FORT WORTH (KRLD) - As the old joke goes, if it's time for Mayfest, there must be rain in the forecast.
Despite a threat of showers and storms Thursday and Friday, the annual Mayfest celebration continues at Trinity Park in Fort Worth.
Billed as "the biggest party in Fort Worth," Mayfest dates back to 1973. Spokesperson Darcy Pike said, "at its core, Mayfest is a fundraiser. And we have, for 47 years, been raising money and raising awareness in order to improve the parks and waterways through various community programs.
In all honesty, the Mayfest weather conditions are near-perfect many years. The event's reputation as a severe weather magnet dates back to 1995, when a historic hailstorm dumped stones as large as softballs on the grounds, injuring 200 people. That weather event left $2 billion in damage across the Fort Worth area.
Following the 1995 hailstorm, Mayfest officials built and implemented a new contingency plan to keep visitors and vendors safe. That plan later received national recognition, and it continues to be effective today. "Anytime there is emergency weather, we actually have a group out here that monitors weather. And we know we can get people notified and out of the park in an appropriate amount of time. If we need to, we also have a plan where we can shelter people close by," Pike said.
She said they do not anticipate serious weather issues this year, but will be ready, just in case.
Mayfest runs through Sunday at Trinity Park.