Toledo Bend Country's rich history and heritage is celebrated and/or acknowledged in a variety of festivals in event held each year in the area. Following is a little about each festival, listed in order of dates they are hosted.
- Battle of Pleasant Hill
First weekend in April
It is each year during the first weekend in April that an event of another kind is held in the Northern Sabine Parish Village of Pleasant Hill. During this weekend, Civil War re-enacters from all over the area and even the country gather to re-enact the historic Battle of Pleasant Hill. The Battle of Pleasant Hill was part of the Civil War's Red River Campaign and was of great significance during the war that pitted countrymen against each other as it would become the Confederate Army's final victory of the Civil War.
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- Choctaw Apache Tribal Pow Wow
First weekend in May
Each May, the Choctaw Apache Tribe, located on the banks of Toledo Bend at the Community of Ebarb, hosts a traditional Pow Wow. The Choctaw-Apache Tribal Pow Wow celebrates the 2,500-plus member tribe's roots.
The event is touted as a drug-free, alcohol-free family-oriented event.
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- Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival
Second weekend in May
Toledo Bend Country's strongest industry has historically been the timber industry. Today, the logging and forestry industry remains the economic backbone of the area.
The newest among Toledo Bend Country's festivals and events is the Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival, which in July of each year recognizes and celebrates the historic and present contributions of the logging and forestry business to this area.
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- Fisher Sawmill Days
Third weekend in May
The Village of Fisher, the last of the standing old sawmill towns built during the golden age of lumbering, is home to the Fisher Sawmill Days. The Sawmill Days is held annually in May.
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- Zwolle Tamale Fiesta
Second weekend in October
In October of each year, the deep Spanish roots of Toledo Bend Country is celebrated during the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta
Events featured during the Tamale Fiesta are a tamale-making demonstration and a Spanish costume contest, along with a parade through the streets of the tight-knit Zwolle community.
The Tamale Fiesta is one of the area's most popular festivals, and 2010 marks the 35th anniversary of the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta.
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- Florien Freestate Festival
First weekend in November
In Florien, a time during which Sabine Parish was known as "No Man's Land" or the "Free State of Sabine" is remembered with the Florien Freestate Festival, held each year in November.
Shootouts and an Old West Days-style saloon are part of the fun and festivities, as well as a search for the hidden treasure of outlaw Hiram Midkiff, who was known to have traveled the area with his band of fellow bandits.
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- Black Heritage Festival
Third weekend in June
Juneteenth Celebration 3rd weekend in June. Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities. Festivities include a parade, praise and worship singing extravaganza, story telling, games, pig roasting, and a car show. It is a day that young and old come together to listen and to refresh the drive to achieve. For more information please call Mary Perry at (318) 508-2911.
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