78th Annual May 10, 2025
2025 Queen
Karlee Jo Ingram
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
78th Annual Strawberry Festival
Charles Boecher Comm. Dist. 1
Alan Starr Comm. Dist. 2
Nichole Cooper Court Clerk
Larry Wood Comm. Dist. 3
Ann Bishop Treasurer
Jason Ritchie Sheriff
Liz Brown Associate District Judge
Timothy Fishinghawk County Clerk
Jeff Payton District Judge
What’s Inside
4 - Welcome Letter from Stilwell Kiwanis President
5 - Welcome Letter from Our Local Leaders
10 - Stilwell Kiwanis Club Sophomore of the Year
12 - Stilwell High School Key Club
17 - Quick 5: Q&A with 2024 Strawberry Festival Queen Lily Ritter
20 - 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen & Her Court
27 - Downtown Festival Map
30-31 - Stilwell Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
33 - Legacy of Service: Vicki Guthrie
41 - Saturday Afternoon Featured Entertainment
50 - Stilwell High School Outstanding Alumni
Welcome everyone to the 78th Stilwell Strawberry Festival. WOW! 78th-how amazing to reach this milestone. Growing up in Stilwell the Strawberry Festival was always something to look forward to. From the 4-day carnival to the 3-day rodeo, from the parade to the vendors, from entertainment
WELCOME
to the eating of the strawberries, every year gets better and better. Over these 78 years we have made many changes, with new additions to the festival each year. We have the Stilwell’s Got Talent on Friday evening, the Corn Hole tournament on Friday evening and Saturday a ernoon, the horse shoe tournament on Saturday, a car show, and live entertainment on the Kiwanis stage both Friday evening and Saturday all day. Of course, we still have traditional vendors of all kinds, whose numbers have grown tremendously over the years. In addition to entertainment on the stage, Saturday features the parade with marching bands and oats, the
Strawberry auction in which anyone can participate, and those free strawberries and ice cream.
I would like to personally thank the Kiwanis club members, you people ROCK! All the time and hard work that goes into this event is astonishing and yet when there is a task you all meet it head on. To the City of Stilwell, the Mayor and City Council, the Stilwell City Police Department, the Stilwell Fire Department and Rural Fire Departments, the Adair County Sheri ’s O ce, the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service, the Adair County EMS, the OSU Extension Ofce, the Berry Growers, the Auction Bidders, all local 4-H
groups and local FFA groups, thank you for all your help. To our fantastic vendors, the new and those faithful who exhibit on a regular basis, thank you so much for making this festival better. But most of all, THANK YOU to you, the visitors, and to the local residents of Adair County. Without you this festival would be just another event. Because of all of you, our celebration of the Strawberry Festival is a huge success. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Please enjoy the day, and we look forward to seeing you for the 79th.
Sincerely,
Tracy Sims
Stilwell Kiwanis Club President
Kiwanis members bottom row from left; Sydney Kimble, Cody Killer, Jessie Collins, Josh Sam, Tyler Davis, Natalie Harrison Top row from left; Stephanie Ford, Dan Collins, Teresa Keen, Rhea Toney, Liz Brown, Robert St. Pierre, Krista Bradley, Shania Merchant, Linda Hagar, Cassie Shores.
WELCOME
Welcome to Stilwell, the Strawberry Capital of the World, and home to the annual Strawberry Festival - the longest-running, continuous event in Oklahoma.
Acres of the sweet, red delicious fruit that inspired a festival back in
Dear Fellow Oklahomans and Guests,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 78th Annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival! Since 1948, this festival has been a cherished tradition, celebrating the hard work of our local farmers and the unmatched spirit of our great state.
Each year, the “Strawberry Capital of the World” welcomes over 20,000 visitors to enjoy live music, parade, rodeo events, and, of course, locally grown strawberries. This festival is a true celebration of Oklahoma’s rich agricultural heritage and a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our farmers.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy the best strawberries around and make even better memories!
Sincerely,
Governor J. Kevin Stitt
1948 are grown here, and people drive for miles to purchase and take some home to make jams, eat with ice cream or enjoy many other ways. Fresh berries are for sale in the morning and often sell out early, so anyone who drives a distance will want to call ahead to one of the growers and purchase ahead of time.
It is a privilege and honor for city employees, the City Council and myself, as Mayor, to work on this funfilled festival for you.
The annual rodeo and carnival kick off activities mid-week and run through the weekend. Friday evening Stilwell’s Got Talent showcases local youth and adults, and is followed with live entertainment. Saturday festivities begin early with a 5K Run for the Berries followed by a parade, presentation of the Strawberry Queen and her Court, strawberry judging, an auction, and more than 200 ven-
Fellow Oklahomans and guests, Welcome to the 78th annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival! It is an honor to promote this awardwinning event each year.
The Stilwell Strawberry Festival celebrates agritourism, one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing industries, and connects the public with local farmers. It is one of the most popular festivals in the state, bringing in over 30,000 visitors annually. With a carnival, parade, family fun run, motorcycle and car shows, vendors, and more, you’re sure to find something the whole family will enjoy. Thank you for supporting local producers and businesses. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy Stilwell’s smalltown charm and have an experience you won’t forget!
