The Emerald Coast of Florida, which runs from Pensacola to Port St. Joe, has earned the nickname “Redneck Riviera,” so it makes sense that the area is home to a redneck Christmas festival. The event is today, and the Pensacola News Journal published a preview earlier this week:

Add a little redneck to your holiday season this year with the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Festival and Parade. … The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday and will continue until dark and the parade starts at 2 p.m. Sunday. Both events are organized by the Chumuckla Athletic Association.

“The idea of a redneck-themed festival started out as a joke about 15 years ago just for something to do and it has just grown and grown and grown,” said Robbie Foster, president of the Athletic Association. “So now what we do with the proceeds, we’re able to put it toward our ballpark. Plus, last year we were able to buy gifts and we had canned food donated and we were able to provide Christmas and food for 47 families last year.”

Rednecks raising money for good causes — it doesn’t exactly fit the elitist stereotype, does it? But the fun and games do. “Everything from redneck fishing to frying pan toss to greasy pig contest and cow patty bingo will entertain kids and adults alike.”

One of these days, I need to make an annual list of all of the great, all-American redneck events — and then plan some road trips.