By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

GROVES — Greg Gilcrease took his small dog to enjoy “small town” atmosphere at the Texas Pecan Festival parade on Saturday.

He and Trouble, his applehead Chihuahua, kept their eye out for Dillon, Gilcrease’s son and a trumpet player at Groves Middle School. Gilcrease joined what seemed to be the rest of the town in viewing, or participating in, the parade. He said he enjoyed Groves’ small-town atmosphere.

“You pretty much know everybody,” he said.

June Badon’s Sassy Divas dancers, the Krewe of Krazies’ S.S. Looney Toons boat float and the Port Neches-Groves High School band repeating “Cherokee” were among highlights of the procession along Lincoln Avenue.

Kambry, the 17-month-old granddaughter of Karen McDaniel, got coaching on what the family says was her first parade.

“She’s learning how to catch candy,” McDaniel said.

Kambry’s parade picks according to grandma: Band, a little loud and scary; Indianettes, riveting.

The festival down at Lions Park kept pecan lovers busy the rest of the day with rides, shopping and all manner of food on a stick. Ronnie Boneau, Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau director, said Friday’s crowd was big because PN-G and Memorial High Schools weren’t playing football, so young people filled the park. He said he expected Saturday’s crowds to be just and big.

Jo Ann Larson of Port Arthur and her husband, Lenny, made the rounds at vendor booths. Larson said she always tries to pick up artwork at the festival and her past finds have included paintings from local artist Don Chance. This year she bagged a cross with a fleur de lis.

“I’m French and this is French,” she said.

Her grandson was playing soccer in Louisiana, but she expected him to join her at the festival later.

“He’s going to come and let Grandma Jo pay for his wristband,” she said with a smile.