage production that recounts the history of Waco. The 2009 updated historical stage show features local residents who use drama, song and dance to chronicle the history of the Waco Community.

Waco Cotton Palace gives back to the Waco community in many ways. According to the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Cotton Palace brings over $400,000 to the Waco Community in one weekend. Waco Cotton Palace also invites all area 5th graders to come to the dress rehearsal Thursday evening to learn about the history of Waco. Waco Cotton Palace gives local scholarships to fine arts students at MCC and Baylor University each year. The recipients will be introduced during the show.

The Waco Cotton Palace Pageant will take place on Friday, April 24, 2009, at 8 p.m. at Waco Hall, located on Baylor University campus. Tickets are $35 or $15 and are available in advance for priority seating or at the door the night of the event. For further information, please contact the Waco Cotton Palace Pageant Ticket Chairman at 254-744-3360. Event information is also available on the Cotton Palace Web site www.wacocottonpalace.org.

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