Crowds flock to fairgrounds to get a taste of Texarkana

Jeff Loving of Twisted Fork offers brisket tacos Tuesday during Taste of Texarkana at the Four States Fairgrounds. The event features local restaurants, national chains and grocery stores.
Jeff Loving of Twisted Fork offers brisket tacos Tuesday during Taste of Texarkana at the Four States Fairgrounds. The event features local restaurants, national chains and grocery stores.

The 25th annual Taste of Texarkana came just in time for harvest Tuesday evening, with plenty of food and drink to sample from local restaurants and businesses.

Hordes of folks braved long lines circling a mass of tables topped with rich fall decor and cornucopias as many others sat to enjoy an array of choice meats, desserts, giveaways, music and more.

Harvest Regional Food Bank presented this year's event, with plenty of volunteers helping to clean off tables, take tickets and hand out food and other goods.

"When you get a yearning for a cupcake, swing on by," said Cathy Smith, bakery director for Be the Blessing Bakery. The Bakery, located at Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter, came out with hundreds of cupcakes and loads of pudding to fill growling bellies.

Jerry 'Scooter' Morrison said he and his wife, Susan, were glad to be at the 25th annual event to let folks sample TJ Texas Pecans and check out their gift baskets, jams, jellies, seasonings and more.

"We ship everywhere," Morrison said. "We (send) a lot out for military families."

The couple recently shipped three gift baskets to Germany-not uncommon for their business, Treasure Journeys, he said.

Sodas, water and homemade brews were available, with vendors coming out from as far as Little Rock to serve Shock Top and other specialty beers.

Julie's Deli, Lagniappe Specialty Meats, Silver Star Smokehouse and Saloon-even Walmart and Super 1 Foods-were at the fairgrounds handing out cakes, steaks and sandwiches.

Gusano's Pizza served up spinach dip for the masses, while Kona Ice had snowcones available for the kiddos and anyone else with a sweet tooth.

Live music rocked the stadium, playing a little bit of everything. First Baptist Church Texarkana rocked out with Fender Strats and Tower of Power's horn section also played a few tunes.

Three Chicks Feed Seed and Cafe handed out groceries for animals, even. Miranda Morris said they have a women's boutique and are open on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 5 to 8 to serve dinner.

"We are on Genoa Road, a quarter mile off the loop in Texarkana," Morris said.

Upcoming Events