Sponsored by
Elder CDJR Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree
july 22nd & 23rd
In 1909, J.B. Henry, a businessman from Athens, began to grow black-eyed peas in large quantities after discovering how to dry them, making them a more practical agricultural product to ship across the globe. In the late 1930s, canning plants popped up all across East Texas. By the 1970s Athens became the leading distributor for black-eyed peas earning the title of Black-Eyed Pea Capitol of the World. In 1971 the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree was born drawing visitors near and far to Athens, Texas to celebrate the heritage and what put Athens on the map.
Over 50 years later we continue this celebration the 4th weekend in July with traditional harvest season. While the festival has had some upgrades over the years the traditions are still alive and well with pea shelling competitions, watermelon seed spitting competitions, a black-eyed pea cook-off and even terrapin races! Join us for some East Texas hospitality at the newly restored Cain Center. The Cain Center is a hub for Athens and offers plenty of space for indoor and outdoor festivities as well as featuring a pool to cool off from the Texas heat. Patrons will be able to enjoy FREE swim from 10 AM to 4 PM while vendors display their treasures inside and out. Be sure and come out to Athens, Texas for the Elder CDJR Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree on Friday, July 22nd and Saturday, July 23rd for an annual event you won't want to miss!
5K & Fun Run Hosted by Miller Athletics
915 S. Palestine Street | Athens, TX 75751
Don't forget to register for the Elder CDJR 5K & 1K Fun Run! Saturday will be a full day of festivities starting with the 5k & 1k Fun Run hosted by Miller Athletics. The 5k route will guide you through beautiful Cain Park and along, Robins Road and back to the Cain Center where all the action will await.
The gun will sound at 9 a.m. for the 5K and will be followed by a 1k Fun Run/Walk that will be great to enjoy with family or fur babies. Either option will allow the beauty of East Texas to engulf you as you race across the finish line. All early registries will be guaranteed an original Black-Eyed Pea 5k & 1k Fun Run t-shirt and a $5 discount from weekend of registration price. Be sure to stick around and enjoy all that the Elder CDJR Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree has to offer withe the wide variety of artisans, food, activities, and even terrapin races!
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