Sincerely,
Matt Pinnell Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
dors with arts and crafts, food and so much more. The combination of it all fills the downtown with fun, laughter and delicious food fragrances. A car show, horseshoe tournament and many youth games and activities add to the variety of reasons visitors and locals enjoy attending the event.
The festival is an opportunity for many citizens to catch up with friends downtown or at one of the class reunions.
Many volunteers work hard to make this premiere event better and better each year. We appreciate all who work together for this successful endeavor, especially the Kiwanis Club members who manage this award-winning festival, and especially the farmers who make it possible.
We’re glad you’re here to help us celebrate the many achievements of the City of Stilwell. In 2024 Fletcher Park won the Innovation Award, and
Wthe mayor was named Mayor of the Year for cities under 5,000, by the Oklahoma Municipal League. City leaders have initiated improvements such as updating the water and wastewater treatment facilities, basketball goals and pickle ball courts at the parks, Carson sports complex. A golf course should be open this year, to help our student athletes and give locals and visitors a place to exercise and enjoy the activity.
We are creating more opportunities like the Strawberry Festival for citizens to feel a sense of pride in their community. Such as the new Fall Fest which includes a chili cookoff and dessert contest in September.
We hope you enjoy your time in Stilwell and look forward to seeing you again.
Thank you!
Jean Ann Wright Mayor of Stilwell
elcome to the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the 78th annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival.
Year in and year out, this enduring Stilwell tradition is one of the most vibrant community celebrations in northeast Oklahoma.
In our Cherokee culture and tradition, strawberries are said to signify reconciliation and reunification.
Strawberries to this day remain an important part of the economy and a significant source of income for many Cherokee families in Adair County.
So many Stilwell community volunteers work tirelessly to ensure this annual celebration remains such a joyous experience for us all.
We hope you enjoy the Stilwell Strawberry Festival and take some time to enjoy the rich traditions and culture found throughout the historic Cherokee Nation.
Wado.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. & Deputy Chief Bryan Warner
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner
Stilwell Kiwanis has been the o cial sponsor of the Strawberry Festival since 1948. e primary purpose of the Stilwell Kiwanis Club is to sponsor programs or projects that bene t children in the community. In addition to the annual programs, events or institutions that the Stilwell Kiwanis Club supports, the club has been a leader in community improvement projects such as the Kiwanis Stage that was constructed to replace an aging bandstand on the Adair County Courthouse lawn as well as Fletcher Park that provides a rst-class playground and gathering area in downtown Stilwell. e numerous community programs, institutions and events annually supported by the club, include but are not limited to:
“Bringing up Grades” program in local schools
Annual Easter egg hunt
Read to Succeed Program
Sophomore of the year award
Strawberry Queen Pageant & Scholarships
Super Star Show at the County fair
DHS Christmas Angel Tree Shop with a Cop program
ICTC programs
Adair County 4-H
Adair County Boys and Girls Club
Annual community backpack giveaway
DHS Summer foster camp
Fire angel program with Stilwell Fire Department
McIntosh House
Annual 4th of July Firework show
Imagination Library
12 days of Christmas at Fletcher Park
Stilwell High School Key Club
Friends of the Library
Stilwell Public Schools Scholarship Foundation
Golf Course Project at Carson Park
Partnership with Cherokee Nation Foundation for scholarship opportunities
Ronnie Trentham Service Award Scholarship
Numerous events with Adair County Schools
Liz Brown with her Women in Kiwanis Award and Rick Eubanks with his Human & Spiritual Value Award.
Liz Brown with Janice Fletcher and her Certification of Appreciation.
Dan Collins with his plaque for Kiwanis Club service as Club Secretary.
Glen and Tammy Paden accepting their Human and Spiritual Award.
Hershal Dotson with his plaque for being a member of the Kiwanis Club for 50 years.
Breezi and Brandi Swaffar with their Human and Spiritual Award.
