The city formally announced on Thursday that it would cancel the 2020 edition of the popular event, which was scheduled for October 15-16. Bayou Fest was one of the key factors behind the recent rise of La Marque and a huge feather in the cap of Mayor Bobby Hocking, who will not get the opportunity to oversee and perform in what would have been his final Bayou Fest in his position.
“We sure were looking forward to Hamilton Loomis, Crystal Tamar, Johnny Lee and the legendary Charley Pride at Bayou Fest 2020!” said Hocking on his Facebook page. “In the best interest of all of our families and to keep a watchful eye on finances during these unprecedented times…we shall return next year!
“So last year was final Bayou Fest as Mayor…building and hosting this festival has been a joy. I may stop by and sing a couple of tunes…you never know?! Love y’all!”
In a video posted on the city’s website, Pride announced that he would be part of next year’s Bayou Fest, which is scheduled for October 16-17, 2021.
“I was looking forward to taking the stage this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things for all of us,” said the Grammy Award-winning country music legend. “Stay safe, La Marque. Mask up and take care of yourselves during these trying times. Do it just for the love of it. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing each other Saturday, October 16, 2021.”
The cancellation of Bayou Fest leads to concerns of the status of two of the most popular events the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce has scheduled. The Chamber still plans to hold its annual Shrimp Boil on August 21 along with the annual Industrial Trade Show, which was pushed back from April to September 15.
How well COVID-19 is contained will also impact the future of such Chamber events such as the annual Golf Classic (September 30-October 1), Taste of the Town (November 5) and the La Marque Christmas Parade (December 1).
