The East Texas Food Bank's "Spread The Love Peanut Butter Drive" continues through Thursday, September 24, inviting Tyler and Longview residents to donate jars of peanut butter. This friendly competition between the two cities saw Longview leading with 2,846 pounds donated as of September 15, while Tyler had contributed 1,164 pounds. Donations can be made in person or online.
High school football teams across East Texas will begin week 4 action on Friday evening. The 3-0 Rusk Eagles are set to face the 3-0 Troup Tigers, with one team destined to record its first loss of the season. The 3-0 Lindale Eagles aim to continue their winning streak. Other teams, including Arp, Winnsboro, Carlisle, Grand Saline, and Union Grove, also seek to preserve their perfect seasons.
In Tyler, the 5th annual Tyler Art Festival is underway, offering food, fun, and various artistic displays.
Several community events are concluding this weekend. The 77th Gregg County Fair ends Saturday night at the Gregg County Fairgrounds in Longview. This celebration, which began in 1949 with the Longview Jaycees, includes pig races, a petting zoo, nightly live entertainment, and carnival rides. Vendors and fair food are available on-site. Admission, concessions, and rides may require a cost.
The 53rd Pioneer Days Festival in downtown Pittsburg also concludes daily through Saturday. Saturday's events feature a bubble party, crafts, bingo, stick horse races, and a parade scheduled for 10 a.m. Vendors will be on Main Street starting at 8 a.m., with live music and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Gladewater is hosting vendors of homeland and handcrafted arts and crafts along Broadway Avenue in downtown. Shoppers can find homemade goods, jewelry, unique handmade works, food, and toys created by Texans from various locations.
The Texas State Forest Festival runs Thursday through Sunday at the George Henderson Exposition Center in Lufkin. The festival features carnival rides and live shows, including Puppy Pals Live, The Accidental Acrobats, and Nature Nick's Animal Adventures. Additional attractions include wood carvers, a petting zoo, a car show, and a BBQ competition.
In Winnsboro, the city's new social district, 'The Bowery,' will feature a concert by Darren Morris on Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m. This free event encourages attendees to bring lawn chairs, though coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted. Alcohol will be available for purchase on site.
Athletic events are also scheduled. The Paris Pair race takes place Saturday at 6 a.m. at 2055 S Collegiate Drive in Paris, utilizing a paved path on the NETT Trail. The asphalt trail is shaded by a canopy of trees and has minimal road crossings. Participants can register for this event, described as a flat, fast course with scenic views.
The 12th Annual East Texas Gold Run is another event focused on the childhood cancer community. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, marked by the color gold. Proceeds from this event fund local programs and pediatric cancer research projects. There is a registration fee to participate.
The Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex in Athens will host the World Show Warm-Up Horse Show on Saturday and Sunday. The show includes Appaloosa, all breeds, EWD, and ranch classes.
Mineola's Iron Horse Heritage Festival celebrates railroad heritage with food trucks, unique vendors, a car show, music, weenie dog races, a watermelon eating contest, and a pie-baking contest.
In Longview, the Barrels & Brews wine/beer festival is scheduled for Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Maude Cobb Activity Center. This ticketed event is a signature fundraiser for the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, offering wine and beer tastings from across the state to support individuals and families affected by dementia.
East Texans can also shop local produce and homemade goods at several farmers' markets operating on Saturday. These include locations at 111 E Carnegie Street in Winnsboro from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, 221 S Broadway Avenue in Tyler from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and the backside of Broadway Square Mall in Tyler from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight. Other markets are located at 813 W Spring Street in Palestine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 105 W Cotton Street in Longview from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Farmers have been busy growing crops for area residents to enjoy.