Former Stilwell Kiwanis Club Presidents
1946 Dick Brodie
1947 Otto Alderson
1948 Jack Chaffin
1949 Joe H. Carson
1950 Jean R. Reed
1951 Barnes Pemberton
1952 Norvell Henley
1953 Gene L. Gray
1954 Kenneth Rains
1955 John McGinnis
1956 Jack K. Holt
1957 Berry A. Ferguson
1958 D.C. (Tobe) O’Neal
1959 Jim DeJarnett
1960 Jack Braham
1961 Kenneth Carleton
1962 Colbert Starr
1963 Ben Briley
1964 Julius H. Thomas
1965 Wade Zumwalt
1966 W. Neil Morton
1967 L.T. Spray
1968 J.L. Hallford
1969 H.D. Gound
1970 H.D. Gound
1971 Phil Keeter
1972 Jack Perry
1973 Larry Roberts
1974 Charles O. McFarland
1975 Jack Smay
1976 E.R. Kirkbride
1977 Larry Strauss
1978 Jim Young
1979 Larry Eubanks
1980 John Freeman
1981 Tom Todd
1982 Charles W. Crozier
1983 Jack E. Kay
1984 Dean Jackson
1985 Bobby Ray
1986 Jim Carson
1987 Andy Inman
1988 Hiram McFarland
1989 Mike Doublehead
1990 Robert Crozier
1991 David West
1992 Reggy Cox
1993 Lynn Carson
1994 Drew Carson
1995 Jim Panter
1996 Clyde Enlow
1997 Charles W. Crozier
1998 Alan Adams
1999 Chad Catron
2000 Nason Morton
2001 Gary Johnson
2002 Michael L. Taffer
2003 Robert St. Pierre
2004 Robert St. Pierre
2005 Ralph Keen Jr.
2006 Ralph Keen Jr.
2007 Larry E. Adair
2008 Matt Hoyt
2009 Liz Brown
2010 Barry Hayes
2011 Gary Jackson
2012 Gary Jackson
2013 Dan Collins
2014 Dan Collins
2015 Marty Green
2016 Marty Green
2017 Ronnie Trentham
2018 Ronnie Trentham
2019 Sharon Jackson
2020 Sharon Jackson
2021 Tyler Davis
2022 Tyler Davis
2023 Krista Baird Bradley
2024 Krista Baird Bradley
2025 Tracy Sims
Doyle has grown berries for 68 years
I produced my first patch of strawberries in England Hollow, Adair County. I started with seven acres in a matted bed production. I had a sprinkler system to water the berries during dry weather. (Berry production in early years was grown on slopes too steep for tractors, so a “mules and double shovel plow” were used to cultivate the berries.) A plow similar to the one pictured. Today, most berries are grown on plastic with driplines underneath for irrigation. Instead of matted beds, single plant rows are spaced for better production.
I expanded my production to 25 acres by the year 1960 on a property south of Stilwell, and continued that level of production through 1964. During that time berries were selling for .14 cents/lb., but the price dropped to 10 cents/lb. This price drop forced a lot of growers to abandon their patches.
I, however, did not abandon berry production. I continued to promote strawberry production in Adair Co. I served as president of the Adair County Strawberry Association for several years.
I have enjoyed producing berries for 68 years. I attended my first Strawberry Festival in 1951. In 1956, I participated in the strawberry judging contest, I also won 1st place, blue ribbon, on my “Sweet Ann” strawberries in 2016. It has been a very rewarding experience.
Bobby Doyle with his prize winning Strawberries.
Bobby Doyle plowing his field in the ‘50s.
Bobby and Jane Doyle with their 1st place strawberries.
2025 Stilwell Kiwanis Sophomore of the Year
Kainan Yeager
Kainan Yeager is a sophomore at Westville High School. He is an active member of the FFA and is currently serving as the Westville chapter treasurer. He has won two state championships and one national championship with the FFA and hopes to continue to compete. Kainan is also president of his sophomore class and has been a class officer for the past four years. He is also active in FCA, D-FY, National Honor Society and the archery club. Kainan volunteers every Sunday and Wednesday at his church (Stilwell Impact) in the sound booth running the computer for the services. He also volunteers at the Westville Hope Center food distribution center.
Naomi Fuson CED/Family Consumer Sciences/4-HYD Educator
Tricia Wall High Obesity Program Educator
ADAIR COUNTY EXTENSION
Johnny Mitchell Agriculture/4-HYD Educator
Sharon Vandevender Nutrition Education Assistant
Karen Christie Extension Administrative Support Specialist
Adair County
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service 220 W. Division St., CH Basement Stilwell, OK 74960 • 918-696-2253 https://extension.okstate.edu/county/adair/
Mutton Bustin @ 7:00 p.m. must enter by 6:30 p.m.
Stilwell High School Key Club
Key Club is a student-led, high school organization and is part of the Kiwanis family. Members make the world a better place through service. In doing so, we grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead, summoning the courage to engage and developing the heart to serve. The Stilwell High School Key Club participates in various community service activities throughout each academic year. In past years, club members provided birthday baskets to children in DHS custody, appreciation gifts to bus drivers of Stilwell Public Schools, participated in a community clean-up project and delivered books to every preschool student at Stilwell Preschool. This year members read to the elementary students, put on an appreciation “pie bar” for the teachers, and carolled at the nursing home. The club is also in charge of the Comfort Care Closet, where students at SHS can have anonymous access to free personal hygiene products. The Key Club sponsor is Mrs. Abby Perez.
Annual Strawberry Festival
Strawberry Day at the Capitol 2024
Annual Strawberry Festival
QUICK FIVE: Q&A with 2024 Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen Lily Ritter
Time slows for no one and when you are having fun it seems to even speed up. For 2024 Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen Lily Ritter, a whirlwind of a year as the title holder has come to an end, but the memories and character traits she developed will last a lifetime.
Three-hundred and sixty-five days is the time spent wearing the crown and serving as an ambassador for the city of Stilwell and surrounding area. During Ritter’s time as queen, she helped with various community projects, one of her favorites was being able to visit elementary school students and read to them. She also served in her ambassador role when delivering berries to both the state leaders and Cherokee Nation leaders.
As Ritter prepares to transition to her next adventures in life, she paused for a moment to reflect on her past year as queen, and answered a quick five questions.
As your year with the crown ends, how would you describe your time as the Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen?
RITTER: My time as queen felt more like a dream than a reality. I have never experienced an entire community granting me so much support and love in my life. I knew from the beginning I was going to do all I can to truly make a difference and leave a legacy, but having the encouragement from Stilwell made my goal easy to do. I took my time as queen less as a job, and more as a way to bring light to how the truest form of beauty is happiness, inclusion, positivity, and love. Although the year flew by faster than I thought, I am so grateful for the memories I will forever cherish in my heart. What have been some of the more memorable moments from the 2024 competition to now?
