Easter With “Farmer Fred”

By: Au’Bryana Johnson
KTSW News

San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department gave younger San Marcans an early Easter this year and hosted a Spring Carnival yesterday evening at 6 p.m. at the San Marcos City Park. “Farmer Fred’s Garden Spring Carnival” welcomed all ages to the festivities.

Along with the various games, prizes, and candy, an Easter Egg Hunt was held for the children of younger ages. The carnival caught the attention of much of the community and its youth.

Youth Services Coordinator for the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, Victoria Van de Ryt, says the purpose of putting on the 35th Spring Carnival was to keep the deep-rooted tradition alive.

“It’s definitely something that when people come they’re excited cause they came as kids, they brought their kids, and now people are bringing their grandkids so it’s nice to kind of have that deep-rooted tradition here in San Marcos.”

Along with this traditional carnival came a traditional name as well. Van de Ryt says the name “Farmer Fred’s Garden” originated from a long time farmer here in San Marcos, with his granddaughter being the woman to start hosting the Spring Carnivals.

“The first lady who ever did the carnival, it was a much smaller carnival, just a few games and Farmer Fred was actually her grandfather. He was a farmer here in San Marcos. It’s always been kind of like a magical mystery like, who is Farmer Fred? He’s kind of just the magical mascot of both our spring and our fall carnivals.”

The event provided plenty of opportunities for all that attended. Even the Easter Bunny showed up to joined the carnival to take pictures with children.

The City of San Marcos will continue to keep Farmer Fred’s name and tradition alive by hosting this carnival every spring and celebrating Easter with the community at the same time.