The events and happenings listed in this document were based on information from chambers of commerce and convention and visitor's bureaus; telephone calls, e-mail, and mailed material from contacts; and the Texas Department of Transportation. If you would like your event listed email JDR

Texas Piney Woods Region

| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |

Please note that prices, dates, telephone numbers and hours are subject to change. Please call ahead before making plans.

January

Thru January 1, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Athens: The Christmas Park Land of Lights. More than a mile long, bejeweled with over 2 million lights, and complete with festive music, it's sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Time: Open every night 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Cost: $15 per family vehicle, $25 commercial van and pick-up load, 16+ people $2 each. Location: Off Loop 317 between Hwy 175W and Hwy 31W. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-675-7469. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, Nov. 10 through Jan. 1.

Thru January 1, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Kilgore: Christmas in the Oil Patch. Experience "Christmas in the Oil Patch" at the Oil Museum, the World's Richest Acre Park and star-topped oil derricks, cut a Christmas Tree, Christmas stories in our festive library, carriage rides, tour lighted neighborhoods, and visit the historic Post Office and Heritage Square with a 35' Christmas Tree, shopping, and festive entertainment. Time: 6pm-8pm. Cost: free. Location: Downtown Kilgore. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-984-5022. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, November 19 through January.

January 1 - Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

February

(January 1) thru Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

February 18, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Jacksonville: Jacksonville Jaycees 10th Annual Cook-off. CASI Sanctioned Chili and Unsanctioned BBQ Cook-off with Arts and Craft Fair. All cooks and family oriented vendors welcome. Public gets in free. Taster kits are $3 per person. Bring the whole family. Time: 10am-4pm. Cost: Free. Location: Cherokee County Expo Center (Showbarn) on Loop 456 South of Jacksonville. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-586-3632. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in February.

March

(January 1) thru Middle of March 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Annual Trout Harvest. Come experience the thrill of trout fishing at the beautiful Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Location: 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, January 1 - middle of March.

March 17 - April 2, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Tyler: 47th Annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. Mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe. The breathtaking beauty of our Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer's paradise. We invite you to enjoy the vivid colors and sweet scents that only an East Texas Spring can provide. Time: dawn to dusk. Cost: free. Location: Tyler's Historic Azalea District. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-235-5712. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, starting the 3rd weekend in March.

March 18, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Jasper: Annual Azalea Festival. Annual Event celebrating the colorful burst of springtime azaleas. Held on the beautiful Jasper County Courthouse Square. Enjoy all day entertainment, Arts invitational, Classic Car Show, Poetry Contest, Cake Decorating Contest, Arts & Crafts booths and more. Location: Historic Courthouse Square. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 409-384-2762. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in March.

April

(March 17) thru April 2, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Tyler: 46th Annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. Mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe. The breathtaking beauty of our Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer's paradise. We invite you to enjoy the vivid colors and sweet scents that only an East Texas Spring can provide. Time: dawn to dusk. Cost: free. Location: Tyler's Historic Azalea District. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-235-5712. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, starting the 3rd weekend in March.

April 8-29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Quitman: Annual Dogwood Fiesta. Festivities include a Parade, Car, Truck, & Tractor Show, Craft Fairs, 3-on-3 Basketball tournament, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, Pet Fair, two pageants, and an Annual Golf Tournament. The dogwoods featured in the Fiesta can be seen every weekend during the event. Brochures and maps are available at the Chamber's office, 101 E. Goode St., Quitman, TX 75783. Time: varies by weekend. Cost: varies by weekend. Location: varies. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For complete schedule of events, including dates & times, visit www.quitman.com. For more information, call 903-763-4411. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in March or April.

