Annual Bull Nettle Fest returns to Mt. Selman

This year’s annual Bull Nettle Festival is growing like, well, weeds, actually.

Mt. Selman’s sixth annual Bull Nettle Festival kicks off a day early this year, as David Allen & The Drifting Outlaws hit the stage, 7-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, during the first of two barn dances scheduled at the Cactus Speedway, 1595 CR 3701, in Mt. Selman.

“This is the first year we’ve offered two barn dances,” event co-organizer Floyd Martin said. “The first one is more an appreciation dance for everyone who helps put this on. The second dance is our traditional dance open to anyone who wants to cut a rug.”

The fun continues at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, with a parade and poker run, chili cook-off, clown train rides provided by the Shriners, a pecan pie contest and the traditional junk car race, 5-7 p.m. Saturday night’s barn dance features Smith County Line, 7-11 p.m.

“I’ve been to every festival so far and it’s always a good time,” area resident Shelley Cleaver said. “There’s a little something for everyone.”

The Bull Nettle Festival is a local event put on by residents of Mt. Selman to help raise funds for various charities. This year’s event proceeds benefit the Sharon Shriners, according to event organizers.

“We’re just a small town, trying to bring some fun and make the world a better place,” Martin said. “We’ve got a new committee member who’s a Shriner, so we decided to spotlight them this year.”

Martin said admission to the Bull Nettle Festival is free, but donations of a new toy or non-perishable food item, to be presented to the festival’s featured organization, are always appreciated.

Sharon Shriners of Tyler raises thousands of dollars every year to support the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The organization’s jurisdiction includes Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Henderson, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Smith and other counties.

“Sharon Shriners are dedicated to carrying on the legacy that our predecessors began,” the organization’s website states. “We believe in helping as many children as possible.”

Other local organizations that have benefitted from the festival in the past include Meals on Wheels and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties.

2019 Bull Nettle Festival sponsors include Gregory Real Estate, Cherokee Wrecker Service, JC’s Septic Systems, Bobby’s Tire & Auto, Jacksonville Fence Company, Cherokee Deer Processing, 3M&K Delivery Inc., Mike and Lisa Cowan, The Arbors, Allen’s Tires, Teresa Smith Photography and Donald Ellis-Attorney at Law.