RITTER: I could name so many memories that are always at the front of my mind when I think about my experience as queen. One of my favorite memories is the trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol with the 2023 queen Miss Adrian Gaches, and two of the best mentors I could have ever asked for, Krista Bradley and Tyler Davis. The night before, Adrian and I had a sleepover in our matching strawberry pajamas her mom got for us, excited all night about what the next day would bring to us. Waking up at 5 a.m. with only 3 hours of sleep, we could not have been more excited! Meeting Tyler and Krista to carpool together, we knew this trip would become a core memory from the jump. Stepping out of the car, I was absolutely amazed at how beautiful the Capitol was. Taking the tour with the governor, I don’t think my jaw left the floor. It was almost unbelievable how detailed the building as well as all the rooms were. When I of-
ficially granted the Governor his strawberries, I really liked the sticker that was on the award he gave me. Next thing I know, he brought me my very own sticker! That sticker I still have perfectly intact, displayed in my room. As we left the Capitol, the four of us went to eat reminiscing on the memories we had just made. I have to say, I don’t know if I have ever laughed as hard as I did on that car ride or at our lunch. When I say I hold this memory dear to my heart, I will never forget the happiness and excitement that lasted from the night before, till I went to bed that night.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as queen?
RITTER: I am proud of many things about being queen, but mostly how true I was to myself throughout my reign. I never let anything change who I was, and I made sure everyone I came in contact with saw me for me. I feel I held a great example for the next generation following me, which is something I will continue to do from now till I grow old. I truly believe one interaction can change someone; my biggest hope is that I left a positive impact on the community that I now can easily call family.
How has your time as the Strawberry Festival Queen prepared you for future endeavors?
RITTER: I believe this experience has prepared me for more than just interactions. The things I learned about myself
and how to present myself authentically and maturely are things I definitely took from my queen duties. I have grown to love interviews rather than being nervous about them. Holding conversations with individuals older than me became so pleasant very quickly.
What advice would you offer to young people who are considering participating in the Stilwell Strawberry Festival Queen Competition?
RITTER: My advice for any woman thinking of running for queen is to first, be yourself! I know you may hear this a lot, but this title is whatever you make of it. If crowned, Stilwell saw something special in YOU to fill the role in your own
unique way. Every person is different, every past queen made it their own, do something special that you feel most passionate about. Second, enjoy every moment. It will fly by faster than you think; live each opportunity to the fullest. I promise you will learn something new in every duty you partake in. Lastly, be kind. Be kind to the children, be kind to the adults, be kind on vacation; kindness is the truest form of beauty. Representing Kiwanis as queen is such a proud accomplishment, be the example you looked up to as a young girl. Be the example you wish your future daughter would follow. Be you, and be kind.
Stilwell Strawberry Prince and Princess Competition
Royalty from left: Jr. Prince Stetson Broad, Prince Arden Davis, Jr. Princess Charlotte Merrie, Princess Ella Hill, Sweetheart Raylea Bolmgren, Jr. Queen Jenaly Yeager
Jr. Queen and Court from left: 2nd Runner-up Raylee Burgess, Jr. Queen Jenaly Yeager, 1st Runner-up Katie Curtis
Prince and Court from left: 2nd Runner-up Boston Collyge, Prince Arden Davis, 1st Runner-up Hudson Selma
Princess and Court from left: 1st Runner-up Zoe Kenyon, Princess Ella Hill, 2nd Runnerup Alivia Davis
Jr. Prince and court from left: 1st Runnerup Asa Davis, Prince Stetson Broad, 2nd Runnerup Jimmy Smith
People’s Choice Lila Harrison
Jr. Princess and court from left:1st Runner-up Rose Davidson, Jr Princess Charlotte Merrie, 2nd Runner-up Hannah Workman
Sweetheart and Court from left: 2nd Runner-up Lola Workman, Sweetheart Raylea Bolmgren, 1st Runner-up Baylor Moore
Strawberry Queen
Queen Karlee Jo Ingram and Her Court
Karlee Jo Ingram is an 18-year-old junior at Stilwell High School. She is the daughter of Becky and James Barnes, and Jeremy and Christina Ingram. Her grandparents are Donell and the late Gary Tibbit, Shelly Ward and Benny and Sandra Ingram.
Karlee said, “I was very, very shocked when I won, mostly because I had already won Crowd Favorite and Miss Congeniality so I was already pretty satisfied, but yes, I was overjoyed and honestly didn’t know how to react, and I would have jumped up and down if I wasn’t in heels! Today I feel very relaxed. I’m not having to worry about practicing my turns and steps, but it also feels like the day after your birthday; you don’t feel any different, but you also feel like a brand new woman!”
“My goal as queen would be to be as active in my community as I possibly can, I want to serve God by serving others, and leave a lasting impression on everyone! This year I am most excited to deliver strawberries to the Capitol, I’ve never been to or even seen the Capitol, so I am definitely looking forward to that experience and meeting new people. I am the first woman in my family to run for and be crowned Strawberry Queen. My family absolutely loves the Strawberry Festival, so I just know that my Papa and Aunt Debbie would’ve been so, so proud, especially my Aunt Debbie- I can just imagine her hollering for me with her high pitch screams!!”
