Tomball is entering into the crawfish festival market with its first Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival May 5 and 6. A variety of crawfish specialities will be prepared by French Quarter Grill while classic rock, Motown and traditional Cajun music fills the Tomball Historic Depot Plaza.

"I hope that we can establish another one of our signature events that not only entertains local residents, but [also] draws visitors from outside of Tomball to come into town and see what we have to offer," said Mike Baxter, Tomball's marketing director.

The free event also includes a number of children's activities including an H-E-B Kids Play Zone, pony rides, vendors, games and a bounce house. For attendees looking for a crawfish alternative, event-sponsor H-E-B will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage on a stick,while loca lrestaurant Cisco's Salsa Company serves up baja-style Mexican food.

Saturday's live performances begin at noon with the Joel Martin Project, followed by Bayou Roux at 2 p.m. and ending with the Beatles tribute band The Fab 5 around 4. On Sunday, the Grateful Geezers will kick the festivities off at noon, with Bayou Roux playing again at 2 p.m. and Waylon Thibodeaux closing the festival out at 4 p.m.

There will also be a boudin ball eating contest on Saturday sponsored by K-Star radio, with the winner being awarded a two-night stay at the Victorian Condo and Resort at Galveston Island. Tomball will unveil its new mascot, Rusty Rails, who will be around to greet children.

Parking for the event is free and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for grass seating.

The festival is the second of three new city-sponsored events debuting this spring. The Tomball Honky Tonk Music Festival debuted March 24 and drew nearly 1,500 attendees, according to Baxter. The last spring eventthe Memorial Day Weekend Chili Challengeis set for May 26 and will feature more than 40 chili cooks competing.

The Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival runs from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, located at 201 S. Elm St.