The convergence of good food, fun, music and mostly good weather made for a great time Oct. 13–14 in downtown Katy for the 32nd annual Rice Harvest Festival.

An estimated 32,000 people enjoyed the carnival, live music and entertainment, and more than 300 vendors and food booths during the salute to Katy's historic cash crop. Rain dampened attendance on the second day on what otherwise was a showcase weekend in the downtown area.

In addition to two stages for live music and other entertainment, there were two carnival areas, one featuring traditional rides and games and another one with smaller rides and activities for children.

From a culinary perspective, there were plenty of turkey legs, sausages, funnel cakes, and most anything one could want breaded and deep fried. From beer to soft drinks, there were plenty of beverages to be had.

The festival began in 1978 as a "Sellabration" hosted by the Tri County Optimists. The event was held in VFW Park and grew very quickly in the following years. In 1981, a coalition of groups including the City of Katy, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Westside Art Guild took the event over from the overwhelmed Optimists, renamed it the Rice Harvest Festival and moved it downtown.

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ann Hodge said the Sunday storm was a hindrance, but the chamber responded by offering free admission for the rest of the day.

"We decided once the front moved through to not charge admission and fan out the information through our radio partners as well as social media, etc.," Hodge said. "We had a lot of guests come out and enjoy the rest of the day."