Sabine Free State Festival
annual sabine free state festival take place first weekend november village florien la florien located southern tip sabine parish part neutral strip neutral strip area land american government spanish government claimed november general wilkinson colonel simon de herrera signed agreement stay strip proper boundary could determined area became known free state sanctuary outlaw notorious outlaw john murrell murrell clan would rob kill large party would cross strip one member murrells clan hiriam midkiff rumor spanish gold mine located near clear water baptist church outside city limit presentday florien murrell midkiff clan member stole gold hid cave also located area mr walter bruce wrote book called bandit murrells cave tell story neutral strip ended march general zachary taylor given order build fort jessup fort built outside present day many sabine parish town florien held first free state festival november festival treasure hunt midkiffs treasure could located town mile town clue given every day help locate missing treasure saving bond prize town syrup mill center square syrup made sugar cane sold festival several old building donated town saloon used shootout shootout participant dressed period hiriam midkiff always show needless say sheriff take everyone fun enjoys street dance firework show signifies end festival festival went hiatus sandel luther sabine free state neutral strip first annual festival book