GATOR TIME
2024 Gatorfest Senior Queen Hannah Anderson (right) crowns 2025 Gatorfest Senior Queen Phoenix Garza. The pageant highlighted the opening weekend of activities for the Texas Gatorfest, which will be in full swing this weekend. Check out all of our coverage in this week’s edition. Photo by Chris Cody.
ANAHUAC–– It is that time of year as the community welcomes visitors from all around for the annual Texas Gatorfest celebration, and this year promises to be filled with plenty of excitement for everyone.
The Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual gathering to bring the community together, along with some guests, for the opportunity to educate attendees about the alligator population and its habitat, especially when they outnumber residents three to one.
“Texas Gatorfest is our largest event of the year, and it truly shows what our community is all about,” said Katelynn Rose Smith, executive director of the chamber.
The festival will be in full swing this weekend, Sept. 12-14, with plenty of fun things to see and do, all to the sounds of an epic soundtrack.
This year’s event will feature several beloved and well-known musical artists, including Al White, Neal McCoy, Trent Cowie, William Clark Green and none other than Dos Borrachos, featuring Texas music sensations Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager, plus many more.
Fort Anahuac Park is the place to be as the community is set to welcome visitors for a unique coastal Texas experience as the festival gets underway.
“This year’s festival is going to be one for the books, and we can’t wait to see everyone there,” Smith said.
As always, visitors can expect a range of popular activities that have become synonymous with the event, including airboat rides, out-of-this-world food, a diverse assortment of unique vendors, carnival rides, and, of course, the always-popular beer garden.
Don’t forget the Great Texas Alligator Roundup, as folks from all around will come out to see who can bring in the biggest gators. That contest will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
The entertainment lineup this year will feature:
Friday, Sept. 12
Runnin’ on Credit
Al White
Neal McCoy
Saturday, Sept. 13
Logan Lotz & The Rock Bottom Band
Trent Cowie
William Clark Green
Dos Borrachos (Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager)
Sunday, Sept. 14
Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie
Festival tickets are available at texasgatorfest.com, and a three-day pass is $35 until September 11.
On Friday, tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12 and free for children aged 5 and under. Tickets are $5 for those 65 and older, active-duty military and first responders.
On Saturday, tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 6-12 and free for children aged 5 and under. Tickets are $10 for those 65 and older, active-duty military and first responders.
On Sunday, tickets are $10 for adults, and all children receive free admission. Tickets are $5 for those 65 and older, active-duty military and first responders.
Organizers are also seeking Gator Aides (volunteers) to assist the event ambassadors at Gatorfest. Volunteers will receive a parking pass, free entry and a T-shirt. For more information, call Carlee Boyer at 409-267-9696.
“In 2024, I was reminded once again how much our volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and supporters pour into this festival, and for that, I am forever grateful,” Smith said.
For more information or to purchase passes, visit texasgatorfest.com.