“My favorite part of being in the pageant was just getting so much closer with all the other contestants. I go to school with 4 out of 5 of the girls, so I was so blessed to have gotten closer with all 5 of them. They are amazing and the most supportive group of girls. I love them so much! I learned a lot during this whole process; to be poised, classy, and to just get myself out there, my maturity level and communication skills have definitely improved, I’ve grown so much not only as a person but as a woman just in these past 2 months.”
“I decided to run for queen because I had heard so many great things about the process and how fun it is. I also wanted to get myself out there more and try new things- this isn’t the kind of environment I am used to, so I wanted to give myself a challenge! Being Strawberry Queen has already changed my life! I am now and forever will be a part of the most amazing legacy in Stilwell. I encourage other young ladies to join the pageant next year because they will have the most unique experience- there are so many different opportunities; trying and learning new things, finding who you truly and genuinely are, and meeting the best people ever! I would just like for my community to know how grateful and honored I am to be your 2025 Strawberry Queen.”
“Thank you to the Stilwell Kiwanis Club for working so hard to make this process as smooth, comfortable, and fun as possible and for the contestants and me. Thank you to everyone who donated to the pageant and thank you to everyone who congratulated me! I am so. so excited for what this year has in store for me, and I am extremely excited to serve others in my community!!”
1st Runner-up Samantha Taylor
First runner-up is Samantha Taylor, the 17-year-old daughter of Andrew and Robyn Taylor. She is in the 11th grade at Stilwell High School, where she has played both basketball and volleyball in the past. This year she is focused on her future career and attends ICTC and high school classes. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Stilwell, where she is active in the church choir, youth activities, and serving in the nursery. She says it has been a lifelong dream to run for Strawberry Festival Queen, and she is so excited to have the opportunity to run this year. Samantha plans to be a registered nurse in the future, focusing on being a traveling nurse.
2nd Runner-up
Savannah Cunningham
Second runner-up is Savannah Cunningham, the 18-year-old daughter of Joshua and Teresa Cunningham. She is in the 12th grade and is homeschooled. She is involved in the local homeschool group, where she is a leader and helps with the younger children. She is very active in Power House Church in Stilwell, where she is part of the youth worship team and is happy to serve anywhere she can. She wants to be Strawberry Festival Queen to expand the opportunities for her to serve in her community. Savannah plans to run a bed and breakfast in the future with her mother, while also focusing on music and serving the Lord.
Former Strawberry Queens
1948 Patsy Reed
1949 Patsy Prock
1950 Carline Emerson
1951 Patsy Lee
1952 Norma Lee Latta
1953 Delores Steddum
1954 Barbara Caviness
1955 Bessie Phelps
1956 Annetta Johnson
1957 Mary Jane Cabe
1958 Delois Nofire
1959 Monaray Stanfill
1960 Shirley Tate
1961 Deveryl Butler
1962 Marilyn Todd
1963 Sandy J. Goodall
1964 Deanna Briggs
1965 Calene Green
1966 Rita Kay Carson
1967 Karen Nichols
1968 Carolyn Carson
1969 Beverly Green
1970 Margaret Couch
1971 Donna Padgett
1972 Kathy Rosebeary
1973 Lydia Lewis
1974 Nina Reagon
1975 Karen Baublit
1976 Dalana Hudgins
1977 Tammy Smothers
1978 Betsy Cox
1979 Donna Terrell
1980 Vicki Guthrie
1981 Stephanie Goodall
1982 Monica Martinez
1983 Brenda Lawrence
1984 Shellie Cureton
1985 Cheryl Tackett
1986 Charlene Green
1987 Stephanie Cain
1988 Jamie Johnson
1989 Angela Brewster
1990 Angela Ross
1991 Sky Hume
1992 Rachelle Ritchie
1993 LaNetta S. Green
1994 Michelle Clifton
1995 Nikki Knight
1996 Jamie Talyor
1997 Sarah Cox
1998 Kristy Marlin
1999 Sarae Janes
2000 Crystal Dooley 2001 Susan Hill 2002 Breanna Walker 2003 Laura Ketcher 2004 Leslie Ketcher 2005 Megan Eubanks
2006 Holly Crittenden
2007 Charbrice Rhea
2008 Tawnie Goodwin
2009 Jessika Baird
2010 Whitney Reece
2011 Hanna Kindle
2012 Tori Coates
2013 Jessica Simmons
2014 Summer Taylor
2015 Lauren Lawrence
2016 Emily Christie
2017 Cheyenne McCrary
2018 Chloe Brown
2019 Sydney Ritter
2020 Gabby Guthrie
2021 Molly Helm
2022 Kelsey Berry
2023 Adrian Gaches
2024 Lily Ritter
2025 Karlee Jo Ingram
1955 Bessie Phelps
1995 Nikki Knight
1965 Calene Green
2005 Megan Eubanks
1975 Karen Baublit
2015 Lauren Lawrence
1985 Cheryl Tackett
2024 Lily Ritter
Howard Hotel Watts, Oklahoma
The Howard Hotel is a two and one-half story frame building on First Street in Watts, Oklahoma. It served as a hotel and restaurant for much of the twentieth century. The town of Watts was formed in 1912 when the Kansas City Southern Railway moved its division point from Stilwell to Watts.
