Gatorfest 2022

Nearby Anahuac was labeled the “Alligator Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1989. Alligators outnumber the residents 3-1, so it was only natural for the townsfolk to create a festival in honor of the reptile.

The 30th annual Texas Gatorfest is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 18, at Fort Anahuac Park (1704 S Main St.). Not only does the yearly festival celebrate the American alligator, thousands of humans will flock to Anahuac to enjoy a weekend of friendly fun entertainment with plenty of food, carnival and airboat rides, vendors, car show and live music.

Set to perform Sept. 16 is Running on Credit (6 p.m.), The Haulers (8:30 p.m.) and headliners Jason Boland & The Stragglers (10:30 p.m.).

For the past 20 years, Boland and his band have dazzled audiences all over as one of the leading ambassadors of the Oklahoma and Texas music movement. Millions of fans cheering him on, over 500,000 records sold independently and 10 albums later, Boland is a career musician whose legacy continues to grow. From his early days touring in cramped vans and playing in front of tiny bar crowds to the packed venues he performs in today, Boland’s uncompromising approach has grown his profile dramatically, especially in the past handful of years. Add to that the legions of musicians who are influenced by Boland, and his impact on the scene is undeniable. Popular songs include “Somewhere Down in Texas,” “Pearl Snaps,” “Proud Souls” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Scheduled to take the gator stage Sept. 17 is Jon David Finney (4:30 p.m.), Cody Hibbard (6:30 p.m.), Cory Morrow (8:30 p.m.) and Pat Green (10:30 p.m.).

Morrow, born in Houston, has become a local legend in the Lone Star State, producing a handful of self-released albums and playing an endless string of shows from Amarillo to Corpus Christi that have made him a major attraction. Popular tunes include “Nashville Blues,” “Texas Time Travelin’,” “Beat of Your Heart” and “Big City Stripper.”

From San Antonio, Green needs no introduction. Since 1995, Green has released seven studio albums with 15 charting singles such as “Wave on Wave,” “Let Me,” “Country Star,” “Feels Just Like It Should” and “Baby Doll.”

Swampland Revival will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 18. The Cajun band includes Lane Evans (guitar/vocals), Colby Boudreaux (accordion/vocals), Brennon Cormier (bass), Loren “Pop” Dubois (scrubboard) and Hoby Quebedeaux (drums).

Tickets can be purchased online at texasgatorfest.com. Friday admission fees are $5-$15, $5-$20 on Saturday, and $5-$10 on Sunday.

If that isn’t enough, patrons can learn all about the alligator at the Alligator Education Tent, which will provide a plethora of information about the four-legged reptile that many saw are a distant relative of the dinosaur.

The city of Anahuac itself is rich in history. It was established in the 1830s by the Mexican government and was designated as the capital of the state of Texas. It was at Fort Anahuac that Texans first rose up in opposition to the Mexican governance, which culminated in Texas winning its freedom from Mexico in 1836.

​There are more than 30 Texas Historical Markers located throughout the area, which commemorate the people, places and events that make the history of this town so rich.