April 15 - May 31, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Henderson: East Texas Wildflower Trails. Driving tours showcase the best spots for viewing wildflowers, historic sites, museums, dining, and shopping. Special events are scheduled for each weekend, including an antique tractor show, flea markets, and equine events. Various locations. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For more information, call 866-650-5529. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

April 28-30, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Avinger: Wildflower Trails of Texas. Wildflower Trails of Texas was established in 1965 by Lady Bird Johnson to celebrate the many varieties of wildflowers that bloom in Texas. Activities include a carnival, arts and crafts, entertainment, and of course, great Texas home cooking. Time: 8am. Cost: Free. Location: Main Street, Downtown. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-562-1000. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last weekend in April.

April 28-30, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Texarkana: JUMP. JIVE. & JAM Fest. A premiere Spring Music and Arts Festival featuring national, regional and local performing artists, original artwork, on-site demonstrations, regional foods, and family fun. Join us for unique activities like sidewalk chalk art, a signature Stomp-on-Stateline, Java Hut & more. Fun for ALL ages. Time: Varies. Cost: Varies. Location: 321 West Fourth St. (Celebration Square). Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (903) 792-4992. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last full weekend of April.

April 29, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Athens: Cinco de Mayo. Family Fun with a Hispanic twist, games, dancing and food, organized by Henderson County YMCA, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and The Interact Club. Time: 12pm-11pm. Cost: Admission free after 1pm. Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-264-9622. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, May 1 or the Saturday before.

May

(April 15) thru May 31, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Henderson: East Texas Wildflower Trails. Driving tours showcase the best spots for viewing wildflowers, historic sites, museums, dining, and shopping. Special events are scheduled for each weekend, including an antique tractor show, flea markets, and equine events. Various locations. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For more information, call 866-650-5529. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 5-7, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Jefferson: 59th Annual Historic Pilgrimage Home Tour and Spring Festival. Each Spring, some of Jefferson's oldest and most beautiful homes open their doors to welcome the warm weather & guests. Four historic homes are on display this year. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For additional information call 1-888-467-3529 or (903) 665-2672. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

May 6, 2006 - FAIR - Huntsville: Josey Park Craft Fair. The weekend of The General Sam Houston Folk Festival is going to get bigger and better for Huntsville and our guest. The Josey Park Craft Fair will debut the same weekend as the Folk Festival. The Josey Park Craft Fair will be a perfect compliment to the other outstanding events already scheduled that weekend, Airing of the Quilts, Fireman's Fun Day and Classic Car Show. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost: $0. Location: 2216 Sam Houston Ave. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 936-294-7505. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, first weekend in May.

May 20, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Gilmer: Cherokee Rose Festival. Includes Run for the roses, antique and classic car show, cow-milking contest, small carnival, pig catching contest, dancers, bandstand, quilt show, baby crawling, hula hoop contest, pet show, bubble-gum blowing contest, ice cream crank-off and more. Downtown, around the square. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For additional information phone (903) 843-2413 or visit www.gilmerareachamber.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

May 26, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Athens: Annual Texas Fiddlers Contest & Reunion. The Reunion is known nationwide and as far as we know, is the oldest one that has run continuously year after year. The big attraction is the Fiddlers Contest. This is broken down into five divisions- over 65 years, under 65 years, 19-30 years, 18 years of age & under, and a ladies division. There are food vendors and a carnival just off the downtown square. On Thursday night before the Fiddler's Contest on Friday, there is a Jam Session which begins around 7:30 pm. From 8pm-12pm on Friday there is a Street Dance. Time: 9am-12 midnight. Location: Courthouse Square downtown Athens, Texas. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-675-1859. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, last Friday in May.

June

June 2-4 2006 - FESTIVAL - Longview: AlleyFest. This family-oriented festival features a Kids Fest, Music Fest, Food Fest, sports events, arts & crafts and a chili cook-off. Location: Downtown Longview. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For additional information, call (903)237-4040 or E-mail: elaine@longviewpartnership.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

June 3, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Lufkin: Neches River Rendezvous. This 10-mile canoe trip down the Neches River is fun for everyone. You can choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenic surroundings and wildlife, or you can compete in the timed event. Participants will be treated to lunch and receive the official Neches River Rendezvous t-shirt. We invite you to come experience the beauty, challenge, and pleasure of the Neches River. Time: Begins at 8am. Cost: varies between $10-$25. Location: 1615 S. Chestnut. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call (936)634-6305. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 1st Saturday of June.