The railroad economy of early-day Watts created a need for hotel accommodations. Adair County businessman and town site promoter Frank Stapler Howard purchased two lots on First Street and financed the construction of the hotel that bears his name - Howard Hotel.
Construction of the Howard Hotel began by May 1912 and the building was completef by early August. The hotel
opened for occupancy in time for the Watts town lot sale and picnic on August 23rd and 24th. Frank Stapler Howard sold his interest in the hotel soon after its completion. The property changed owners many times during the 1900’s.
In 1992, Phyllis Hagan, an educator and librarian at Watts Public School, purchased the building with the intent of renovating it for a bed and breakfast establishment. Following her retirement in 2002, she began rehabilitating the historic building room by room. Her ownership of the hotel is the longest in the building’s 105-year history.
The hotel is a stop on the Adair County Historical and Genealogical Society’s tour of Adair County historic sites conducted each fall for Adair County eighth grade students. Ms. Hagan has also hosted open house events in December.
Welcome to the 78th Annual Strawberry Festival
Where it is . . .
78th ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
www.strawberrycapital.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Carnival – Adair Park
Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Carnival – Adair Park
6:30 p.m. - Strawberry Jam - Southern Gospel SingingStilwell Grade School Gym
8:00 p.m. - The Strawberry Festival Rodeo – SLACKSponsored by Stilwell Roundup Club at Rodeo Grounds –North of Stilwell Hwy 59 North
Friday, May 9, 2025
Division Street between 1st - 4th will close at noon. 2nd Street between Division and Olive will close at noon.
Vendors may start setting up as soon as they check in at noon in front of Courthouse at Kiwanis table
4:30 p.m. - Live Entertainment on Kiwanis Stage by local artists
5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. - Carnival – Adair Park
6:00 p.m. - 5th Annual Stilwell’s Got Talent on Kiwanis Stage More live entertainment from local artists following the talent contest Cornhole contest at Third and Olive (Singles)
8:00 p.m. - The Strawberry Festival Rodeo, Sponsored by Stilwell Roundup Club at Rodeo Grounds – North of Stilwell Hwy 59 North
Saturday, May 10, 2025 – ALL DAY EVENTS --
Over 100 Spaces for Arts & Crafts, Food and Merchandise Vendors
Second Street closed (from north end to Hwy 100 West) Division Street closed (from First Street to Fourth Street) NO THRU TRAFFIC
7:00 a.m. - Fun Run – see Kiwanis website for entry form
7:30 a.m. - 5-K Run for the Berries – see Kiwanis website for entry form
OF EVENTS
78th ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
www.strawberrycapital.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8:00 – 9:45 a.m. - Parade check-in – Clevenger Street and Second Street – by Taco Bell
8:00 – 9:25 a.m. - Live Entertainment by the Stilwell Performing Arts Students – Kiwanis Stage
8:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Registration for Motorcycle and Car Show on 1st & Division Streets, Car Show on 1st and Division Street
9:40 – 10:00 a.m. - Live Entertainment 1st – 3rd place winners of Stilwell’s Got Talent – Kiwanis Stage
10:00 a.m. - Check in Farm Berries at Kiwanis Stage -Horseshoe Throwing Contest at Third and Olive -Cornhole Contest at Third and Olive (Doubles)
10:00 a.m. Strawberry Festival Parade along Second Street CITY ORDINANCE – NO THROWING OF ANY OBJECTS FROM ANY PARADE ENTRY – VIOLATORS MAY BE CITED.
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PARADE - Presentation of the 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen & Court. Announcement of Parade Winners - 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Carnival at Adair Park
11:00 a.m. - Judging of Farm Berries on Kiwanis Stage
11:30 p.m. - Check in for 5th Annual Youth Club Berries at Kiwanis Stage. Judging immediately following judging of Farm Berries
11:30 a.m. – 1:15 - Live Entertainment on Kiwanis Stage –Maud Crawford
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Berry Auction on the Kiwanis Stage
2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. - Live Entertainment on Kiwanis Stage – Spring Street Bluegrass
3:30 p.m. - Free Strawberries & Ice Cream on 2nd Street, Courtesy of the Stilwell Kiwanis
4:30 p.m. - Streets will re-open
8:00 p.m. – Stilwell Strawberry Festival Rodeo sponsored by Stilwell Roundup Club at the Rodeo Grounds – North of Stilwell on Hwy. 59 North.
Annual Strawberry Festival
1st Place Maryetta 4-H
3rd Place Westville 4-H
2nd Place Westville FFA
Legacy of Service: 1980 Strawberry Festival Queen Vicki Guthrie
My parents gave me confidence to compete in the Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant by supporting me and letting me participate in new experiences. The first thing the contestants had to do in the pageant was introduce and tell something about themselves.
Vicki remembers saying “Hi, my name is Vicki Guthrie or Bicki Gushrie as I was called during my recent 4-H Exchange Student program in Japan.” She told more about her month of living in Japan, but they laughed at her name pronunciation. She said, “I hoped that would help them remember me.”
