The City of Tomball took home several top awards for the second year in a row at an annual statewide conference held this summer.

Tomball's marketing program, which was started in 2011, earned 13 awards including five top awards at this year's Texas Festivals & Events Association Education Extravaganza held in San Marcos.

Among these were Best New Event for The Oiltown USA Jamboree, Best Mascot for Rusty Rails, Best Radio Promotion, Best Promotional Poster and Best Event Hat.

The city was also awarded several second and third place awards for city events and promotions such as second place for Best Social Media Site, Best Event T-Shirt and Best Single Newspaper Ad.

Mike Baxter, the city's marketing coordinator of two years, was also recognized by TFEA as Professional of the Year.

The city added several new events to its calendar last year including the Tomball Honky Tonk Music Festival; Art Walk, Tomball!; Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival; and the Memorial Day Weekend Chili Challenge, all aimed at marketing the city as more of a tourist destination. In addition, Tomball unveiled its new website in January to not only make it easier for users to navigate, but to help add more visual appeal to the city.

In addition to awarding events and promotions, the conference included several seminars on event marketing and planning, emergency management and media relations.

Tomball's next major event is Bugs, Brew and BBQ, which will be Sept. 28.