Weatherford, Texas

Monthly Review of the Texas Economy

January 2008

by Ali Anari and Mark G. Dotzour

Texas continues to create more jobs than the nation.  The state's nonfarm employment rose 2.2 percent from December 2006 to December 2007 compared with the 0.9 percent increase for the United States.  The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.7 percent in December 2006 to 4.5 percent in December 2007.

Weatherford, Texas is a small historic town about 30 miles west of Fort Worth.  It is a thriving community with a growing economy.  The Barnett Shale gas formation has helped provide jobs. Weatherford has rolling hills, oak trees, lakes, and rivers.Nearby is Mineral Wells state park, Lake Granbury, Brazos River for canoeing, rafting, and other recreational activities.  It is the cutting horse capital of the world. In July we have a week long rodeo.  The peach festival is a fun way the community gets together to celebrate all the beauty and bounty of Weatherford.  There is a 10K bicycle race, bands, food and fun.

Weatherford is just 27 miles west of Fort Worth, 45 miles from Arlington, 60 miles from Dallas  DFW international Airport is just 52 miles away, making Weatherford less than an hour away from within the reach of the world.  Interstate-20, U.S. Highway 80-180 and State Highway 171/51 are located within the city limits.

Weatherford is a close community of friendly and helpful people with a farm and ranch tradition.

Parker County Peach Festival

Saturday July 12, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

The festival is a handmade arts and crafts festival with stage entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike.  The festival has a wide array of food vendors and peach treats available.  Local growers are set up selling their produce, plants, preserves, as well as peaches.  Look for growers at the Main Entrance on west Palo Pinto as well as at the corner of Spring St and Waco.

20th Peach Pedal is all New!

It's the 20th anniversary of the Peach Pedal Bike Ride, but we're not  resting on our laurels... there's a new start/finish location (Weatherford High School), all new rest stops, new routes and much more.

The ride begins at 7:30 am on July 12th, and routes are 100K, 40 miles, 24 miles and 10 miles.  We're expecting over 2,200 people to flood south and west Parker County that morning to enjoy our beautiful countryside, warm hospitality and fresh peaches!

Everything you need to know is on the ride website, peachpedal.com, including links to registration.  All riders receive a goody bag that includes a T-shirt, water bottle and a free pass to the Parker County Peach Festival.

The Peach Pedal is a joint project of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Weatherford College Foundation.  Gold level sponsers this year include Durant Toyota, Envy-A Medical Day Spa, First National Bank and Pulliam Pools.  Silver level sponsors include The Bank of Weatherford, EECU, M&P Electrical and Power Service Diesel Additives.

Brent Baker is the Peach Pedal ride director.  For more information, contact Brent at  817-598-6275.

Shaw-Kemp Log Cabin Open House