The Heritage Festival is an event that celebrates diversity of cultural background of Angelina County residents. Held every year on the third Saturday of October by Main Street Lufkin, this year’s festival will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, indoors at the Lufkin Pitzer Garrison Convention Center.
Barbara Thompson is the director of Main Street Lufkin, an organization funded by the Texas Historical Commission dedicated to keeping Downtown Lufkin alive. Thompson explained that the Heritage Festival was created to celebrate the diversity of culture many Angelina County residents have.
“The majority of the people who present are from Angelina County, and the Heritage Festival is very important because we need to continue to share and respect our different beliefs,” Thompson said.
Food, music, and activities will be available and are designed to help the community experience different cultures. This year, many dancers will be performing including the Soul Street Dancers from Houston, tap dancers, Indian dancers, and more. Arts and crafts, harmonica players, and information booths from civic and service organizations and small businesses will also be at the event. Some businesses will be selling wares such as jewelry during the festival.
“Even in our small community in Angelina County, we have a great melting pot, and we all get along.”
People will be wearing cultural costumes during the festival, celebrating their heritage. One man will be presenting the customs of the Jewish religion and people. Activities will be available for children, too.
“Not only will the children learn, but the adults will too,” Thompson said.
No fees, admission or registration will be required for the festival. Everyone in the surrounding area of all ages and backgrounds is invited to attend the Heritage Festival. People bring food, information, significant items, and more from their cultures to share with everyone, free of charge.
The Heritage Festival began 16 years ago when Lufkin City Council member R.L. Kuykendall experienced another city’s Heritage Festival at a conference and brought the idea back to Angelina County.
