Mesquite's 6th annual "Real. Texas. Festival." held April 27 – 28 attracted more than 30,000 attendees for two days of Texas music, food and family fun. The festival included the "Cowboys and Chrome" Car Show, the "Jalapeno Pepper Eating Contest," the "Hooters Major League Eating-sanctioned Wing Eating Contest" and a "BBQ Cook-off." Headline entertainment included Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, indoor rodeo action and a midway. Mayor John Monaco's annual food drive raised more than 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations for two local food banks.