The 2025 Pecan Bottom Festival will take place this Saturday, April 5th, at Risien Park.
The idea for this event has been tossed around for a few years. Paige Faught, San Saba County Chamber of Commerce Director, said that when she became director, she just jumped in feet first and was ready to execute on this great idea.
Planning for the Pecan Bottom Festival was done by Executive Director Faught and the Chamber Directors: Larry Davis, Myia Stewardson, Misty Everett, Devon Hoyt, Holt Oliver, Shelia Meador, Marian Deans, Mark Hedley, Belle Sealy, Angela Johnson and Avery Bohannon.
Here is a Q&A with Executive Chamber Director Faught about the event:
How did you decide on the name?
Many may still remember from several years ago, the Pecan Jam. We wanted an event like that but revitalize it to a different caliber. We didn’t want to use Pecan Jam, so we came up with Pecan Bottom Festival. In true San Saba fashion, this event is in a pecan bottom.
How did you decide on the date?
There had been talk for a while about doing a second event. We really wanted to offset the year from Sip ‘N Stroll, and spring was the best option. We tossed around several dates, but to avoid conflict with Spring Break, Catkins Ball, and school banquets, we decided the first Saturday in April was the best fit.
What kinds of Pecan-Themed Events will be happening?
These will be hosted by the local pecan companies. There will be pecan sack race (Oliver Pecan), pecan pie eating contest (Alamo Pecan), pecan pie baking contest (Millican Pecan) and pecan shelling contest (Bagley Pecan). These events will be held by the stage in between musical acts. These events are free and put on by the local pecan companies.
How did you find vendors?
By word of mouth, Facebook and vendor pages.
Are all the vendors local? If not, where are they coming from?
We have a good amount of people coming from all over
See Pecan Bottom Festival the state, but we do have local vendors.
What kinds of food/drinks will be there?
We have everything from wine, beer, lemonade, coffee to BBQ, tacos, burgers, ice cream, fried Oreos...
The poster says no outside food/ drinks allowed. Can you give us an idea of food/drink prices?
All prices are up to the vendors.
The gates will open at 10 a.m. for a fun-filled event that will last until 11 p.m. There will be food, drinks, live music all day, pecan-themed events and a kids zone!
Please note: there is no parking at the Risien Park, but you can grab a shuttle from several places in town.
Thanks to City And Rural Rides, there will be shuttles during the entire event! They will be pick-up and drop-off at the following locations: San Saba’s First Baptist Church parking lot, west side of the Courthouse, and the open lot in front of San Saba River Golf Course RV Park. You can also park at Mill Pond Park, but you will need to walk to Risien; no shuttle service there.
Come out this Saturday to experience the first ever Pecan Bottom Festival!