St. Louis Catholic Church holds its annual festival on the Sunday closest to August 25 (August 22, 2004), under the shady pecan trees of Koenig Park on Angelo Street. The festival's roots run deep, with the first church picnic being held over 122 years ago. Visitors travel thousands of miles to attend this event, which

Click on small images to enlarge. Photos courtesy of Jay Arthur.

has been dubbed the "Homecoming for the State of Texas" by the Texas Tourist Agency.

The festival features heaping Alsatian-style sausage and barbecued beef plates, live entertainment including Alsatian dancers, kiddie rides and games, a silent auction, craft booths, bingo, a raffle and more.

The event begins with a 9:00 a.m. Mass in the historic St. Louis Catholic Church. The barbecue plates are available from 11:00 a.m. until about 2:00 p.m. for $6.00 each. (Drive thru "to go" plates are available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Braden Keller Center). Over 500 volunteer workers are busy making plates for over 2000 people per hour.

There will be a silent auction in the air-conditioned Koenig Park Hall. The annual St. Louis Day Horseshoe Pitching Tournament will feature past champions attempting to hold their titles against new challengers. The event will also feature free live entertainment on an outdoor stage, bingo, kids rides, games, a doll booth, a horse race booth, a hand-stitched quilt raffle, and many food and drink booths.

Free parking is available near the park or on the square in front of the church with free shuttle bus service between the park and the square. There is no charge to enter the park. For further information, contact the St. Louis Catholic Church at 830-931-2826.

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