The third weekend of September marks a 51-year-old annual tradition in Western Grayson County.
The downtown Collinsville plaza will be cordoned off once more this Saturday for the city’s annual Pioneer Day event.
The Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the event, which will include a parade, auto show, live entertainment, a baking contest and auction, and an improved Kidz Zone.
The festival will begin at 4 p.m. with an opening ceremony.
Tar Henderson, the preacher of First Baptist Church Collinsville, will provide the invocation.
The Smokin’ Aces Horn Band will perform the Star Spangled Banner, and Collinsville Mayor Chase Guidera will greet the audience.
The Texoma Propane Kidz Zone will open immediately following the opening ceremony.
According to event chairman Austin Lewter, this year’s Kidz Zone will have more attractions than ever before.
“In addition to a petting zoo, we’ll have a rock climbing wall,” Lewter told the crowd. “We have added rides for kids of all ages.”
Registration for the Nortex Communications Toad Suck Car Show begins at 4 p.m.
The registration tent will be located on the corner of Hughes and Main Street.
Baking contest submissions can be dropped off at the Community Center between 1-3:45 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., entries will be judged, honors presented, and all baked goodies auctioned off.
All revenues will go towards the Chamber’s scholarship programs.
Following the parade, the Collinsville High School Marching Band will perform live on the Holiday Chevrolet Main Stage.
The Smokin’ Aces Horn Band will then take to the stage for an evening of instrumental jazz rock, funk, and R&B.
The Whites of Texas will follow at 8 p.m. to support headliner Gary P. Nunn.
Nunn will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, at 5 p.m., the South State Bank Parade will march down Main Street, with generations of Collinsville families serving as grand marshals.
A maximum number of vendor booths will be open.
“We also anticipate more food options than we have ever had,” Lewter told the audience. “I repeat that every year, and I mean it. Collinsville Pioneer Day is one of the few authentic small-town Americana festivities.
Every Kidz Zone activity is free and accessible to the public. All entertainment is free. The food will be excellent, and the weather prediction is fantastic. “We hope to see you there.
