This Saturday, the annual Texas State Forest Festival has a new look and a new home, albeit for one year only.  This year's Forest Festival in September was canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.  Hopefully, the event will return to the Expo Center in Lufkin in 2021.

However, in an effort to capture at least part of the festivities for 2020, the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Downtown Lufkin to present the Fall Forest Festival on First Street, presented by Brookshire Brothers.  It's set to transform downtown Lufkin to a festival extravaganza on Saturday, Nov.14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We completely understand that this is not your typical Texas State Forest Festival, but nothing has been typical about 2020,” said Tara Watson-Watkins, Chamber president/CEO. “We hope that this will give you and your family a chance to come out and enjoy some cooler weather and shopping, and of course, some yummy festival food. We are just doing the best that we can to help give our community just a little normality and enjoyment this fall season.”

The fan-favorite, 49th Annual Southern Hushpuppy Championships, presented by McWilliams & Son Heating & Air Conditioning, will be back this year. Participants travel great distances to Angelina County to participate in the Angelina County tradition. 

The one-day festival will add a
new addition this year, the Pineywoods Classic Car Show, presented by Ray’s Drive-In Cafe. During the day, the car show will transform downtown as a grand car showroom for festival goers to view and learn about classic vehicles.

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Begin your Christmas shopping at the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza as commercial vendors line the streets selling their crafts and goods to East Texas shoppers. Plus, food vendors will cook-up and serve delicious meals and sweet treats to festival goers.

Additional festivities include a petting zoo, games and booths for children to enjoy, plus more. Throughout the day, Suggs’ American Karate’s Prowling Tigers, Susan’s Studio of Dance, and Academy of Gymnastics and Dance will take the stage to show-off their skills and talents. Plus, the winners of the Pageant of East Texas’ Miss Autumn Fest will be presented. There is no charge for entrance into the Fall Forest Festival on First Street.

“We are hopeful that we can bring a small portion of our 36-year tradition to the residents of Angelina County and fellow East Texans. … We also know that it’s our responsibility to make sure that this event is held safely and that we aren’t doing anything that would jeopardize our community,” Watson-Watkins said. “We are working closely with the City of Lufkin, Angelina County and others to make sure that we are following all safety protocol from the state to local level.”

 

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