Vicki entered the 1980 pageant at the end of her junior year. It was held at the Stilwell Community Building. Her talent was a jazz dance to “Jump, Shout, Boogie” by Barry Manilow. Vicki told us her family still teases her about it to this day and asks for an encore performance. The onstage question for all contestants was, “What do you look for in a friend?” She said, “I felt it was an easy question because I had two very good friends who had been backstage helping me all night. I just thought of them. They were always there for me during good times as well as bad times. A true friend is there no matter what.”
The first thing Vicki had to do after winning was to go to Muskogee to have her official photo taken. “Nobody told us we needed to buy our own crown so when we got there, Mom and I had a quick shopping trip downtown where we found a jewelry store that actually had tiaras.” It was stressful that day, but we have laughed about it since.”
Another activity the queen did was to promote the festival on radio and television. She was excited to go on the Betty Boyd morning show. Betty asked the court about their favorite way to eat strawberries. She said, “With Ice Cream for sure.”
Businesses in the county donated small gifts to the queen. It was the queen’s job to go around to the businesses to pick up her gifts so she could meet the business owners and people who supported the pageant. Vicki said it was a great experience for her. After serving as queen during her senior year, she graduated from Westville and attended college at NSU. She studied business and tourism/destination management. She met, fell in love and married Rowdy Reece. She changed her major to Business
Education. She taught for 6 years in Owasso, Oklahoma. Fate intervened when two very specialized teaching jobs came open the same year back in Westville, Business Education and Industrial Arts which fit both Vicki and Rowdy. They both taught at Westville until recent retirement.
While at WHS, Vicki taught business classes, drama, psychology, computers and more. She got her masters in School Counseling and followed that by getting a National Certification in Counseling. She did part time counseling through the Alternative school so she could stay in the classroom longer. Eventually she moved to the role of full-time counselor.
Vicki organized and built the Westville Scholarship Program. She said the first year they were so excited to get $5000 to give out. Each year the program has grown and grown. The scholarship program was her baby. She believed in it and wanted it to grow. “I told how my parents supported me 100%. I want our students to feel that support. We may be smaller schools in a small county, but we are behind them. Just think, if every alumni member of our schools just gave a few dollars each year, we could send them all off with a scholarship to trade school or college.”
Many of you may know Vicki as a photographer. She owns and operates Media Frenzy Photography. In addition to her business she has donated her love of photography and her time to many groups, families, and organizations. She has given free sessions to families battling life threatening illness. After the death of a former student who had become a police officer, she realized our law enforcement officers and emergency personnel didn’t have formal pictures for the agencies to share and use. She and husband Rowdy donated a day to photograph all the law enforcement officers and staff in uniform and gave them the digital copies and did the same for the Westville Fire Department. She hopes to do that again soon for all emergency and law enforcement in the county.
She belongs to several groups and organizations and moderates on several community social media pages. Another event Vicki was extremely proud to volunteer her photography skills for a few years was the Tim Tebow Night to Shine prom event. This
event is an unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs.
Her family is her world. After retirement from teaching, she works part time with her mother, Glenita, at Guthrie Printing in Westville where they are currently working on a book on the history of Cincinnati AR. She is incredibly proud of her children; Miranda Snarr is a full time English teacher and Dance/Cheer Studio owner. Matthew Reece is a dentist at Wilma P. Mankiller Clinic and a Deputy Dental Director for Cherokee Nation and finally her youngest, Whitney Perry who is a full time health teacher, volleyball coach, cheer coach, dance teacher and also a former Strawberry Queen. If you see Vicki around town, she will probably be accompanied by at least 2 or 3 of her 9 grandchildren at all times.
“My first reaction when told about this honor of being a Strawberry Queen Legacy was denial. I didn’t feel worthy. We have so many people that put their heart and soul into what they do for our community. As I listed things I had done for the article to be written, more and more things came to my memory of things accomplished, but my next reaction was motivation. If I truly want to be a Legacy, I have more work to do. You all have inspired me to keep going….to do more for my town and for Adair County.” You all have given me so much and now you have given me more.
1980 Strawberry Festival Court Queen Vicki Guthrie, 1st Runner-Up Doreen Curry, 2nd Runner-Up Cathy Brunk
Vicki Guthrie Reese
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2024 Strawberry Festival Auction Winners
Vendors who have been here for a number of years
Christy Womack, has Christy’s Collection, she has been coming to the Stilwell Strawberry Festival since 1995. She remembers her daughter sleeping under her table in her tent. This is be her 29th year.
Donna Kennebeck, has Snow Flakes Shaved Ice, has been coming since 2017.
Annie Husong, has Annie’s, when asked if she knew how long she had been coming she replied. Yes, I know exactly! 30 years! My husband and I got married on May 8 1998. We got married on Friday night and was setting up at 5 AM the next morning at the Strawberry Festival. At that time, we rented the sidewalk from Mr. Dowell Buckner. We always paid a year in advance. We rented from his for several years until vendors tents were placed in front of us. We could no longer rent sidewalks space. That would be 26 years, but my first husband is the one that actually rented the sidewalk from the retain shop before that. Keep in mind there were no vendors 30 years ago to my knowledge. I was the only vendor. I remember the next year (probably around 1995) 2 ladies was selling tea towels on the court house lawn on festival day. It went from there. So, I would say this is my 30th year. All I remember was a parade and crowning the Queen and sales of the strawberries at that time. I am happy to tell my story!
