The Hopkins County Fall Festival and World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest have been an annual event in Hopkins County since 1970. This countywide fair and cook-off have literally entertained generations of local residents.

The Fall Festival begins on the second Saturday in September each year, with the stew cook-off always on the third Saturday. Wanna have some authentic East Texas fun, and enjoy all the delicious homemade stew you can eat? The cook-off features over 100 cooking teams competing for several thousand dollars in prize money. Cooking over open wood fires, the teams prepare hearty chicken and beef stews in huge cast-iron pots.

Family reunions abound at the annual stew cook-off.

The cost for all-you-can-eat stew and fixins is only $5, and children under six eat FREE. Come early to enjoy the atmosphere as gingham- and calico-clad ladies stir simmering pots, while bearded men in denim and homespun stoke glowing campfires. Teams compete for prizes for "most appropriate heritage campsite and costumes," in addition to the stew prizes. The Food Network's "All American Festivals" show featured the 2002 World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest on their show in 2003.

Other Fall Festival events include an Arts & Crafts Fair, Quilt Show, Commercial Exhibits, and a Livestock Show. A special feature of the festival is the Starnight Performance by a major country and western artist on stage in the Civic Center Auditorium. Starnight tickets are available by calling 903-885-8071.