Back in 1981, some of the folks in Clute, Texas came up with an idea to invite visitors from all over to their town for a party. Located about 55 miles southeast of Houston, the residents of Clute adopted, or were adopted by, Willie-Man-Chew, a 26 foot tall proboscis bearing mosquito decked out in a cowboy hat and boots.
Bigger Than Life 31 Years of Festival Legend
According to Clute legend, Willie commissioned a ‘Swat Team’ to organize the annual festival on the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of July. The Great Texas Mosquito Festival organizers say that Willie-Man-Chew comes by his graciousness and hospitality honestly, “Springing as he does from the finest bloodlines in Southern Brazoria County, Texas.”
Back in 1981, the entertainment included Johnny Rodriguez, Pee Wee Kershaw, Buckwheat Zydeco and Dean Scott. In 2011, entertainers include Beyond Derringer, Charlie Lucas Band, Pat Green, Intercoastal Pirates, The Joey Mares Band, and the Sour Mash Band. But the entertainment doesn’t stop there.
More Family Fun – The Mosquito Legs Contest
Bring your shorts, and compete in the Mosquito Legs contest. It’s open to males and females of all ages, and the winner walks away with the coveted “Mr. or Ms. Mosquito Legs” title for the year. If the ‘legs’ contest is not what you consider the underpinnings of a good time, consider the next event.
Mosquito Calling Contest
Limber up your lungs and lips and join men and women, boys and girls, professionals and amateurs of all ages, as they vie for success in this event. The caller who lures the biggest, swiftest, bloodsuckinest mosquito into the arena wins. Or the one who gets the loudest applause, hoots and hollers from the audience.
Doubles Horseshoe Pitching Tournament
Haven’t found the ideal contest yet? How about horseshoes? Those who thought this sport went out with the horseless carriage are in for a surprise as teams compete for awards in this contest of skill and strength. Watch the competitors, or grab a partner and register for one of the available spots and join the tournament.
5 K Run and More
There are a host of other events for spectators and competitors to enjoy. Then there’s the food, and not just the mosquito food. There’s a 5 K run, a haystack dive, a baby crawl (for real babies), a fishing tank, a BBQ cook-off, and lots of other activities to watch or join in on. What started out as a small attraction has expanded into an event attended by more than 14,000 annually.
If you plan to head on down to Clute and join in the Great Texas Mosquito festivities, their official website has driving directions, lodging suggestions, a schedule of events and information. Head on down and see what Willie's ‘Swat Team’ has put together this year. Once this bug has bitten you, you’ll probably want to come back year after year.
While in Clute, Visit Mammoth Lake, Sea Center Texas, and the Gulf Coast
While you’re in Clute, consider heading on over to “The inland diving attraction on the Texas Gulf Coast” and Scuba dive into history in Mammoth Lake. Swim in 55 acres of dive-specific waters that were formerly an archaeological site and are now home to a space shuttle replica, a yellow submarine, and other fun sights.
Visit Sea Center Texas, a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center. Play a round or two of golf at one of the five area courses, or contact one of the ten charter boat companies for an exciting day of offshore fishing.
Clute is only five miles from the Gulf of Mexico where 23 miles of clean, family oriented beaches await more leisurely pursuits. And for more down time, bird watching is a fast growing activity in this area of the Gulf coast.
Whatever festivities you prefer, you’re sure to enjoy Clute’s Texas hospitality.
Jon Thompson - Jon Thompson - freelance article and commercial writer with background in education, business, advertising, sales and emergency ...
Join the Conversation