Mission Statement
The purpose for which the corporation has been formed and its continuing mission, is to raise funds for community non-profit
programs and for continued improvement and awareness of the Trinity River and surrounding parks through a combination of volunteerism
and community resources.
Vision Statement
Mayfest, Inc. will expand into new venues of fundraising opportunities through community events to further enhance the betterment
and awareness of the Trinity River and surrounding parks.
Presented by:
- Mayfest, Inc. - a 501(c) 3 corporation
Founding Partners:
- The Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc.
- Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department
- Streams & Valleys, Inc.
- Tarrant Regional Water District
History
The Trinity River, coursing through the heart of Fort Worth, is essential to the history, present and
future of our community. The river and its green space provide a magnificent backdrop for Fort Worth's
most anticipated festival, Mayfest. For over 37 years, Mayfest has brought the Fort Worth community
together to celebrate the wonderful offerings of Trinity Park and the Trinity River.
After the devastating flood of 1949, the construction of levees was ordered to protect the city from
another occurrence. Within 10 years, the river had been transformed into degenerating, unsightly
engineered ditches. This dramatic decline prompted a group of Fort Worth citizens to persuade the
Fort Worth City Council to create a Streams and Valleys Committee. This committee, created in 1969,
was challenged with beautification, preservation, and promoting recreation offerings along the
Trinity River.
The rebirth of the river quickly began with the implementation of the Halprin plan and by 1973, the
unsightly floodways were transformed into a beautiful attraction. This included flowing water, more
than 40 miles of river trails, 8,000 new trees, the return of fish and wildlife, and the natural
venue for the city's many celebrations. The initial improvements were celebrated at the Trinity
River Festival held in Trinity Park. This gala was the beginning of Fort Worth's most popular family,
festival, Mayfest.
The concept of Mayfest originated with Phyllis Tilley, Junior League President 1972-73 and a founder
of the Streams and Valleys Committee. Since its beginning, the festival has been a collaborative effort
through a combination of volunteerism and community resources. Mayfest has focused on acquainting the
citizens of Fort Worth with the new recreational opportunities available to them along the river banks
in Trinity Park.
Mayfest, Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in September 1987. Its purpose is to raise
funds for community nonprofit programs and for continued improvement and awareness of the parks and
the Trinity River. The Mayfest, Inc. Board of Directors consists of representatives from the four
participating sponsors:, the Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc., the City of Fort Worth Parks and
Community Services Department, Streams and Valleys, Inc., and the Tarrant Regional Water District.
Along with the Board of Directors, the Mayfest, Inc. Executive Director oversees the operation of
the corporation and the volunteers who plan and implement the festival.
Throughout its rich history, Mayfest continues to change with the times to attract the more than
200,000 visitors that attend each year. The festival includes an Art Market, Children's Area,
Riverbank Area, Sports Area, The Zone (Teen Area), the Mayfest Run, Special Needs Day, Senior
Citizen's Day and tremendous entertainment on over six different stages .There are a number of
attractions, free activities and a delectable offering of food and beverage. From young to old,
Mayfest includes something for everyone and strives to entertain the entire family.
All profits from Mayfest, Inc., which to date exceeds $5.8 million dollars, have been returned to the
community through various projects and to support community programs. With the cooperative effort and
shared commitment to the community, Mayfest will continue to increase the awareness of the parks and
river and to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Worth community for years to come.