Lilac Festival Back and Better than Ever

The Lilac Festival is a heritage event held in honor of Claremore native Lynn Riggs, who wrote “Green Grow the Lilacs,” which was adapted for the musical “Oklahoma!”

The Lilac Festival committee (L to R): (Front row) Nancy Fitts, Cindy Bissett, Dave McFall, (Back row) Mary Rose Hart, Linda Bodine, Rebekah Askew, David Wolf, Merry Ludewig, Carolyn Peterson, Denise Lawrence and Dell Davis. (Not pictured: Joy Hampton.)

A sure sign that spring has arrived and summer is right around the corner is the return of the Claremore Lilac Festival, the finale in a week full of activities for Destination Claremore. The Lilac Festival is a heritage event held in honor of Claremore native Lynn Riggs, who wrote “Green Grow the Lilacs,” which was adapted for the musical “Oklahoma!” The annual event offers so many fun and fabulous activities, there really is something for everyone! And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the organizers have added even more things to do. Set your clock for an early start because this year’s Lilac Festival is sure to go down in the books as the best one yet.

Sponsored by the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, Claremore Main Street, Inc., and Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau, this year’s festival kicks off Friday evening, May 6 with live entertainment. Gospel On Main is a new event this year and is sure to get toes tapping. Refreshments will be available, so bring your lawn chairs and come downtown for a night of soul-touching music under the stars.

Saturday’s activities begin bright and early at 9 a.m. with the Rogers County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale, featuring quality, homegrown plants and herbs. Don’t forget to pick up your lilac bushes, too. As part of the Claremore beautification project, lilac bushes will be available for all to take home for a small fee, and they are sure to add beauty to the entire community.

The “make and take” arts and crafts train station will return again – children love to have a memento of their Lilac Day adventures. Once they are done there, kids can make their way over to the Pedal Pull Tractor event, new this year. Sponsored by P&K Equipment, races begin at 4 p.m. There are several age groups, and winners will be excited to receive medals and a chance to go on to a regional event. Tractors are provided. For applications and more information, contact Cindy Bissett at (918) 341-5881.

Saturday, May 7 is National Train Day, and one of the most popular attractions at the Lilac Festival is the annual Burlington Northern Santa Fe boxcar art competition. Each year, local school children decorate wooden cutouts, which are then displayed throughout the event area. Winners from previous years are on display too. And don’t miss the Union Pacific Banner track flag artwork. While you are there, enjoy the fabulous garden trains on display by the Tulsa Garden Railroad Club. If you have never witnessed these beautiful machines, it is a sight you won’t want to miss.

As you stroll through beautiful downtown Claremore, be sure to enjoy the local musicians performing throughout the day on the festival stage. Wander through booth after booth filled with the quality craftsmanship of local vendors, and watch demonstrations given by the Salt Fork Craftsman Blacksmith Association. As if that weren’t enough to keep you fully occupied for the day, make plans to enjoy the artistry of the 3 Rivers Art Club, and don’t miss the old-fashioned cake walk beginning at 2 p.m. Food, fun, music, giveaways – the Lilac Festival has something for everyone.

Probably the cutest contest for the entire day and back by popular demand is the Derby Dog Wiener Dog Races. Scheduled for high noon, the race, sponsored by Petco and RCB Bank, is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face as the canines run towards the finish line in hope of receiving cash prizes and the coveted “Wreath of Lilacs.” Registration fee is $10 before the race and $15 the day of, but every dog has his day and none leave without being a winner. The first 25 dogs receive an official Derby Dog bandana and doggie goodie bag. All entries are eligible for fabulous door prizes too. Racers must check in at the Main Stage, located in the 400 block of Will Rogers Boulevard, by 11:30 a.m.

“A big thanks to our sponsors Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific and GRDA/Claremore Electric and to all of our volunteers,” says Claremore Main Street director Cindy Bissett. “We could never pull off an event of this size without a lot of help, and we appreciate everyone who stepped in and volunteered.”

Visit the Claremore Main Street website, ­www.downtownclaremore.org, for more information.

For more information, contact

Claremore Main Street

(918) 341-5881

www.downtownclaremore.org