The Oatmeal Festival takes place at a later, but cooler, date in 2023. Typically held on Labor Day weekend, the 46th annual event is Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in downtown Bertram.

The ode to oatmeal — and Oatmeal, Texas, which is near Bertram — still has plenty of fun in the mix, including grand and pet parades, vendors and games, cornhole and washer tournaments, a fun run, baking contests, and a street dance on Sept. 30 with live music by JesseLee Jones and Brazilbilly.

The event started in 1978 as a way to put the tiny community of Oatmeal on the map. It has grown into one of the most popular, family-friendly festivals in the Highland Lakes.

Most festival activities take place Sept. 30-Oct. 1 (although a few got an early start; check the festival website)

SATURDAY

• 8 a.m. — Run for Your Oats 3.3-mile race; register online
• 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — vendors open
• 9:30-11:30 a.m. — bake-off entries accepted; categories include breads, cakes, pies, cookies, bars, snack mix, and healthy
• 10 a.m. — pet parade; registration at 9 a.m. and judging at 9:30 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m. — grand parade; lineup from 8-9 a.m. and judging at 9:15 a.m. (application link online)
• Noon — washer tournament; registration from 10:30-11:45 a.m.
• 6:30 p.m. — gates open for street dance with opener performing at 8 p.m. and headliner at 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

• 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — vendors open

Visit the Oatmeal Festival website at oatmealfestival.org for a full schedule and more information.

editor@thepicayune.com

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