Texas Twister A Beloved CC Fair Tradition

By CHARLENE PAUL

Moapa Valley Progress

The Clark County Fair and Rodeo is coming soon and many local residents are already looking forward to the great food and drink vendors that come with it. A few of those vendors have been coming to the Fair for so long that they have become essential favorites. Perhaps chief among these is the “One and Only Original Texas Twister Drink” booth.

For the past 21 years, Fair visitors have enjoyed the fruits of this beloved vendor. The specialty drink is made of fresh-squeezed oranges, lemons, limes and a secret recipe base.

The drink is shaken by hand and poured into a 32-ounce cup or traditional boot. Those who purchase a beverage can keep their cup and use it to get $1 off their next refill.

For many fair-goers, Texas Twister is a big part of the Clark County Fair tradition.
“I countdown the days until I can get my Texas Twister fix,” said Catherine Higbee. “It just wouldn’t be the same without that fruity, cold sip of deliciousness.”

But it isn’t just the drink that has people coming back. Texas Twister owners Dwight and Diane Memmott, a.k.a. Papa and Mama Twister, are known for their friendliness. With her soft, Texas drawl, Mama Twister has a knack for making people feel like they’ve known her forever. The Memmotts found the local fair more than two decades ago.

“It was too hot in Texas, and too cold in Utah,” Diane said. “But April in southern Nevada sounded fun.”
“For the first three years, we were in three different spots away from the food court,” Dianne said.

Before their fourth year the Fair called asking if they wanted a location on the food court.
“Heck, yeah, we wanted to be on the food court!” Diane said. “We moved there and this year makes 17 years in that location.”

One thing the Memmotts love about the fair is the availability of young people who are willing and able to work.
“Kids from all over the valley ask if we can use their help,” Diane said. “They work hard and we love having them.”

Ben Paul and his sister Heidi Higgins have worked for the Memmotts for several years.
“After so many years, Mama and Papa Twister are family,” Ben said.
Heidi agreed. “They are so great to work for,” she said. “I go back year after year because they are the best.”

Diane said that they look forward to the Clark County Fair every year.
“We can’t wait to get there to see old friends and to make new ones,” she said. “Y’all make sure to come on by and say hi!”