Five Texas Panhandle communities have come together to host a multiday, family-friendly event along Highway 83 this summer.

The towns of Canadian, Wheeler, Shamrock, Wellington, and Childress have each scheduled four days full of fun from Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 4. Some of the events on tap for Wild and Free on 83 include live music, art exhibits, scavenger hunts, helicopter tours, clay shoots, cookouts, block parties, golf tournaments, stargazing, wine tasting, and much more.

Area residents are invited to discover the rich heritage of these communities by visiting points of interest in each town, while enjoying events scheduled throughout the day.

“It’s an easy drive over for most people in the Panhandle,” says organizer Kristen Moudy with the Wheeler Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Center. “We hope our friends from neighboring towns will come experience what we have to offer along Highway 83 and learn not only about our rich history, but experience what makes up the fabric of our towns.”

Events planned in Canadian from Thursday through Sunday include the Citadelle’s Tape Art Exhibit “It Tapes A Village”; a flea market and swap meet with food trucks and vendors at the Canadian River Walking Bridge; the two-day Rumble on the River Golf Tournament at the Canadian Golf Club; a farmers market at Canadian Gardens; Red River War Stories at The Last Cowboy’s Court, featuring a tour of the Lyman Wagon Train Battle Site; a family scavenger hunt at the River Valley Pioneer Museum and The Last Cowboy’s Court; jump-rope and hula-hoop contests and a 5K fun run at the walking bridge; and helicopter rides near the duck ponds. The four-day event kicks off at Canadian’s Visitors Center with a Screen on the Green drive-in movie showing of Cars Thursday evening—preceded by a chance to make your own drive-in car for Screen on the Green at the Canadian Commuity Center from 10 am to 3 pm—and continues with live music by 60 West on Friday, and free burgers and dogs on Sunday.

The Canadian Education Foundation has also scheduled its Night Under the Stars Gala and fundraiser to coincide with the event. The gala will be held from 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday, Aug. 3, at The Citadelle, with featured speaker Chet Garner of PBS’ The Day Tripper. Dinner and beverages will be served, and bidders are invited to participate in live and silent auctions. Tickets for that event can be purchased at CanadianFoundation.com.

A full calendar of events for all five communities participating in Wild and Free on 83 is available online at WildAndFree83.com, where a full list of hotels, restaurants, and shopping options is also posted.

Organizers hope to expand this event each year to include more stops along Highway 83.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 74th Texas Legislature, in 1995, officially designated the state’s U.S. Highway 83 the “Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.” The nearly 895-mile highway is the longest in Texas, stretching from the south side of Brownsville at the Veterans Port of Entry on the U.S./Mexico border, to the Oklahoma state line north of Perryton. Along the way, it is marked by signs expressing gratitude to the thousands of men and women who served during the Vietnam War with this message, well-worth remembering: “It is our hope that all those who travel U.S. Highway 83 will pause to remember those who gave up their lives or their youth or their hopes in that long and bitter conflict. We vow not to forget those who did not return to us, and we pledge to remember the sacrifices of those who have come home.”