Country festival in Cozes

TWO DAYS IN TEXAS ( Charente Maritime)

A country music festival in Cozes.

Last weekend there was a country festival in "Cozes City". Cozes is a small town between Royan and Gemozac. Lots of people attended this yearly event and motorbikes, trikes, American cars looked at their best as they were shown during those two unforgettable days.

Cozes was blessed with gorgeous weather. Last year we had pouring rain all day long during the country music festival. Therefore beer was flowing like water!
On Saturday morning, it started with a fancy-dressed horse parade, our friend Philippe ,( a former jockey) now a famous upholsterer in Cozes is a keen rider. They rode around the area and finally came back to Cozes riding through the beautiful market place called " La Halle".

Children enjoyed themselves too, wearing cow boy and Indian hats , costumes and funny make-up. Everyone danced in line on American country music and some line-dancing lessons were given to people who like me are not very good at it!

On Saturday night, a country music band entertained people having dinner , a drink or just passing by, it was a friendly meeting place to chat with local and non-local people. These country events are good places for socializing.

On Sunday, as early as 9.00 ( the early bird catches the worm, doesn't it?) horseriding again and then for bikers this time a ride along the biggest estuary in Europe the " Gironde estuary" which is a natural conservation area, a stopping point at Arces for a "degustation" ( wine tasting and local shortbread" then, back again to Cozes. Lots of activities from a drawing contest to the election of Miss and Mister Country took place during the two days. And for those who enjoy window-shopping, there were lots of stalls selling country western hats, belts, buckles, clothes...

Finally, we came home on our motorbike, riding in tune with the rhythm of American country music.

Who says the country is dull !!!