photo by Laura Kestner/special to the reporter-news Old Rip and the Eastland Maverick Band were among 100 parade entries at Old Rip Fest yesterday in Eastland.

photo by Laura Kestner/special to the reporter-news Terry Edwards, an Elvis tribute artist from Crandall, was one of the more popular attractions Saturday at the Old Rip Fest in Eastland. In addition to Edwards, there were more than 90 other parade entries from around the area.

EASTLAND -- Thousands of people -- including cowboys, cheerleaders, Elvis and bull rider Scott Mendes -- turned out Saturday in downtown Eastland to help celebrate arguably the most famous horned toad in history.

The annual Old Rip Fest, held the first Saturday in October, is Eastland's way of paying homage to a little horned toad who was entombed in the cornerstone of the Eastland County courthouse as it was being constructed in 1897. Legend has it that in 1928 that same horned toad, alive and well, was pulled from the cornerstone as the building was demolished to make way for a more modern art deco structure.

Dubbed Old Rip (after Rip van Winkle) the horned toad caused quite a sensation, becoming a celebrity and touring the country before dying some 11 months later. He is now entombed, under glass, in a tiny casket at the north entrance of the courthouse.

"Our theme this year is Rip Roarin' Wild West," said Kelly Armstrong, Eastland Chamber Director. "That way we can have the Old West stuff and honor Old Rip."

Armstrong said she was thrilled to see thousands of people milling around the courthouse and spilling into the streets Saturday.

"I was a little bit concerned with the economy the way it is right now," she said. "At first I was worried about whether we would have enough vendors and booths, and we ended up with more than 100. And I also wondered if people would participate in the parade, because of gas prices, and we ended up with 100 entries. And then I wondered whether the crowds would show up -- but as you can see, they did."

In addition to the parade and the vendors selling everything from corn dogs and cotton candy to jewelry, T-shirts and candles, there was a dunking booth, climbing wall, mechanical bull and pony rides. There were also entertainers, including Elvis tribute artist Terry Edwards performing on the south side of the courthouse all day. And the 22nd annual Bryans "Old Rip" Car Show was popular with young and old alike, as was the pet show.

After the Rip Fest officially ended downtown, Armstrong said that the action shifted to Maverick Stadium for a fish fry and a free country music concert. There also was a Booger Red Memorial Bull Riding event in nearby Olden. "I'm extremely pleased and happy at the turnout," Armstrong said. "This is just wonderful."