By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
Okarche’s favorite event to fund teacher grants is back with a tradition organizers started last year.
The Oklahoma Education Foundation’s (OEF) launched a royalty pageant as a new attraction to Okarchefest and it may have been the event that helped boost the festival’s revenue. Last year, organizers reported $23,000 was raised, more than the average $18,000 received in previous years.
This year’s Okarchefest kicks off 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14.
OEF Treasurer Amber Smith said their success was due to the large crowd and widespread support from the community.
“It’s the best that we’ve done since I took over this position,” Smith said. “I think we just had a lot of people show up and we had a really good crowd and people were very generous. We look at each event to see how it does and everything continues to make money.”
In 2018, OEF awarded more than $14,000 in grants for everything from library supplies to software for anatomy students.
Superintendent Rob Friesen expressed his gratitude for the support.
“We’re appreciative for the hard work and time OEF members put in to make it happen and the Okarche community to come out and support the schools,” he said. “Small school districts don’t survive without the community support around them. Probably the best thing about it is it’s an opportunity to apply for something that teachers really want and feel like is important to them. That gives them the opportunity to say this is what I want to do for my kids and it’s a great avenue to get that done.”
FESTIVAL LINEUP
The 12th annual Okarchefest begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Okarche Elementary School. The Mad Dash is a one-mile walk or run.
Live entertainment, food and games for children will begin at 4 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Okarche. Several performers have signed up and include Ryan Seibert, Payden McMillan, the Endres Kids, Andrew Walker, Modulated Spiral Groove and Wight Lighters.
Modulated Spiral Groove is an Oklahoma City based rock, blues and country band who are signed to Dale Yeah Productions and Retrac Studios. The band released their album, Twist of Fate in July 2019.
Wight Lighters is an independent band based in Norman. The band also performs rock and roll with influences of country and blues.
Food vendors will be back, including homemade pies, with craft booths. The kiddie corral will feature games and inflatables near the post office. Wristbands for unlimited access to the game area are $15.
The beloved Poop Drop is also back. Tickets for a chance to win $500 are $10 each.
