Crazy Water Festival
The story behind the festival…Judge Lynch and his famous “Crazy Water” – The 2012 Crazy Water Festival will be held in Mineral Wells, Texas on October 12 and 13th, 2012.
It all began on Dec. 24, 1877, when Judge James Alvis Lynch and his family settled in a valley of the Palo Pinto County hills east of the Brazos River.
After tiring of hauling his water from the river, Judge Lynch finally traded his wagon for a drilling service and drilled his first well. The well was located in the area now occupied by the Martin Building.
People were afraid to drink the “funny-tasting water” at first, but Mother Lynch, who suffered from rheumatism, gave it a try and was soon claiming a cure from her malady. People claim, in fact, she was seen doing handsprings in her yard!
As the word spread of the water’s effects, neighbors began drinking the “magic” water to cure other ailments.
Thus begins the story of the famous mineral water which was the makings of the city of Mineral Wells, the first of several Texas health resorts. But the Mineral Wells legend continues.
After the third well in town was dug, it is said a visiting woman who suffered from epilepsy (then often mistaken for insanity) drank the water and was cured. From that legend, the name “Crazy Water” was born, and the “Crazy Well” became a household name.
Mineral Wells started celebrating its CRAZY past with a festival in 1979. The festival has grown to be a much anticipated throughout the area for its CRAZY activities and tribute to the past.
