NEDERLAND — Families eager for some food, carnival rides and more headed to the Nederland Heritage Festival on Friday.

Polly and Glenn Reddin brought their grandson, Grahan Reddin, 2, to the festival where they stopped under the pavilion for a snack. The toddler took his time eating French fries as his grandparents sat nearby.

Graham Reddin, 2, takes a break to eat fries at the Nederland Heritage Festival on Friday.
Mary Meaux/The News

“We’re from here originally but live in Houston now,” Polly Reddin said. “”We’ve been at the rodeo (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo) all week and wanted to come by the festival.”

Over at the children’s rides Lucas Bell, of Nederland, watched his daughters Marlie Bell, 4, and Bradlie Bell, 3 take a turn on the Tractors ride. Parents lined the fenceline taking photos and waving at the children as they spun round the ride tracks.

Bradlie Bell, 3, left, and Marlie Bell, 4, right, take a spin on the Tractors ride at the Nederland Heritage Festival on Friday.
Mary Meaux/The News

California native and artist Manny Avetisyan manned the caricature booth where a family of four posed.

“I grew up in L.A. (Los Angeles) and have been all over the country,” Avetisyan said while sketching. “This is our second year here and we love it.”

Avetisyan’s work can be viewed on Instagram at @avetiarts

As the artist did his work, mom Stacy Kirkland held son Cam Handleman on her lap while dad Jeremy Handleman held daughter Korrigan Handleman.

The Nederland Heritage Festival continues Saturday and Sunday. For more information, contact the NHF office at 724-2269.