NEW BOSTON, Texas-The sight of carnival rides sent kids joyously scampering ahead of their parents as Friday's twilight still provided some time for fun at New Boston's 48th annual Pioneer Days Festival.
Since the festival's 1970 inception, the three-day event continues to attract at least 5,000 patrons from as far away as Mount Pleasant, Texas; Hope, Ark.; and even Tyler, Texas, said Festival Chairman Charlie Clark.
"This year marks the first year we have had the Johnson Brothers' Carnival Rides of El Dorado, Ark., here at our festival," he said.
Pastor Roy Ford, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps League No. 1149, said the festival has always provided the league great chance to raise funds to help military veterans with medical needs and other living needs for the last several years.
"We like having the people come by for souvenirs because this is a fundraiser that really helps us support our veterans," he said.
Robert and Suzy Irwin said they have enjoyed coming out to the festival for the last nine years, to promote Texarkana College as well as meet people at the festival who have benefited from a TC education.
"The people of New Boston are always very welcoming and very interested in what we have show them about what college has to offer," Suzy Irwin said.
The festival continues throughout today with a 10 a.m. parade, an 11:30 a.m. four-wheeler mud race, amusement rides, dozens of concessions, along with arts and crafts vendors, a car and motorcycle show and musical band performances of rock, country, blues and Christian music.