The city of Grapevine is set to honor William D. Tate, who has made history as the longest-serving mayor in Texas, with a series of celebrations spanning the next two years. As Tate approaches his 50th year in office, the community plans to host Golden Jubilee festivities throughout 2026 and into May 2027.
The celebrations will commence during Grapevine’s annual Main Street Fest on May 15, featuring a gala tribute, a public art dedication on May 16, and a community picnic on May 17, the day marking Tate’s official 50th anniversary in the mayoral role.
Tate’s political journey began in 1973 when he was first elected as mayor, a position he held until 1985. After serving as a city council member and city attorney, he was re-elected in 1988 and has remained in office since. His longstanding commitment to the city is reflected in various roles, including his involvement in several city committees.
Born and raised in Grapevine, Tate’s contributions to the community have been recognized with his induction into the Grapevine High School Hall of Fame in 1989. According to city officials, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving mayor in Texas history, as well as the longest-serving mayor for a city of Grapevine’s size.
In conjunction with the forthcoming celebrations, Tate has also released a memoir titled “My Barefoot Days,” offering insights into his childhood experiences in Grapevine. He expressed his desire for readers to glean valuable lessons from his stories shared within the book.
