Rodeo action, big country music, good food and a car show can all be found at the Real Texas Festival in Mesquite this weekend.
The city expects 30,000 people from across the Metroplex to attend the sixth annual festival at the Mesquite Rodeo grounds.
Mayor John Monaco said the festival is about showcasing what the city has to offer.
"I want them to have fun and be glad they're in the city of Mesquite," he said.
The festival preview rumbled Friday morning with a motorcycle ride and canned food drive for local charities.
Harry Sewell, a pastor, led the pack on a ride around the grounds. On Saturday, his biker group will have a parade in Mesquite.
He said the festival is an exciting event that is great for Mesquite.
"We come every year, and we're going to continue to come every year," Sewell said.
This year's festival features games, activities, rodeo action, a car show, exhibits and several country music performances, including Pat Green and the Josh Abbott Band.
"Not only does it give the residents an opportunity to come and celebrate and enjoy the city, it's an amenity, if you will," Monaco said.
Suzie Randle is a vendor at the festival for the first time.
"It seems like the crowds get larger and larger," she said. "It is an established show. This is their sixth year having it, and they're supposed to be a lot of people here."
"We're hoping to sell some stuff today to help buy food and pay utilities for some of our clients in Mesquite," said Trisha Lowery, of Mesquite Social Services.
Locals said they hope the festival puts Mesquite on the map.
"To bring the community together, it's a good thing," Sewell said.
The festival runs Friday from 5-11 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Rodeo Center, which is located at 1818 Rodeo Drive. Tickets are $20 at the gate, with $5 off for bringing canned goods for donation.
