Rusk CoC plans big events for March

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce’s first ever family-friendly Mardi Gras Squared parade and celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, on the courthouse square in downtown Rusk.

A crawfish boil, gumbo cook-off, King Cake competition, Eagles and Engines Car Show, live music, vendors, bounce house, face painting and more will be featured. Entry fee for the gumbo cookoff is $25. Arts and crafts and other vendor spaces are still available for $40.

To honor the birthday of Rusk native and Texas Gov. Jim Hogg, the Chamber is holding the inaugural Hogg Fest, Saturday, March 23 at Hogg Fest, at Jim Hogg Park.

Events featured include the Hogg Wild Poker Run, pioneer people, a Hogg calling and Hogg kissing contests, a quilt show, Hogg on a Pit, a spelling bee challenge, washers and horseshoe tournaments, food and arts and crafts vendors and more. The Sarah Hogg pecan pie contest entry fee is $10. Judges will choose first-, second- and third-place winners and each receive will trophies, and a photo in the Cherokeean Herald newspaper.

Anyone interested in participating in either of these events can call the Chamber at (903) 683-4242.