GROVES — There was a celebrity of sorts walking around with his family on opening day of the Groves Pecan Festival on Thursday.

Doobie DoNola, the 5-year-old dog of former Groves native Rene Dyson-Scott, has already made his television debut on an episode of Treme, an HBO series that aired from 2010 to 2013. Dyson-Scott said Doobie’s last name is a nod to her current hometown of New Orleans.

The Louisiana woman, who played an extra in the series as well, was in town visiting Jaycie Sullivan and Rosanne Borque. The trio was making their way around the midway as festival-goers stopped to say hello to Doobie.

Crowds had just begun to find their way to the festival Thursday night as thrill seeking teenagers took rides on Vertigo, a 90-foot swing ride, Cliff Hanger and Tornado.

Just off from the heart-pounding rides was the children’s rides. Rose English was there with her grandson Chad Ellis and Ellis and Maddox Kelley raced to the carousal.

English has been to the festival before and likes that it’s a family oriented event.

“My grandson loves to come to the Pecan festival. He couldn’t wait until after school, we had to wait until 5 p.m.,” English said. “I enjoy watching the excitement on the little kids’ faces.”

Staci Gary didn’t have far to travel to get to the festival — she lives just down the road. So she packed up her children for a fun filled night.

“The best part of the festival is that it’s a family affair,” Gary said.

The festival continues through Sunday at Lion’s Park in Groves.

Friday, Nov. 4

• Continuous entertainment: 5 to 11 p.m. – Carnival, food and craft booths open
• 5 to 7:30 p.m. — Music by Beau Wilson of Electrifying Sounds DJ Service
• 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Entertainment by the duo of Curse and the

Cure