Travel entertainment show interested in Pecan Festival – Port Arthur News

GROOVES – With less than four months until the event, planning for the 2023 Groves Pecan Festival is well underway.

“It’s going to be bigger this year,” said Letha Knaus, executive director of the Groves Chamber of Commerce. “It’s going to be off-chain, and we’re very excited.”

Knauss was hired for the role in April, the first festival she oversaw. She found it a positive experience.

“There will always be challenges, but they are welcome challenges,” she said. “We’ve been trying to raise the bar and look for something.”

This year, patrons can look forward to entertainment from Bridge City band Running On Credit Friday and Carolina Wine Mixer Saturdays.

Additionally, organizers have added a gumbo cook-off to the weekend leading up to the festival.

The Pecan Cookoff returns with a new category – drinks. There will be professional and non-professional entrances, allowing residents and business owners to enter.

Carnival vendors will be back and all food vendors have been rescheduled, Knauss said. Craft vendors have also added some new stuff.

“So far, everyone is coming back,” she said.

Perhaps the biggest change, according to its website, is the presence of YOLO TX, a show that tours to highlight entertainment and other things in the state.

Knauss said the company approached Groves about featuring the Pecan Festival and may have met with the Economic Development Corporation to do a segment in Groves.

“I think it’s going to be a great platform to get more exposure,” Knauss said.

At present, the Chamber of Commerce, EDC and YOLO TX are negotiating.

This year’s Pecan Festival is October 12-15.