No Need to Shell Out Big Bucks for Fun

Go nuts with excitement for the whole family at The Nut House’s annual Pecan and Fun Fest October 19-20.

Hazel Ward, owner of The Nut House, and her daughter, Leslie Ward.

The 5th annual Pecan and Fun Fest will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 20 from noon to 5 p.m. What better way to ­celebrate fall than amongst the turning leaves and pecan trees just outside Claremore along Route 66? Set a reminder, mark your calendar and prepare for a fun ­weekend of entertainment, food, sweets and shopping.

    Back in 2006, Hazel Ward went along with her husband and some friends to attend an estate sale at the roadside property of The Nut House, which had run into some ­trouble over the years. After a somewhat fruitless afternoon, Hazel and her friend decided to leave their husbands to their own devices and do some shopping in town. Much to Hazel’s surprise, she received a phone call from a friend congratulating her on becoming the new owner of The Nut House. Her husband and his friend had purchased the building without ­consulting her! Mrs. Ward laughs it off, noting her ­husband is known for antics that would ordinarily drive a spouse “nutty.”

    Hazel’s ability to laugh and can-do spirit found her in the position of taking a ­historical retail outlet and building it into what it is today. The Nut House sells a variety of pecans from all over the country, as well as from their backyard. Additionally, they sell a variety of gifts and snacks, and offer a deli, a ­dining hall and an ­overwhelming selection of sweets, ranging from ­homemade fudge to chocolate covered nuts.

    The décor is welcoming, warm and exudes the sort of Oklahoma Route 66 ­hospitality that continues to attract visitors from all over the world. If you have yet to visit, the perfect opportunity presents itself in October as the annual Pecan and Fun Fest celebrates its fifth ­consecutive year.

    Vendors from all over Green Country will showcase their wares alongside local artists and businesses. Food and drink will be abundant indoors and out. Live music from popular bands from across the region will provide entertainment both days. There will be plenty of ­activities for the family, including face painting, ­pumpkin painting and ­inflatables. This year, a Battle of the Bands is planned.

    Vendors and businesses just now discovering this fun opportunity will be pleased to know it is not too late to sign up for a booth. Booth rentals are $125 for indoor spots and $75 for an outdoor location. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event that routinely draws ­thousands of attendees from all over.

    The Pecan and Fun Fest is a growing event that ­combines a touch of Route 66 nostalgia, great food and loads of fun for the family. For more information, vendor application forms and more, visit The Nut House online at www.66nuts.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/66nuts.

For more information, contact

The Nut House

www.66nuts.com

About Author Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis is an educator and musician, as well as a writer. A California native, he resides in Tulsa with his wife, two sons and a modest menagerie of pets. When he isn't inspiring young minds, you will most likely find him spending time with his family or playing drums and percussion with Project Huckleberry or the Movetet. In addition to Value News, Davis also writes for Currentland. You can view his work at https://seedavis.wordpress.com.