The third weekend in September signifies an annual tradition in Western Grayson County that dates back 51 years.
The downtown Collinsville square will be roped off once again this Saturday for the city’s annual Pioneer Day celebration.
Hosted by the Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will include a parade, car show, live entertainment, baking contest and auction as well as an enhanced the Kidz Zone.
The festival will kick off at 4 p.m. with an opening ceremony.
The invocation will be offered by Tar Henderson, minister of First Baptist Church Collinsville.
The Smokin’ Aces Horn Band will provide the Star Spangled Banner and Collinsville Mayor Chase Guidera will welcome the crowd.
The Texoma Propane Kidz Zone will open right after the initial ceremony.
According to event chairman Austin Lewter, this year’s Kidz Zone will have more attractions than ever.
“In addition to a petting zoo, we’ll have a rock climbing wall,” Lewter said. “We have added rides for kids of all ages.”
Registration for the Nortex Communications Toad Suck Car Show will begin at 4 p.m.
The registration tent will be at the corner of Hughes and Main Street.
Baking contest entries can be dropped off from 1-3:45 p.m. in the Community Center.
Entries will be judged, awards given and all baked goods will be auctioned off at 5:30 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit the Chamber’s scholarship funds.
Live entertainment on the Holiday Chevrolet Main Stage will include the Collinsville High School Marching Band directly after the parade.
The Smokin’ Aces Horn Band will return to the stage thereafter for an evening of instrumental jazz rock, funk and R&B.
The Whites of Texas will follow at 8 p.m. in support of headliner Gary P. Nunn.
Nunn will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, the South State Bank Parade will make its way down Main Street at 5 p.m. with generational Collinsville families serving as grand marshals.
A capacity number of vendor booths will be open.
“We also anticipate more food options than we have ever had,” Lewter said. “I say it every year and I mean it. The Collinsville Pioneer Day is one of the last true small-town Americana festivals. All Kidz Zone activities are free and open to the public. All entertainment is free. The food will be great and the weather forecast is amazing. We hope to see you there.”
