The Sabine Freestate Festival is returning Nov. 3-5 to the historic area of No Man’s Land in Florien. The Freestate Festival celebrates the resolution of the boundary dispute between the United States and Spain in the early 1800s. To commemorate the historical event, the 43rd annual Freestate Festival is packed with an exciting lineup of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
There are a few events leading up to the festival weekend that will get you in on the fun early. On Saturday, Oct. 21, the adult division of the Big Buck Competition opens, the annual Sabine Freestate Pageant will be held at Florien High School Auditorium, and the first clue of the highly anticipated treasure hunt will be revealed. Folks eager to uncover the hidden treasure will have to view the full schedule to learn what festival events will lead them to the next clue. You may discover one at the Poster Unveiling on Oct. 30, or the Community Gospel Singing on Nov. 2.
The Freestate Festival weekend activities start early on Friday, Nov. 3 with Education Day and the Veterans’ Breakfast and Program with Jayme Watson, President of Blue Star Mothers LA6 as the guest speaker. The first official day of the festival will wrap up with a Shootout, Bingo, and a Teen Street Dance. That Saturday, come back for a jampacked day of events that you don’t want to miss! The Trail Ride kicks off in the morning, followed by Midkiff’s Gold Run 5K, and then the annual Freestate Festival Parade. Next, folks can enjoy the Announcing of Queens, another Shootout, a Toledo Cruisers Car Show, a Skeet Shoot Tournament, BBQ Cook-Off, and performances by Studio B Dance Company. Don’t forget to be on the hunt for those special clues throughout the day! Join Music Box and Cajun Company Band as they bring the entertainment that evening for the Street Dance.
To conclude what promises to be another memorable weekend of the Sabine Freestate Festival, Gospel Singing and a Community Church Service will take place the morning of Sunday, Nov. 5. Later that afternoon, you won’t want to miss the last entertaining Shootout of the festival! Folks can close out the day with a movie showing of On a Wing and a Prayer, a film that’ll touch your heart while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Make your plans to be at the 43rd annual Sabine Freestate Festival, Nov. 3 through Nov. 5 in Florien. For a detailed schedule of events, please visit www. toledobendlakecountry. com/event/sabine-freestate- festival-3 or contact the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 318-2565880.