Anahuac Texas GATORFEST 2008 Slated for Sept. 12-13
I just received this press release from Clay Jacobs, Sarah Cerrone and the hard-working crew at Anahuac’s Texas GATORFEST 2008. Generally, when out-of-staters think of Texas, the last thing that comes to mind is alligators … not to mention dinosaurian gators in the 10-foot range and bigger. (Come to think of it, I’ve met more than a few Texans who don’t have a clue as to the overgrown reptilian presence that flourishes throughout the Upper Texas Coast.) For those individuals and most anyone else who enjoys mixing East Texas cultural enlightenment with your basic Texas yard party, GATORFEST is a virtually required event at least once in a lifetime.
I always think of my friend Capt. James “Frenchie” France when this part of the state is mentioned. Years ago, on a Winnie-area duck hunt, he explained to me that this region is actually known as “The Laplands” … the eastern quadrant where Louisiana “laps over” into Texas. It’s safe to say that the lap-over extends in both directions … just see how many pairs of alligator cowboy boots you can find among the typical gathering of festival-goers. GATORFEST is just one of the countless things I love about our state, typifying the kind of diversity that only Texans can appreciate. That diversity extends to the palate as well. If you have any degree of trepidation about eating gator meat, put it aside long enough to give at least one fried alligator dish a try. I don’t care what anyone says; it doesn’t taste like chicken.
It tastes like alligator. Which, once you have sampled it yourself, I am sure you will agree firmly belongs in the pantheon of awesome Lone Star table fare.
I’ve been to this event in the past, and can assure you that as family-friendly fun goes it’s a very tough act to beat. It’s also only an hour and change east of Houston.
Port Mansfield, Texas, has always fascinated me in the sense that its human population is significantly outnumbered by its resident populace of white-tailed deer. Now I learn that alligators outnumber Chambers County citizens by almost 3 to 1. Plus, where else would you find the “Alli Theater?”
No place but Texas …
Larry
ANAHUAC – Come to Texas GATORFEST 2008, where a weekend of family fun, food and entertainment awaits one and all at historic Fort Anahuac Park. Texas GATORFEST is truly the most unique festival in the state, combining the alligator and family fun for a good old Texas two-stepping good time! Witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup, take an airboat ride or a river boat tour, enjoy four stages of entertainment, Texas artisans, merchants and the scenic waterfront beer garden.
Take a whirl on the adult carnival rides and treat the kids to the kiddie rides, pony rides and petting zoo. On Saturday and Sunday, witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup and visit the Alligator Education Tent to get an up close and personal view of live gators, which outnumber Chambers County citizens by almost 3 to 1.
Texas GATORFEST 2008 kicks off Friday night, September 12, with the festival gates opening at 6 pm. A variety of attractions and entertainment await visitors, including a street dance featuring Al White and Chaparral that will continue until 12 midnight. The festival continues on Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight with a main stage entertainment lineup including Casey Donahew, Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers Band. Sunday’s GATORFEST opens from 12 noon until 6 p.m. with headliners The Zydeco Dots, Hunter Hayes and Wayne Toups taking the main stage.
Other GATORFEST attractions include clowns, jugglers, face painters, fortune tellers, Children’s rides, an adult carnival, pony rides, a petting zoo and a variety of merchants. In addition,the Alli Theater will provide guest with a sampling of local entertainment.
And let’s not forget the great food and drink served at GATORFEST! Over 25 food and drink booths will be on hand, providing a menu to please every hungry festival guest. The fare will include (of course) alligator in a variety of ways. The GATORFEST beer garden will be serving a variety of beer and alcoholic beverages as well as margaritas.
Texas GATORFEST hosts a Barbecue Cook Off starting Friday, September 12. Teams will compete in dirty rice and a chef’s choice oyster recipe contests. Along with alligators, Chambers County is also one of Texas’ largest oyster producers. Saturday, September 13th, the teams will be competing for prizes in chicken, pork ribs, brisket and of course – alligator!
GATORFEST admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children younger than 5 are admitted free. Parking is free. Anahuac is located between Houston and Beaumont at the mouth of the Trinity River overlooking Trinity Bay. By car, take I-10, exit 810 (FM 563 South) and travel 6 miles to Anahuac.
For more information about festival events, call the “Gator Hotline” at 409-267-4190 or visit the official website at www.texasgatorfest.com.
Howdy. I am 
