Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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A family tradition in La Porte since 1955, the Sylvan Beach Festival kicks off the summer season with a day of carnival rides, food competitions, and live music performances. The Miss Sylvan Beach Pageant is another popular attraction. Originally known as the Sylvan Beach Bathing Beauty Contest, it began 30 years before the festival in 1924.

This silent home movie shows a gaggle of teenage girls riding in the 1966 parade.

Watch the full video at: bit.ly/4rd1TJT
Explore the web exhibit, Festival Season, at: bit.ly/4pUGtjE
Contributed to the Texas Moving Image Archive Program by Tobi Bray.