GROVES — Texas Pecan Festival food vendors are making people hungry in Groves.

A line of about 25 people snaked across the grass as eager patrons awaited food on a stick at Piggin’ Out Pork-A-Bobs on Friday afternoon.

Food vendors hawking everything from fried alligator to fried Oreos lined a portion of Lions Park while nearby Chris Latiolais and the Home Team Band cranked out the music. Squeals from excited children could be heard in the distance where Wagner Carnival set up carnival rides.

Patrons voiced their opinions of what they felt was their favorite festival food.

Mary Johnson said she favors the Cajun pistolettes as she finished the last bite of the Cajun specialty food.

“It’s de-licioius,” Johnson said. “I also like the turkey legs. They’re good enough to wrap up and bring home. Fair food for supper.”

Kim Guilbeaux found it hard to pick a favorite.

“It’s a hard decision,” Guilbeaux said. “Probably the pork-a-bobs at Piggin’ Out. I would say that’s what I come for every year. Oh, and the curly fries.”

Marian Burt is also a fan of the pork-a-bob’s.

“And the KC hamburgers, they’re very juicy. Good burgers,” Burt said of the Knights of Columbus-Groves Council 3491 booth. “And the lemonade.”

The festival, which features a 50’s theme, continues Saturday at Lions Park, 6200 Jackson, and concludes Sunday afternoon.



Saturday, Sept. 22

• 10 a.m. — Texas Pecan Festival Parade. Parade begins at 39th Street and Cleveland. Line-up begins at 9 a.m., entering at Terrell and Cleveland.

• 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Carnival, food and craft booths open

• 10:30 a.m. — Festival kick-off after parade with Port Neches-Groves Band, cheerleaders, Indianettes, twirlers and fans

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Tonalta School of Music

• Noon — Event to be announced

• 12:30 p.m. — Bow Tie Entertainment DJ Service-Music/trivia

• 1 p.m. — Event to be announced

• 1 to 2 p.m. — Halie Venable and Rachel Honza

• 2 p.m. — Pecan toss contest

• 2 to 3 p.m. — Visual artist Richard Hight

• 3 p.m. — Amy’s Elite Dance Force

• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Kim Ross Danceworks

• 4 p.m. — Pie eating contest

• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. — Debbie’s School of Dance

• 5 p.m. — Cooking with pecans contest

• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — June Badon School of Dance

• 6:30 p.m. — Visual artist Richard Hight

• 7 to 8 p.m. — Sock Hop and costume contest to celebrate the 50’s style

• 8 to 11 p.m. — The Innovators Band