BEN WHEELER — This town’s second birthday bash is set for May 22, and will feature bluegrass bands The Coleman Brothers and the Lonesome Boys, wagon rides and other festivities.

An hour into the event, a historical marker etching the Alamo Institute’s place in time will be dedicated. The Institute was a school adjacent to what is now the downtown park during the 19th century, when Ben Wheeler was known as “The Alamo City.”

The bash will also feature a “museum for a day,” Brooks Gremmels said, with bounce horses and just a “good, neighborly time.”

“This is one of my favorite events because it brings Ben Wheeler’s past, present and future together,” he said. “It’s an intimate affair during which the community can really see and learn about this great town’s roots. Knowing where we’ve come from ... that’s really how we will be more successful in moving further ahead in Ben Wheeler’s future.”

Gremmels is founder of the Ben Wheeler Historical District Foundation and owner of Ben Wheeler Development Company.

BWDC and Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation host the annual event, a way to recognize and celebrate its namesake. Benjamin Wheeler was a postal carrier contracted to carry mail from Canton to Edom on a mail-toting mule. Originally called Clough, the town was renamed in 1878 to pay homage to the postal carrier.

During the “museum for a day,” community members are invited to showcase their own historical artifacts, photos, legal documentation or other memorabilia at the Ben Wheeler Museum.

The bash is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the downtown park. Call 903.833.1070, or visit benwheelertx. com.