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Hopkins County, Texas is gearing up for the 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival on October 28th. This beloved annual tradition is the largest event of the year in Hopkins County, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate the area’s famous stew.

Tickets are now available for just $8 per person ages 13 and up. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Signature Solar, children ages 12 and under will eat for free this year with a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce office at 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, or at any of the local banks including Alliance Bank, City National Bank, First National Bank of East Texas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Red River Credit Union, and Texas Heritage National Bank.

In addition to the famous stew, this year’s festival on October 28th will feature live music, children’s activities, contests, vendors, and more family fun. The stew competition will highlight the best homemade stew recipes from local cooks vying for the coveted Best Stew award.

Leading up to the main event, the festival kicks off the night before on October 27th with an appetizer contest and concert by Dubb and the Luv Machines, sponsored by City National Bank. Festival t-shirts and other merchandise are now available at the Chamber office.

Keeping costs low for families is a priority, and sponsorship from local businesses like Signature Solar and One Church helps make the festival affordable. One Church is sponsoring the Fun Zone area with free activities like bounce houses, while Signature Solar’s sponsorship allows kids 12 and under to eat for free.

Hopkins County Stew Festival Continues Tradition of Giving Back

A portion of festival proceeds will go towards the Help-A-Child Benefit supporting the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center and Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. This represents the spirit of community and charity that the stew festival was founded upon back in 1970.

In addition to raising money for children’s causes, the festival brings the community together for family fun and to celebrate the agricultural heritage of Hopkins County. The tasty stew contains ingredients like beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and local sorghum syrup. Locals take great pride in their stew recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Festival-goers can watch cooking demonstrations, participate in stew tasting contests, enjoy live music, browse arts and crafts, and watch the parade that kicks everything off on Saturday morning. With competitive stew judging, new stew creations, and activities for all ages, it’s an entertaining weekend for residents and visitors alike.

Fall Fun Around Hopkins County

In addition to the iconic stew festival, Hopkins County has many other fall events on tap. The Fall Festival Parade winds through historic downtown Sulphur Springs on October 21st, followed by vendor booths, contests, crafts, and music downtown through the 28th.

Also on October 21st is the Help-A-Child Benefit with livestock and agricultural shows, auctions, chili, and brisket. Proceeds support children’s charities. Later in November, the Heritage Square Car Show will display vintage vehicles downtown on November 4th.

With Halloween just around the corner, there are plenty of pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, and haunted houses to enjoy around Hopkins County. Favorite autumn activities like apple picking and farm tours make it an ideal time to take in the beautiful fall foliage.

Several wineries in the region host events like grape stomps, wine tastings, and live music on the weekends. Or relax at one of the local coffee shops and bakeries sampling pumpkin-flavored treats. From family-friendly festivals to seasonal outdoor activities, it’s the best time of year to explore Hopkins County.

Come Hungry for Hopkins County Stew on October 28th

Don’t miss the highlight of the year on October 28th when the city of Sulphur Springs welcomes visitors for the 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival. It’s a chance to taste the famous local stew, listen to live bands, browse market stalls, and enjoy fun fall activities. With children ages 12 and under eating for free, it’s an affordable day of family bonding and community spirit.

Experience Hopkins County’s hospitality first-hand by joining the festivities. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Chamber office, or at local banks. Follow the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook and Instagram for updates as the stew festival and other fall events quickly approach. Visitors for the festival can explore all that Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County have to offer, from dining and shopping downtown to outdoor adventures. It all leads up to stew day on October 28th — come hungry!

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