Festivals in Marshall

Spring, summer, winter or fall, Marshall has a festival for fun-loving folks. The City boasts two May celebrations, beginning with Cinco de Mayo and continuing with Stagecoach Day when the City celebrates its transportation heritage. In October, Marshall hosts its annual Fire Ant Festival. Rounding out the year is Wonderland of Lights. Beginning the evening before Thanksgiving with a ceremony on the old Courthouse Square, Wonderland continues through the year's end.

February

The Marshall Noon Lions Club's Charity Horse Show and fundraiser is held in February at the City Arena, 3310 Poplar Street off Highway 59 North. Contact Cleveland Heard at (903) 935-7949 for more information.

March

The Taste of the Arts and Gospel Festival, held each March, is a fundraiser for the Marshall Regional Arts council. This tasting supper is followed by a performance showcasing the talents of local church choirs and gospel singers. It is held at the Marshall Civic Center, 2501 East End Boulevard South. Contact MRAC at (903) 935-4484 for more information.

May

Cinco de Mayo on the Square is held on the weekend closest to May 5. Cinco de Mayo features a children's waling parade, piÒata contest, farmers market, arts, crafts, music, dance, food and family fun. This celebration of the culture of the Hispanic community is sponsored by the Marshall Regional Arts Council. Festivities are held on Old Courthouse Square in downtown Marshall. Contact Leta Kay at (903) 935-1010 for information.


Josey's Junior World Championship Barrel Racing is held the first weekend in May and allows young riders to compete for prizes. Sponsors are Martha Josey, world champion barrel racer, and R.E. Josey, world champion calf roper. The race is held at the Josey Ranch and School on Highway 43 North, between Marshall and Karnack. Contact (903) 935-5358 or visit www.barrelracers.com for more information.

Stagecoach Day, held the third Saturday in May, has the flavor of the old West and calls attention to the fact that Marshall is home to Old Stagecoach Road, believed to be the remnants of a Caddo Indian trail. Enjoy downtown art, craft and food booths, a transportation parade, horseshoe tournament, potluck cook-off, and performances by local musicians. The parade features historic and modern methods of transportation. The festivities are held on Old Courthouse Square in downtown Marshall. Contact Phyllis Bryan at (903) 935-7868 for more information.

June

The Starr Home Croquet Tournament is held on a Saturday in early June. A fundraising event for the Starr Family Home State Historic Site, this competition requires all players to wear white. It begins at the East Texas Baptist University football practice field off North Grove Street, and moves to the Starr Home grounds at 407 West Travis Street for finals and a luncheon. Contact Marjorie Perkins at 9903) 935-2121 for additional information.

July

The East Texas Walking and Racking Horse Association Show in July is a fundraiser for the MarTex Evening Lions. It is held at the City Arena on 3310 Poplar Street off Highway 59 North. Contact Cleveland Heard at (903) 935-7949 for more information.

October

The zany Fire Ant Festival, held each October, is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the profoundly bothersome importanted fire ant. A wacky idea from the outset, one of its highlights is a Fire Ant Calling Contest. How do you call a fire ant? It's anybody's guess, meaning all entrants stand an equal chance of winning. A series of unusual events round out the weekend. Held on Old Courthouse Square in downtown Marshall, contact Phyllis Bryan at (903) 935-7868 for more information.

November/December

The highlight of each year takes place from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Wonderland of Lights, when the City is aglow with approximately ten million lights. Marshall's historic Old Courthouse is the centerpiece of this spectacular event. Activities include surrey rides, outdoor ice-skating, candlelight tours of historic homes, and a lighted Christmas parade. Local citizens portrayed in lights include actress Susan Howard, former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, and the late civil rights activist James Farmer. Others are television journalist Bill Moyers, football hero Y.A. Tittle, Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson, Olympic barrel racing gold and bronze medalist Martha Josey and her husband, R.E. and Tuskegee airman Mac Hopkins. Tour buses leave on an hourly basis from the festival's headquarters in the former City Hall to see the millions of twinkling lights decorating the trees, businesses and residences. Contact the Marshall CVB at (903) 935-7868 for more information.