The Neches River Festival is underway in Beaumont. 

On Tuesday, King Neches LX, Joe Domino, officially arrived at Riverfront Park to begin the festivities.  On Thursday, the 2008 Citizens of the Year will be announced.  Domino, president and CEO of Entergy Texas, was the 2007 Citizen of the Year. 

The Neches River Festival Parade, beginning at Calder and MLK Boulevard and ending at the Crockett Street Entertainment District will be on Saturday. Beaumont City Manager Kyle Hayes will be the parade marshal.

"The festival is always celebrating the Neches River and its importance to our economy and to this area," said Nancy Fertitta, executive director of the festival, noting that high school seniors and juniors participate as members of the festival's royalty.  Listen: RealPlayer  MP3

"Mainly we are celebrating our youth and our commitment to our youth and we hope that this is a very wholesome and memorable experience," Fertitta said. 

GuidryNews.com will announce the Neches River Festival Citizens of the Year after 10 a.m. on Thursday; and Lynda Guidry will cover the parade on Saturday.