June 9-10, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Nacogdoches: Blueberry Festival. Water balloon toss, musical entertainment, arts and crafts a sock-hop, Country concert, and a Blues concert. Location: Eugenia Sterne Park, E. Main St. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For more information, call 936-560-5533. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd Friday and Saturday in June.

June 10, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Jacksonville: 22nd Annual Tomato Fest. Celebrating Jacksonville, once known as the Tomato Capital of the World, tomatoes are the main ingredient for this annual event. Events include Tomato Eating Contest, Couch Tomato 'No Sweat' Olympics, Tomato Town, Best Home Grown Tomato, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment and much more. Time: 10am-9pm. Cost: free. Location: Commerce & Austin Street (downtown). Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 1-800-376-2217 or 903-586-2217. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd Saturday in June.

JULY

July 4, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Marshall: July 4th Celebration. Live musical entertainment, souvenirs, food, and after the sun sets a fireworks show beyond belief. Time: 6 p.m. Cost: $2. Location: Maverick Stadium - Pinecrest Drive. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-935-7868. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually on July 4th.

July 14-16, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Longview: Great Texas Balloon Race. Activities begin Friday with a fly-over of the city. Balloon glow and concert Friday and Saturday evenings. Balloon races Saturday and Sunday mornings; weather permitting, balloonists will compete for purses worth thousands of dollars. Arts and crafts, food vendors and special exhibits. Special children's area. Bring a blanket or a chair for seating. Admission $10 Friday and Saturday, $2 Sunday; Weekend pass $15; Children 12 and under free. Location: East Texas Regional Airport. Region: Texas Piney Woods. For more information, call 903-757-2468 or visit www.gtbr.net. Please mention this listing when inquiring.

July 11-14, 2006 - SPORTING EVENT - Athens: Camp Fish. A day camp for youngsters aged 9 to 15 to learn all about fish and fishing. Time: 1pm-5pm. Cost: $50 fee. Location: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, Texas 75752. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-676-2277. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually in July.

August

Coming Soon!

September

September 2, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Nacogdoches: Americana Music Festival. The crossroads of American roots music will meet the brick streets of the oldest town in Texas in downtown Nacogdoches. It is a celebration of the various genres of music that are indigenous to the United States, including country, bluegrass, jazz, gospel and rock. Local, regional and nationally known acts will perform on two stages throughout the day. Aside from the musical performances, the Americana Festival also offers a juried art show, an art car display, music workshops and children's activities. Time: 11am-11pm. Cost: FREE. Location: Festival Plaza, 507 S. Pecan. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 888-OLDEST-TOWN. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held Annually, Labor Day Weekend.

September 16, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Tyler: Festival on the Square. Enjoy a day of fun for the family on the square in Downtown Tyler. This celebration of arts and entertainment features everything from a daytime children's area with crafts and fun activities to an evening concert under the stars. Arts and Crafts show, musical performances, a volleyball tournament, arts demonstration and more. Time: 10am - midnight. Cost: Concert at night $10 in advance, $15 at gate. Location: Downtown Square in Tyler. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-593-6905 or visit www.heartoftyler.org. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd Saturday in September.

October

October 5-7, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Center: 30th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival. This festival will feature a carnival, broiler show and auction, entertainment, arts and crafts booths, games and contests, and concessions served by non-profit organizations, civic groups, and church groups. Time: Begins at 10am each day. Cost: call for prices. Location: Historic downtown in Center, Texas. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 936-598-3682. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, beginning the first Thursday in October.

