In April 2011, the Texas Legislature declared Lamesa, Texas the "Legendary Home of the Chicken Fried Steak". The City of Lamesa celebrates this declaration each year on the last weekend of April by having a fun-filled weekend and cook-off competition. This year's CFS Festival and Crossroads Balloon Rally (April 24-26, 2015) kicks off on Friday night with a handmade chicken-fried steak dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and a roll. Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys will take the Plaza Stage on Friday from 8:00pm to midnight. Saturday's festivities are held at Lamesa's Forrest Park, which has a covered plaza for live music from local bands and musicians. Hot Air Balloons will take off at sunrise on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Enjoy a classic car show, 5K Glo-run, team-roping competition at the rodeo grounds, wine tasting from Lamesa's Delaney Vineyards, The World's tallest inflatable slide pony rides, trampoline bungee jump, bouncy castles, Log runners, craft and clothing vendors, and food booths offering the usual festival fare and plenty of Chicken Fried Steak. The Saturday highlight is the Chicken Fried Steak Cookoff. Contestants start cooking at 10:00 am and must turn in their entry to the Judges at 12:00pm. Winners will be announced at 3:00pm. Saturday night the Hot Air Balloons will put on a Fire concert for spectators followed by live music at the Plaza Stage in Forrest Park. Vendors, pilots and contestants can register online at www.ci.lamesa.tx.us