The third-annual “Fess-tival,” honoring San Angelo’s hometown Hollywood and television star Fess Parker is set for Saturday, Aug. 15, at Fort Concho.
About the Actor
Fess Elisha Parker Jr. was born on August 16, 1924, in Fort Worth, but he was raised in San Angelo.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Parker attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene until 1947, when he transferred to the University of Texas for law school.
While in Austin, Parker was bitten by the acting bug, and left after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950.
Parker then moved to California where he pursued a master’s degree in drama at the University of Southern California, but also began acting professionally in 1951.
Parker’s big break came in 1954 when Disney signed him to play the Davy Crockett.
In 1964 he began filming his network television series, Daniel Boone.
That show ran for six years and was one of the highest rated shows of its time.
All About the “Fess-tival”
The “Fess-tival” is split into morning and evening programs, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 7-9 p.m.
All events will be at the fort’s Quartermaster Building, located at Burgess Street and East Avenue C, which served as the first home to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, a cause Parker enthusiastically supported.
The morning program will include breakfast, displays and exhibits, period games, an 18th Century weaponry firing demonstration along with a Daniel Boone/Davy Crockett lookalike contest.
Contest rules and guidelines are available at fortconcho.com, and prizes will be awarded in three age divisions.
The evening program will feature refreshments, a trivia quiz and a showing of Parker’s movie “The Light in the Forest.”
Parking and admission are free. For more information, call Fort Concho at 325-481-2646 or Bob Bluthardt at 325-234-0316.
