Ennis’ Bluebonnet Trails underway; festival slated for April 17-19

A view of the bluebonnets along the walking path at Ennis Veterans Memorial Park. Photo by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.

The annual Bluebonnet Trails are underway in the city of Ennis, with the monthlong celebration of the state of Texas’ official wildflower ongoing through April 30. This year’s festival will be held Friday-Sunday, April 17-19, in the city’s historic downtown.

The trails, which were founded and still sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, comprise several local parks and more than 40 miles of marked roadways traversing the Ennis countryside. Trail highlights include the 80-acre Meadow View Nature Area on the shores of Lake Bardwell (West Trail) and, again this year, a 60-acre private field opened to the public on the South Trail.

Those wanting to visit the parks and drive the trails are encouraged to stop by the Ennis Welcome Center and pick up a detailed map as to where the wildflowers can best be viewed on that day.

This year’s festival features more than 60 arts and crafts vendors, food, and entertainment. Admission will be cashless (credit or debit card only), with adults $5 and children ages 12 and younger admitted free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate only, with festival hours running from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

As part of the festival, the Ennis ISD Education Foundation will again host its Wine Wander, with this year’s event featuring 16 wineries. Tickets are sold separately for $30 each day, with each day’s pass including a commemorative bag, glass, and eight tasting tickets. Friday and Saturday hours are from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., with Sunday hours from noon-5 p.m. Purchase Wine Wander tickets online on the festival website.

The Ennis Welcome Center is located at 201 N.W. Main St.; the telephone is 972-878-4748. Center hours through the month of April are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. The center will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 5; however, trail maps will be available outside the doors, and detailed instructions to see the bluebonnets will be posted on the door windows.

Information can also be found on the Ennis Garden Club’s Facebook page, Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, as well as its website, www.bluebonnettrail.org.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis

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