Nederland Heritage Festival returns with large crowds

Published 4:02 pm Friday, March 14, 2025

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Fans of the Nederland Heritage Festival packed Boston Avenue Thursday for food, rides and fun. 

The festival, which is in its 52nd year, is from March 11 to March 16 on historic Boston Avenue. NHF Executive Director Shannon Hemby said they are looking forward to a great year.  

“I think it will be big this year,” Hemby said, adding that Passports to Fun sold out in a record five days. The passport, which grants the holder unlimited carnival rides, goes on sale Nov. 1 for the March event. Per contract with Gold Star Amusements, they can sell 3,500.

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Saturday, March 15

  • Carnival — 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
  • NHF Famous Cuisine Walk — 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Parade — 10 a.m. Nederland Avenue to 21st Street to 12th Street to Boston Avenue
  • Chili Cook-off — Cooking begins  at 8 a.m. at 13th Street and Boston Avenue. Judging will be at 1 p.m. Cups for unlimited tasting can be purchased for $3. Awards presented. 
  • Motorcycle & Car Show — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boston Avenue between 14th and 15th streets. Awards presented.
  • Craft & Collectible Market — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Characters in the Park — Characters  will greet festival guests near the kids rides at 2 and 4 p.m.
  • NHF-JK Subaru/Chevrolet Stage — 7 to 10 p.m. Catalina Wine Mixer

Sunday, March 16

  • Carnival — 12 to 6 p.m. Special $30 Armband Day
  • NHF’s Famous Cuisine Walk — 12 to 6 p.m.
  • Crawfish Races — Come down and pick out the fastest crawfish. 10 heats with a winner in each heat to compete for the grand championship. Registration 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., entry fee $5. First heat at noon. 
  • Washer Tournament — 1 p.m. registration, $20 per team, Tex Ritter Park. Tournament starts at 2 p.m.
  • Craft & Collectible Market — 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Characters in the Park — Characters  will greet festival guests near the kids rides at 2 p.m.