Lovelady Readies Lovefest 2025

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

LOVELADY – There are few certainties in life, but you can almost guarantee the weather for Lovelady’s annual Lovefest will probably be cold, or worse – and you can bank on the fact any poor weather won’t stop them or their thousands of guests from one of the biggest and funnest days in Houston County.

From hosting one of the longest and most diverse parades in the area, to the crowning of Lovefest royalty, to the dance and all the good food and vendors – this is Lovelady’s chance to take their place in the sun…or cold rain, depending on our East Texas weather.

The annual festival’s details were divulged at their annual media day, where agendas were distributed and the young people were assembled to help people get ready for the February fun.

This year’s Lovefest will begin with the traditional coronation, held Thursday, Feb. 6 at the high school gym, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The sophomore class fund-raiser for prom will cost $4 for adults and $2 for students.

The Lovefest Parade kicks off Saturday, Feb. 8. at 10 a.m. with its Grand Marshals, the Lovelady Volunteer Fire Department. For parade information, call Sarah Reynolds at 936-222-7312.

The Lovelady Lovefest event itself will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Lovelady Community Park, featuring arts and crafts, barbecue cook-off, kid activities, games, baking contest, beauty pageant, dance and more. For arts and crafts and food booth information, call Lawanna Monk at 936-546-4054.

The Lovelady Masonic Lodge will play host to the barbecue cook-off, currently with 10 teams, but are looking for more entries. Fees are used for student scholarships and to give two teachers $500 for their classrooms. Dustin Perry is in charge of entertainment. Colby Shephard will be providing music and sound. Leap of Faith dance group will perform along with numerous local singers.

Weldon Civic Club Baking Contest will provide scholarship money for deserving students through entry fees and the sale of baked good entries.

In the last 10 years, the Lovefest has raised almost $80,000 benefitting the students of Lovelady Independent School District. Funds are divided equally between grades nine, 10, 11 and 12 for project graduation and Lovelady FFA.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]