War is never pretty and most memories could not be classified as bringing beauty. Most war stories talk about the trials and tribulations of fighting in a foreign country where the language is not understood and loneliness is a close neighbor. Amongst all the horror of war, sometimes beauty can be found.

So it was for Henry Purl Compton, “Okra”, of Georgetown, TX. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces and shortly after World War I while serving in Europe, “Okra” was given or found poppy seeds. Thinking of home and his mother, the seeds were sent to his mom. Mrs. Compton planted the seeds in her yard at 507 East 7^th Street in Georgetown, TX. The next spring, her yard was abound with red poppies and each spring after that. The poppies reseeded themselves and were spread by birds, bees, and people and have graced the landscape of the Georgetown, TX area for over seventy years. We were told that Georgetown is one of only a few locations in the U.S. where red poppies reseed from year to year. This yearly explosion of poppies brings a red glow to the area; so much so that in 1990 the Texas Legislature certified Georgetown as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas”.

Yards full of red poppies

In order to live up to its designation, the Red Poppy Festival began in 1999. This year’s (2015) festival celebrated Sweet 16. The party included more than one hundred arts and crafts booths, car show, three concert stages, and food trucks to satisfy any taste.

Welcome to All

We made the walk visiting the vendor booths and at times wishing we had room for a particular item. One gentleman made furniture using old wine and whiskey barrels. The pieces were creative and unique. A new business, Rentsch Brewery, was there to promote their business. They hope to be brewing and bottling beer within a few months – waiting on licensing. Then there was the usual items – jewelry, hats, wind chimes, pottery, etc.

Some of the many booths

The food was as varied as the crafts including ribs, Indian fry bread with either bison or chicken, ice cream, kettle corn, burgers, drinks, and yes even Cajun boudin. We were in the Hill Country of Texas and no we did not try the “Cajun boudin”. We did sample the ribs, fry bread with bison, and ice cream. Of course we could not leave without a BIG bag of kettle corn!

Kettle Corn to go

The day spent with friends was one that memories are made of. Our time in Georgetown visiting with Mike and Heidi was coming to an end and the Red Poppy Festival was a great farewell.

Poppy Bikes

New Brewery

Indian Fry Bread with Bison

Ribs

Ice cream anyone?

Yes, ice cream

Cajun Boudin

High School Bands

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