Something to Crow About, the 91st Annual Rooster Days Celebration

May is christened after the Greek goddess Maia, who was the guardian of plants; it is known for the loveliest part of spring, the end of the school year…and Rooster Days!

Broken Arrow’s Rooster Days celebration is the longest-running festival in Oklahoma, and this year marks its 91st anniversary. It began in 1931, when farmers would bring their excess roosters to market. Competitions for the biggest, loudest and best roosters were held, and the day was filled with a festive atmosphere; as the years progressed, more and more entertainment and activities were added as the event grew.

Even after the local poultry market began to fade out, the marketing day continued and evolved into the four-day festival that we all enjoy today. The 91st Anniversary of Rooster Days is scheduled for May 12 through May 15, and it is an event that many look forward to all year.

“In 2021, we had approximately 35,000 people attending Rooster Days,” says Amber Hinkle of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. “We are expecting up to 40,000 in 2022.

“Rooster Days prides itself on being a family destination for all ages!” Hinkle continues enthusiastically. We have expanded the Carnival to add two more rides, indoor and outdoor vendors, all kinds of delicious food trucks and live entertainment.”

So far, musicians performing at Rooster Days includes Travis Kidd, The Crowe Band, the Red Dirt Rangers, Braden Jamison and the Neon Strangers, and Weston Horn and the Hush.

This year, there will be new additions to add to the convenience and fun for festival-goers.

“We have transitioned to a Cashless System this year,” explains Hinkle. “This means our guests will not have to stop and purchase food tickets, as they have had to do in years past. This year, they can use their personal debit and credit cards at all our food vendor locations, without having to first stop and purchase food tickets. If we have guests who prefer to utilize cash, we will have a “Cash to Card Coop,” where they can exchange their cash for a gift card that can be used on-site with our food vendors. We hope this allows attendees to get to the fun faster than ever before!”

“We are also going to have a “Where’s Rosco” activity on the festival grounds. Small versions of our favorite mascot, Rosco, will be hidden around the festival site. These Roscos will have a QR code on them that can be scanned with your phone. Collect as many Roscos as you can! In addition, certain Roscos, when scanned, will offer the finder discounts and local area restaurants and retailers!”

In addition to the numerous activities and entertainment, the Rooster Days Fun Run, The Rooster Days 5K, the Rooster Days Parade and the Rooster Days Cornhole tournament will all take place May 14.

Communities always look forward to festivals; but there is really something special about Rooster Days.

“This is the 91st Annual Rooster Days celebration; it is the longest running festival in the state of Oklahoma, and there is only one factor that gives that kind of longevity to a festival: the Broken Arrow community,” states Hinkle. “We are eternally grateful for the support of the City of Broken Arrow for its support, our sponsors and most importantly, the citizens of Broken Arrow. Tradition is important to them, and this is a VERY long-standing tradition that we are honored and proud to continue for them. We strive every year to make this event something our community can be proud of.”

The 91st Anniversary of Rooster Days is presented by TTCU Federal Credit Union, the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Broken Arrow.

For more information, visit www.roosterdays.com