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Lovers of fiddles and steel guitars will be flocking to Tomball Mar. 16, as the city will be holding its second annual Tomball Honky Tonk Music Festival that afternoon.

"It's going to be an afternoon of old style honky tonk music," said Tomball marketing director Mike Baxter. "It's reminiscent of the days of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline – when country was country."

Nearly 1,500 people showed up to the inaugural event last year and Baxter expects more this go around.

Headlining the event is Austin musician Dale Watson, who describes his two decade career as one of a maverick country traditionalist.

Performing first, around noon, will be Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers, a group that has appeared at several of the city's events. They will be followed by Country Jim & His Country All-Stars, which features musicians that have shared the stage with legends like Doug Supernaw and Hank Williams Jr.

"(Country Jim) has been performing for more than 40 years," Baxter said.

Rounding out the music festivities will be Amber Digby & Midnight Flyer. Digby and Watson are both new to the event this year.

The concrete patio at the Tomball Depot Plaza will be transformed into a large dance floor, built for two-stepping.

Baxter also said that local favorite's Mel's Country Café and Snookie's Fish Camp will be serving food at the event, while they have lined up nearly 20 merchandise vendors as well. There will also be beer and wine for sale at the event.

Baxter said these events are a good way for the city to show off its unique businesses and it's local flavor to visitors who come in to hear the show.

"The events help bring people to the city, who in turn visit our shops, restaurants and things downtown," he said.

The Tomball Honky Tonk Music Festival will be held Mar. 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Depot Plaza. For more information visit www.tomballtx.gov,
or facebook.com/TomballTexanForFun