GALLERY: Grapevine officials unveil Mayor William D. Tate statue during Main Street Fest

The 42nd Annual Main Street Fest included special events to mark Mayor William D. Tate’s 50 years of service to the community, including a statue unveiling and community picnic.

Local officials unveiled the statue, which depicts Tate, on May 16 at a ceremony held along Main Street. Paul W. McCallum, director of Grapevine’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the statue is the city’s 50th piece of public art.

“It is wonderful to be honored in this special way in my hometown,” Tate said.

Additionally, McCallum said Tate has been supportive of bringing festivals onto Main Street, which has benefitted nearby businesses.

“I think it triggered this idea that this is really good for business, this is really good for our citizens, everybody gets to be a part of it, and so he got behind the festivals of Grapevine. He [also] brought the council along with him,” McCallum said. “It created energy that could allow citizens who live in this town to come and to volunteer and really get to know your neighbors.”

Main Street Fest also included a craft beer experience, a carnival and midway, merchants lined along Main Street, and other Golden Jubilee events, including a community picnic May 17 and six high-wire performances.