Grand Saline Salt Festival Heritage Association
52nd Annual · September 24–26, 2026

Activities & Contests

Everything you can jump into at the festival — the parade, the 5K, cornhole, pumpkin races, tournaments, and the dessert contest. Here's how each one works and how to take part.

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Sign Up & Enter

Register & take part

Three events take a sign-up. The parade and cornhole tournament are open now; the 5K opens soon — this is where those links appear.

Contests · Just Show Up

Contests & competitions

No pre-registration for these — just show up at the time and place listed. Every winner is recognized at the Main Street Stage during the Award Winners Announcement, Saturday, Sept 26 at approximately 3:30 PM.

10:30am - 2:30pm · Saturday, Sept 26

The Great Pumpkin Race

New for 2026. Build a real pumpkin racer, add wheels, and send it down the track — gravity does the rest. It's as much about a great-looking pumpkin as a fast one, with awards for both speed and design. All ages welcome.

How it works & building tips

Building your racer

  • Start with a real pumpkin — whole or carved — and run two independent axles with wheels through it. The pumpkin itself is the car; it can't be mounted on a chassis, skateboard, wagon, or toy-car base.
  • Races are gravity-powered. No motors, fans, or pushing.
  • Decorate however you like, spooky to silly — creativity and design are judged alongside speed.

Race day

  • Racers are checked in and inspected; anything that doesn't meet the build rules may be disqualified.
  • Pumpkins run side-by-side in heats — first across the line advances.

Tips

  • Run the axles all the way through the pumpkin for stability.
  • Balance wheel size for speed versus control, and test your racer before you bring it.
When10:30am - 2:30pm, Sept 26
WhereMain Street Stage — check-in location to be announced
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Saturday, Sept 26 · Turn in 10:15–10:45 AM

Pumpkin Pageant

Design and decorate your pumpkin at home, then bring it in to be displayed all day and judged in secret. No racing here — this one is all about the look.

Turn inMain Street Stage, 10:15–10:45 AM Saturday
JudgingDisplayed all day, judged secretly
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Saturday, Sept 26 · 10:15 AM

Phase 10 Tournament

Bring your card skills to the tent and play through all ten phases. Open to all — just take a seat when play starts.

When10:15 AM Saturday
WhereMain Street 4-way tent
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Saturday, Sept 26 · 1:00 PM

Mexican Train Tournament

The classic dominoes game, tournament style, under the tent. Bring a friend or play with new ones — all are welcome.

When1:00 PM Saturday
WhereMain Street 4-way tent
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Thursday, Sept 24 · Turn in 6:00–7:00 PM

Dessert Contest

Bring your best dessert with the recipe written on an index card — no name on it, judging is anonymous. Any dessert qualifies, and there are cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Turn inMain Street office at The Pavilion, 6:00–7:00 PM Thursday, Sept 24
BringYour dessert — in a disposable container if you can — plus the recipe on an index card, no name
PrizesCash for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Friday, Sept 25 · Turn in 8:30–10:00 AM

Floral Arrangement Contest

Arrange and bring in your best floral design to be displayed at the Pavilion and judged. Turn it in Friday morning; arrangements are on display midday.

Turn inThe Pavilion, 8:30–10:00 AM Friday, Sept 25
BringYour floral arrangement — include your name and contact number with your entry
DisplayThe Pavilion, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM Friday
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Saturday, Sept 26 · Judged during parade line-up

Cart Decorating

Deck out your cart for the parade and have it judged during line-up. All entries welcome.

WhenJudged during parade line-up, 8:45–9:30 AM Saturday, Sept 26
WhereParade line-up — Old School Museum block (Main & High)
AwardsMain Street Stage, ~3:30 PM Saturday
Drop In · All Welcome

More to do

Free activities at the Pavilion on Friday — no sign-up, just come by.

Friday, Sept 25 · 10:00–11:00 AM

Morning Yoga

Start Friday with a relaxed morning yoga session at the Pavilion. All levels welcome.

When10:00–11:00 AM Friday, Sept 25
WhereThe Pavilion
BringBYOM — bring your own mat
Friday, Sept 25 · 1:30–2:45 PM

Community Bingo

Play along for free at the Pavilion — community bingo with prizes.

When1:30–2:45 PM Friday, Sept 25
WhereThe Pavilion
CostFree — prizes awarded