BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL ALL SET FOR SATURDAY AFTER POSTPONEMENT IN SPRING
As the state continues its recovery from COVID-19, one of Washington County’s largest annual events is set to bring hundreds of visitors into downtown Burton this weekend to celebrate a piece of history.
The 31st Annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival has the go-ahead for Saturday, after being postponed into the summer from its original date of April 18th. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests can expect a full day of family-friendly activities, all in celebration of the nation’s oldest operating cotton gin.
The day will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. through downtown Burton, after which attendees can make their way to the festival grounds for many of the festival’s staples such as the bubblegum blowing, pie eating, and cotton seed pulling contests. There will also be a kid’s art contest, a classic car show, food and craft vendors, the display of old farming equipment, and folk-life demonstrations.
Cotton Gin Museum Director Steph Jarvis said some of the festival’s activities will see changes from previous years, such as the tours of the cotton gin, which will not go through the inside of the gin this year.
Jarvis said the plan is to have the videos livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, but will keep attendees abreast of any changes. Other adjustments to the festival will include an occupancy limit at the gift shop and the placement of water stations and hand sanitizing stations around the grounds.
As the museum and gift shop were closed for several weeks during the COVID-19 lockdown, Jarvis said the fundraising portion of this year’s festival is very important.
To learn more about Saturday’s festival, go online to www.texascottonginmuseum.org. Trail Boss Troy will be in Burton Saturday morning, broadcasting live on both KWHI and KTEX-106 from the friendly country cruiser.