Festival Schedule — 2026

👑 Heritage Festival Pageant

Time: Check-in 9:00 AM — Pageant 9:30 AM

Held at the Church of the Assumption Parish Hall. Divisional Kings & Queens crowned in each age group! See full pageant details and entry info — entry deadline is October 19th.

Opening Ceremony

Time: 10:30 AM

Kick off the celebration with the Mayor, the Atkins Choir, and the Color Guard.

🏇 Pony Express Race

Time: 11:00 AM

The Riding Club presents a reenactment ride from the East Side of Atkins to the West Side, ending at the front of the Church of the Assumption. Race to see which riders deliver the message first!

🍔 Food All Day

Time: Starting 11:00 AM

Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and drinks available throughout the day!

👑 Former Homecoming Queens Special Appearance

Time: 11:30 AM

Former Homecoming Queens dating all the way back to 1936 will be represented and introduced.

🎊 Parade

Time: 1:00 PM

The PBA presents a parade through town featuring the newly crowned Pageant Kings and Queens! Parade route will be announced later.

🎮 Games

Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tons of games for all ages, including:

• Bump and Jumps
• Dunking Booth
• Facepainting
• Craft Station
• Petting Zoo
• Corn Hole Tournament
• Pig Race
• Tug of War
• And more!

🎵 The Hurricane Outlaws — Live

Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Catch The Hurricane Outlaws performing live! Plus live music and entertainment all day long.

🎂 Presentation of the Large Cake

Time: 4:30 PM

Presentation of a huge birthday cake to celebrate the event!

🐎 Rodeo & Fireworks

Time: 8:00 PM

Close out the celebration with a rodeo and a spectacular fireworks show!