GoatStock 2014 was a chance to hear speeches and meet the candidates to replace the beer-drinking goat mayor of Lajitas.

There are 4 candidates running for mayor- a goat, a mule, and two guys who kinda look like goats.  Or rejects from a ZZ Top cover band.

On May 10, 2014, at GoatStock in Lajitas, Texas, we got to meet them and hear their campaign speeches.

The goat, Claymore Henry, is the favorite. He’s a direct descendent of Clay Henry, who was the original beer-drinking goat mayor. His speech was short and direct. He spent most of his allotted time trying to eat the banner on the front of the stage.

Pancho the mule is running a strong campaign.  He’s firm and resolute and required quite a bit of coaxing to hop up on the stage and give his talk.

George Goss, whose slogan is “Respect the goat, give George your vote,” promised free beer if he’s elected mayor. George gave a rousing speech and promised changes in Lajitas.

Tate Treybig is running on the “Three C’s,”  Corrupt, Crooked and Convenient. Although Tate is running an old fashioned “Texas Politics” campaign that would make Rick Perry proud, his speech tugged at the crowd’s heart strings.  

He told the story of how his momma calls him every day and asks, “are you mayor yet?” It seems Tate has never done anything in his long and colorful life that his mother approved of. She does approve of him holding political office. “Don’t make me call my momma and tell her I didn’t get to be mayor,” he said.  “It might break her heart.”

In addition to the speeches, Lajitas Golf Resort hosted a fine party with live music, a huge water slide, and barbacoa. The crowd gathered in the shade of the lone tree near the goat pen and listened while musicians from Austin, San Marcos, Alpine, joined local Terlingua musicians.

The comment I heard most often was, “this is how Lajitas used to be.”

Back in the good ole days, Lajitas was the cultural center of the Big Bend. The old trading post, which is now the golf pro shop, was where drugs and candelilla wax were bootlegged, beer was drunk and drunks drank beer, dances were held, and you could find groceries and gas.

Then came the dark times, when millionaires flew in on their private jets and the locals were discouraged from coming around. There was actually a plan to build a loop around Lajitas so that locals and tourists wouldn’t spoil the vibe and cheapen the experience.

After the millionaires went broke, saner heads prevailed and Lajitas began the long, painful process of healing the rift.

At GoatStock, it was like old times. Hand made songs were played on wood and wire. Friends gathered for barbacoa, beer and conversation. Hopefully, GoatStock was just the first of many parties we’ll have in Lajitas.