The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce will present the 51st annual Pioneer Days festival Saturday, October 3, in downtown Whitney. Visitors and residents will gather downtown to enjoy carnival rides, shopping, food vendors, live entertainment and the afternoon’s parade.
The fun starts early with the carnival opening to the public along Railroad Avenue Thursday, October 1. Families can enjoy carnival rides, cotton candy, lemonade and funnel cakes Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Wristbands permitting entry to all carnival rides are available Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. for $25.
During the festival Saturday, the carnival will be up and running by the afternoon and will stay open until 10 p.m., with tickets sold for rides.
Booths will begin opening at 8 a.m. Saturday in the downtown area. At 8:45 a.m., a flag will be raised downtown, followed by the National Anthem, mayor’s welcome and opening prayer.
Performances get underway at 9 a.m. with music and dance performances in front of the main stage.
The Pioneer Days parade will wind through downtown streets starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Parade spectators are asked to stay close to sidewalks and out of the street for safety.
Parade lineup will begin at 2 p.m. at Whitney Intermediate School.
A street dance is planned in the evening, and all are invited to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music. The performances begin with the Sul Ross Band at 4 p.m., The Java Llamas at 5:30 p.m. and the Zak Webb Band at 7:30 p.m.
Other activities planned in conjunction with the festival include the 2026 baby photo contest, which is open to children 0-4 years of age who live in Hill County and the surrounding area.
First, second and third place winners will be chosen by local judges. A fan favorite will be chosen based on $1 votes during the festival, with the proceeds benefiting the Fishers Christian Preschool scholarship fund.
For more information about entering the parade or other Pioneer Days questions, contact the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce at 254-625-2387.
