Texas GATORFEST 2013
Anahuac- The Texas GATORFEST is one of the most unique festivals in the State of Texas. The GATORFEST combines alligators and East Texans for foolproof family fun! In Chambers County alligators outnumber residents by almost three to one, making Anahuac the Alligator Capital of Texas. This September, make plans to experience gators and East Texas culture.
Take an airboat or a river boat tour, enjoy four stages of entertainment, Texas Artisans, merchants and the scenic waterfront beer garden. Take a whirl on the adult carnival rides and treat the kids to the kiddie rides, pony rides and petting zoo. On Saturday and Sunday, witness the Great Texas Alligator Roundup and visit the Alligator Education Tent to get an up close and personal view of live gators.
The Great Texas Alligator Roundup is the premier event of GATORFEST. Texas alligator hunters are invited to bring in their “harvest” to compete for cash prizes. Prizes are awarded according to length and county of harvest. The festival coincides with the opening of the 20 day alligator season in Texas and the Roundup sees an average of 10% of all the alligators harvested from the wild in Texas annually. Previous years’ winners have been over 13 feet long!
An air horn will sound each hour as hunters bring in gators throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. The Great Texas Alligator Roundup gives the festival a rare opportunity to let visitor’s see this fascinating reptile “up close and personal.” This event attracts alligator hunters from across Texas to the festival.
A licensed Texas alligator buyer is on site to purchase the harvested gators, which are then processed for the hide and the meat. For more information on The Great Texas Alligator Roundup and alligator hunting opportunities in the Anahuac Area contact the GATORFEST office at 409-267-4190.
General Information
Dates: Thursday, September 12th through Sunday, September 15th
Location: Fort Anahuac Park, Anahuac, TX 77514
Parking at Festival Grounds: $10.00 per day (Handicap Parking Available)
Gate Hours:
Thursday, September 12th – 6 pm until midnight
Friday, September 13th – 6 pm until midnight
Saturday, September 14th – 7 am until midnight
Sunday, September 15th – Noon until 7 pm
Gate Admission Prices: (covers access to the park and all the attractions – rides, food & drinks are extra):
Under 5 – FREE
5 up to 12 – $5.00
12 up to Senior 65+ – $10.00
Senior 65+ and Active Military – $5.00
Carnival Bracelets: (includes unlimited rides for the day of purchase)
Thursday, Friday and Sunday – $20.00
Saturday – $25.00
Airboat Rides: $12.00 per person(Height restriction – 36” tall and anyone 12 and under MUST wear a life jacket)
Trinity River Boat Tours: $10.00 per person
No Fishing: No fishing allowed from Wednesday at midnight until 7 pm on Sunday