Corsicana, TX Derrick Days
Family fun like Derrick Days is just one of the many reasons Corsicana, TX is such a great place to live!
Derrick Days Festival
The annual Corsicana Derrick Days Festival is celebrated on the last Saturday of April. Derrick Days is not just one day. Derrick Days’ events are held the entire week before Saturday. The 2017 Derrick Days Committee has set the bar high this year. They have truly planned some great events for our community. Just look at all the family fun this year!
Discovery of Oil
Derrick Days celebrates Corsicana’s rich oil history. In the spring of 1894, the Corsicana Water Development Company was attempting to tap a well for water. They didn’t hit water. They struck oil! This led to Texas’ first oil boom and was the first significant discovery of oil west of the Mississippi River. The discovery of oil changed Corsicana from an agricultural based town to an important oil and industrial center.
Establishment of Derrick Days
The oil boom brought a variety of new citizens and businesses to Corsicana. In 1976, Corsicana leaders decided an annual event should be established recognizing Corsicana’s rich oil history. The first Derrick Days was held that year. Derrick Days has been held every spring thereafter. Over the years, Derrick Days and the events have changed. Many of us old timers fondly remember the canoe races and the always fun bed races. Yes, bed races! I’m sure there could have been some safety issues involved with that one that may have led to its demise. The current Derrick Days will include a carnival, parade, rodeo, car show, and chili cookoff, just to name a few activities.
Bring your family out. You are sure to find something to interest everyone in your group!