October 11-15, 2006 - FAIR - Nacogdoches: Pineywoods Fair. The Pineywoods Fair features local livestock, vendor exhibits, carnival rides, variety of food vendors and live stage entertainment to round out the perfect fair for the oldest town in Texas. Time: Wednesday 4pm-11pm, Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday 11am-12 midnight, Sunday 1pm-11pm. Cost: $5 adult, $4 seniors (55 and over), $3 children (ages 6-12), 5 and under are free. Location: 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 936-564-0849 or visit www.nacexpo.net. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd full weekend of October.

October 13-14, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Marshall: Fire Ant Festival. Where else can you enjoy good food, fine entertainment, excellent art/craft booths, and still have a 5K run, chili cook-off, ugly face making contest, fire ant calling, rubber chicken chunking contest, parade, Tour de Fireant Bike Race? The list goes on and on, just come enjoy and see it for yourself. Location: Downtown Marshall Texas - North Washington Street. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-935-7868. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in October.

October 13-15, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Conroe: Annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival is choreographed for all ages and ethnic diversities, bringing together a "community happening". Music on four stages, exhibitors, delicious food, kids area, fishing contest, and a carnival make this annual festival one of the most popular events in Texas. Time: Fri 6pm-12; Sat 11am-12; Sun 12 noon-6pm. Cost: $10. Location: 334 N. Main St. (Downtown Conroe). Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 1-800-324-2604 or visit conroecajuncatfishfestival.com. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 2nd weekend in October.

October 19-22, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Tyler: 73rd Annual Texas Rose Festival. From roses to royalty, the 72nd annual Texas Rose Festival will celebrate tradition and community spirit as we explore "Treasures". The Coronation promises to be a grand showcase of spectacular costumes and staging that will surely provide an enchanted evening for all. The Rose Show, Queen's Tea and Rose Parade will showcase the elegance and fragrance of our national flower, the Rose. Entertainment galore awaits the entire family. Time: varies. Cost: Varies (free - $45). Location: Events are held throughout the City of Tyler. The Festival offices are located at the Tyler Rose Museum, 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler, Texas 75702 (adjacent to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. Highway 31 West). Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 903-597-3130. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, 3rd weekend in October.

November

November 10, 2006 - January 1, 2006 - EXHIBIT - Athens: The Christmas Park Land of Lights. More than a mile long, bejeweled with over 2 million lights, and complete with festive music, it's sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Time: Open every night 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Cost: $10 minimum per vehicle, Over 5 people $2 each. Location: Off Loop 317 between Hwy 175W and Hwy 31W. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-675-7469. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.

November 11, 2006 - FESTIVAL - Henderson: Heritage Syrup Festival. Experience mule driven sugar cane crushing in the fall. Watch the syrup team cook the juices into a brown sugar syrup on the Depot Museum grounds. Enjoy over 30 folk artists, food, antique tractors and entertainment. Take the many hayride shuttles to the Historic National Register Historic downtown location. Shop the 130 plus arts & crafts vendors also enjoy the children's section. Entertainment includes: Bluegrass and County Western music, cloggers, square dancers and the antique car exhibit. Time: 9am-5pm. Location: 100 East Main Street. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 250,000. For more information, call 866.650.5529. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually, second Saturday in November.

November 18 - December 16, 2006 - OTHER EVENT - Kilgore: Christmas in the Oil Patch. Experience "Christmas in the Oil Patch" at the Oil Museum, the World's Richest Acre Park and star-topped oil derricks, cut a Christmas Tree, Christmas stories in our festive library, tour lighted neighborhoods, and visit the historic Post Office and Heritage Square with a 35' Christmas Tree, shopping, and festive entertainment. Time: 6pm-8pm. Cost: free. Location: Downtown Kilgore. Region: Texas Piney Woods. Average attendance: under 50,000. For more information, call 903-984-5022. Please mention this listing when inquiring. Held annually.