Published: October 01, 2009 11:07 pm      

Rusk set for 2009 festival

Booth space still available

By Nathan Straus

nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com



The Rusk Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the annual Pioneer and Heritage Festival. The event will take place at the Texas State Railroad Depot in Rusk from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Rusk will be abuzz all day with the footfalls of over 2,000 residents and visitors reliving the old days. Vending booth space is still available for those interested.

Bob Goldsberry, executive director of the chamber, said arts and crafts booth space is still available for purchase; any vendors wanting to get in on the action can contact the chamber

“This event will feature arts and crafts, pioneer re-enactments, a short train ride and live entertainment throughout the day,” Goldsberry said.

Travelers to the Rusk area are encouraged to check out the train ride, which will depart between noon and 1 p.m. Tickets for the ride are $5 each.

Other events include a homemade jam and jelly contest, as well as a sort of lottery drawing known as “cow patty bingo”. Goldsberry said this popular event offers a large cash prize. Cow patty bingo is performed when people bet on squares in a field. A cow is set loose and, eventually, relieves itself. The lucky winner is the person who bought the square the cow ends up in at this time.

“It's a hit every year,” he said.

Separate from the festival will be a 15-mile trail ride. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on 5th Street and Lone Oak, and the horses saddle up at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch. This activity costs $5 per person.

Entry to the festival is either $1 or a canned food item. This will benefit The Good Samaritan, a food pantry organization.

“It's a great day to spend with family and friends,” Goldsberry encouraged. “Enjoy food, fun and the activities going on.”

Any interested in renting a booth space can contact the chamber at 903-683-4242.