Hawkins Oil Festival to feature parade, queens, llamas and more
Published 5:30 am Tuesday, September 22, 2026
East Texans are invited to celebrate America 250 during the annual Hawkins Oil Festival on Sept. 26.
The event takes place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hawkins City Park pavilion. The park is along Blackbourn Street. There is no admission fee.
The event will include a parade, live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, shopping, handmade goods, put-put golf and a llama petting zoo. The day will begin with a pancake breakfast served by local firefighters.
Several antique vehicles and tractors will be on display during the festival.
Members of military veteran organizations will participate in the event and ride motorcycles during the parade, said Inez Cedillo, a board member for the Hawkins Chamber of Commerce. Army recruiters and members of the Gilmer ROTC will participate as well.
Seven queens from area pageants or festivals will participate, Cedillo said.
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And traditional Hispanic Folklórico dancing, including dancing horses, also will be part of the event.
People can bring canned food to donate to Hawkins Helping Hands, and a toy drive will take place as well.
The parade lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. The parade will start at Paluxy Drive and FM 14 and travel south along FM 14 to Blackbourn Street.
Cedillo said she hopes people come to celebrate the nation’s military and to build a sense of community.
“We need to support each other,” she said.