Community Events

Kid's Trout Fishing Derby

Located annually at Keneteso Park Pond, The Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department will host the 17th annual Kid's Trout Fishing Derby on January 11, 2020, from 10 am to 2 pm. The outing is for youth, ages 16 and under. The GPARD stocks Keneteso Park Pond with over 2,500 trout to increase the odds of a memorable fishing experience. This event is absolutely free to youth participants. Participants will need to furnish their own fishing pole and bait (canned corn and marshmallows are often successful) and bring a parent or guardian to assist if needed. Contests that take place include but are not limited to longest cast and most accurate cast. When you arrive at the event, register for prizes, sign your waiver and start fishing! Random prize drawings will be made throughout the day. So come on out and enjoy beautiful Keneteso Park of Gainesville, TX!

2020 Flyer

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Keneteso Park Pond ~ 1800 South Weaver Street ~ Gainesville, Texas 76240

Spring Fling

To honor the birthday of the playscape in Gainesville's Leonard Park, the annual Spring Fling Celebration is held the first Saturday in May at Leonard Park from 10 am to 5 pm. Arts and crafts vendors come from all over, and the day is filled with wonderful arts and crafts including handmade baby shoes, jewelry and beads, bird houses and feeders, seed bombs, handmade wooden crosses, hair bows and halos, candles and face painting to name a few. There is also great food available at the celebration. Typically on the menu are corn dogs, funnel cakes, twisted taters, brisket tacos, chicken strips, sno-cones, cotton candy, kettle corn and much, much more!

The Frankie Schmitz Express Train will also be running throughout the day. The Frank Buck Zoo will offer giraffe feedings at 10:30 am and great animal encounters during the day. In addition, the Human Hamster Balls from The Leonard Park Aquatic Center will be available for the young and young at heart to enjoy, as well as a variety of bounce houses.

The Parks and Recreation Department invites you to come out and bring your family for a fun filled day in beautiful historic Leonard Park! If you would like to be a vendor, contact our office at 940-668-4530.

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Spring Fling Bounce House Race
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Leonard Park ~ 1000 West California Street ~ Gainesville, Texas 76240


Veterans Day Commemoration

The Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department hosts the annual Veteran's Day Commemoration at The Large Pavilion in Leonard Park. This event is held on Veteran's Day in November. 

This year's commemoration took place on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 5:45pm. The free event featured VFW color guard, patriotic music selections from The Gainesville Junior High School Choir, a guest speaker, recognition of veterans from past wars and the very popular fireworks show. 

Please join us next year for a family-friendly celebration of heroism and patriotism while honoring those who have served our country.

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Leonard Park War Memorial ~ 1000 West California Street ~ Gainesville, TX 76240

**SPECIAL/GROUP EVENTS MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK OR PERMITTING**