Putting Bloomburg on the map for 50 years

Cullen Baker Country Fair will be celebrating its 50th-year celebration on November 2, 2024, in downtown Bloomburg, Texas from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With live music from six different entertainers playing throughout the event, they will wrap up the event with a street dance from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Committee member Kathy Peacock notes, “We have come a long way since that cool, autumn day, the first Saturday in November 1973. Fifty (50) years to be exact! Through rain, wind, sleet, and traces of snow, we have survived. Even COVID couldn’t stop us. It tried, as we did not have the fair for those two years, but we came back stronger than ever. In 2022, we had a return of less than 100 booths; however, in 2023, we had 268 booths, and our famous fried pies were sold out by 11:30 a.m.”

“Yes, a few things have changed in 50 years. With the new Bloomburg City Hall renovating the Affiliated Grocery Store premises, the Community Center is now a part of the Bloomburg City Hall. During the fair, this is the “County Store” with donations of homemade jams, jellies, relish, and sauces; handmade items, some jewelry, furniture, Christmas items, dishes, pottery, bric-a-brac, and etc. Booths contain clothing, jewelry, hand-made items, toys, furniture, wooden items, some collectibles, and forged metals of sorts, just to name a few.

“Mr. Nichol’s grandson still has ground cornmeal. Antique cars are still a treat, and last year Mr. Larry Patterson displayed his antique tractor collection for the first time. He invites anyone with antique tractors to call him at 903-733-0858. There are still rides and bounce houses for the kids and the Corn Hole tournament is enjoyed by all ages. One cannot forget the parade at 10:00 a.m. with antique cars, four-wheelers and unusual utility vehicles, community and school floats, logging industry vehicles, plus the horses at the end. We are honored this year to have as our Grand Marshall our Cass County Judge, Travis Ransom.

“Different bands and musicians entertain everyone all day with their talents. We are thrilled to have Bloomburg’s own second and third generation of the Bricker Family, Chip and his son, Lane Bricker, playing a variety of music. We also have a wonderful variety of food booths available to satisfy one’s taste buds, and the Masonic Lodge provides inside protection from the weather with their food.”

While the Cullen Baker Country Fair Committee has not brought the play “The Saga of Cullen Baker” back yet, they are working on it. In the meantime, at night they have the Street Dance for those who still have energy left from the day’s activities, and chairs for those who want to sit and listen to music.

For more info. of events and booth rentals, call: Delores Simmons, Mayor: 903733-3410, Rebecca Jackson: 903-748-5220 or Latoya Jones: 903-650-6528 Also, we are seeking volunteers with either wagons, golf carts, or low-stepped-utility vehicles to take people from the Parking Areas outside the downtown area to the Fair downtown. They can contact Delores Simmons at 903-733-3410.