Wassail Fest…from Renaissance to Rock ‘n roll

Downtown merchants will once again be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest, one of the highlights of the 12th annual Nine Flags Festival.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, when the wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants within the historic downtown district. A list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitors' Center, located at 200 E. Main St.

Shoppers and other downtown visitors are invited to warm their bodies and spirits by sampling the various recipes, which will be judged on both taste and presentation. The competition is fierce, but the wassail is a warm and welcome respite for holiday shoppers.

"Wassail Fest is a festive event that the downtown merchants and their customers look forward to each and every year," said Melissa Sanford, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is a great day to come downtown, do a little Christmas shopping, have lunch, drink some delicious warm wassail and just enjoy the season.”

Wassail is a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served from a large bowl, especially at Christmastime. Wassail Fest participants put their own twists on the recipes, which are heavily guarded secrets among the cooks. The beverages served at Wassail Fest are alcohol-free. This year participating merchants will all take part in the Renaissance to Rock ‘n Roll theme.

For more information about Wassail Fest or other Nine Flags Festival events, call the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN or log onto www.nineflagsfestival.com.