New Boston, Texas—The New Boston Pioneer Days next week promise to bring some enjoyable family activities to the Bowie County town, concluding with an action-packed day on Saturday, Aug. 16.

For New Boston, this is the 38th anniversary of the festival and rodeo. The New Boston Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the festival nearly all of those years.

The entertainment kicks off Wednesday with amusement rides, right on up to Saturday’s events, which include everything from a fiddler’s concert to downtown parade, saloon concert and mechanical bull rides.

“We actually started Pioneer Days when we have had our 100th centennial and anniversary,” said Deb Cook, chamber executive director. “After that 100th year, they put on a big show out there and people came from all around ... it has grown tremendously.”

A pavilion 40 feet tall in the shape of a railroad depot was eventually added, and there’s the midway and gazebo to add to the festival grounds. There’s also a communal, can-do spirit behind the festival.

“The whole idea is to get people to New Boston and get people to realize we may be a small community but everyone helps out,” said Cook.

With sponsors from the community, most of the activities are free. There’s no admission to get into the Pioneer Days and watch, though there is a fee ($4 for adults, $2 for children ages 3 to 10) to see the popular saloon show.

“Watch all you want and have all the fun you want. Our sponsors make that possible,” Cook said.

The saloon show has a “New Boston Idol” theme this year. The Brazos Bottom Cow’ographers also bring a western show to the festival, complete with a portable western town setup where they will perform.

The festival has made its home at T&P Trailhead Park for the past four years, and improvements have been made yearly to the park grounds.

See the accompanying schedule for a rundown of events. For more information, call the chamber at 903-628-2581.