MARCH

  March 15–17- Shamrock
72nd ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION... Salute the Irish in Shamrock with the Donegal beard-growing contest, carnival rides, parade, arts & crafts, rodeo events, Miss Irish Rose pageant, motorcycle rally, Lad & Lassie contest, and dance. (806) 256-2501.

APRIL

  April 13–14 - Lubbock
LUBBOCK ARTS FESTIVAL... Enjoy the largest fine arts and crafts event in West Texas! Festival presents visual art, music, theater, dance, and children's activities. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. (806) 744-2787. www.lubbockartsfestival.org.

MAY

  May 17–19 - Midland
36th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS... The longest running event downtown! Dozens of visual artists, juried show, on-stage performances, kid's arts & play zone, take-away art projects, fest foods & activities. Indoors on 2nd floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (117 W. Wall St.). Visual artists to enter, go to:http://www.Zapplications.org/Celebration of the Arts. All other inquiries info@acmidland.org  or (432) 687-1149

JUNE

  June 5–8 - Snyder
WEST TEXAS WESTERN SWING FESTIVAL... The sound of Western Swing fills Snyder's Coliseum for four days, attracting 2,500 fans. Many arrive in RVs & come with one thing in mind: dancing! After a Burgers & Beans the first night, music begins daily at noon, continuing till after 11p.m. Featuring a dozen bands, each performing twice a day. 900 E. Coliseum Dr. www.snyderchamber.org. (325) 573-3558. events@snyderchamber.org  ü