YEAR GROWER PRICE BUYER
2015 Tyler Woods$2,750 Cherokee Nation
2016 Bobby & Jane Doyle
2017 David Guevara
2018 Josh Lo
2019 Burl Doyle
2020 Juan Navarro
2021 Navarro Farms
2022 Miller Farms
2023 Doyle Country Gardens
2024 Steve Trammell
$2,800 Cherokee Nation
$2,000 Cherokee Nation
$2,700 Cherokee Nation
$2,750 Mtn. View Meat Company
$1,800 Carson Community Bank
$3,100 Mtn. View Meat Company
$3,900 Mtn. View Meat Company
$1,750 Mtn. View Meat Company
$2,000 Carson Community Bank
Saturday Afternoon
Featured Entertainment
Maud Crawford
Maud Crawford, the genre-blurring country-rock collective hailing from Northwest Arkansas, has spent two decades crafting a sound that melds the soul of southern rock with the storytelling heart of country music. Since forming in 2004, the six-piece ensemble has built a loyal following, drawing accolades along the way, including a place in the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards Hall of Fame. Their 2019 debut Wait for Me captured their dynamic, original style, and they’ve shared stages with familiar names like Diamond Rio and red dirt legend Jason Boland. As they celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2024, Maud Crawford remains a force of creative evolution, with new music on
SpringStreet
SpringStreet started in 1990 as a dream of members Mike Williams and Dan Nieto. Mike and Dan had gone to see Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys perform at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This performance inspired them to start out on a musical career of their own. They chose the band name “SpringStreet” after the city street where The Auditorium was located.
More than thirty years later, SpringStreet is still going stong entertaining folks all over the country. Members now include Nick Alberty (mandolin/ lead vocals), Steve Huhn (upright bass), Eric Campbell (fiddle/vocals), along with original members Mike Williams (banjo/vocals) and Dan Nieto (guitar/lead vocals). They have also been an award winning band as a group and as individuals.
SpringStreet is very blessed to stay on the road performing many shows throughout the Midwest and at
popular events such as: Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana; Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival” in Branson, Missouri; Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival in Waldron, Arkansas; Bluegrass & Chili Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma, and a great collection of additional shows in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Indiana.
the horizon for 2025, promising to further cement their legacy in the Americana and Southern rock scenes.
Annual Strawberry Festival
STRAWBERRY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
On behalf of the Cherokee Nation, Welcome to the 2025 Stilwell Strawberry Festival!
Principal Chief
Bryan Warner Deputy Principal Chief
SHS OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Casey Brown graduated from Stilwell High School with the Class of 2000. In the fall of that same year, he enrolled at Northeastern State University, where he pursued higher education, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2005.
Before launching his banking career, Casey worked at Wal-Mart for several years, gaining valuable experience in leadership and customer service. In 2005, he resigned as assistant manager in Sallisaw. In 2006, he accepted a position as a loan officer at
Krista (Baird) Bradley, a 1992 graduate of Stilwell High School, has dedicated her life to serving her community in numerous ways. She is married to Daniel Bradley, and together they have built a loving family, raising six children—Hannah, Lydia, Owen, Greysen, Leo, and Aurora—and welcoming four grandchildren, all of whom reside in Stilwell. She is the daughter of the late L.E. Baird and Jeffie (Baird) Krueger.
Growing up on a three-generation family farm, Krista saw firsthand the hard work and resilience required to farm the rocky terrain of Adair County. From the age of six until she was
Peoples Bank in Westville, Oklahoma, where he developed a deep understanding of community banking and built lasting relationships with local customers.
A decade later, in 2016, Casey had the opportunity to return to his hometown, where he joined Carson Community Bank—formerly known as Bank of Commerce. Over the years, he has been a part of the bank’s growth and community outreach. Today, he serves as EVP/Stilwell Market President, and in 2017, he was appointed to the Board of Directors. Beyond his professional achievements, Casey is devoted to giving back to his community. Actively involved in several local organizations, he has been a dedicated member of the Stilwell Kiwanis Club since 2016 and has served as Treasurer
His commitment to serving his community is evident in his roles on the United Way Board and the Board of Trustees of the Adair County EMS, where he helps support essential services that benefit residents throughout the area. He is grateful to be part of such a generous and giving community.
Casey and his wife, Annie, have built a strong foundation together over 19 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of two sons, Carson and Cannon, whom they are raising in the East Peavine community. Their family enjoys the simple joys of country life, tending to their small farm and raising cattle. Along with his professional and civic duties, Casey takes pride in being a member of the Choctaw Nation. He is also a member of the local First Christian Church.
For Casey, family, hard work, and community are not just values—they are guiding principles that shape everything he does. Whether through his leadership in banking, his service on local boards, or his dedication to his loved ones, he remains committed to making a positive and lasting impact on those around him.
twenty-one, she worked summers at the family market, learning the values of dedication and perseverance.
After graduating from Stilwell High School, Krista pursued higher education at Northeastern State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She is also on track to complete her Doctorate in Psychology in 2025. Driven by a deep passion for understanding and helping others, she embarked on a career in mental health.
Although she spent time living in various towns after college, Krista always remained connected to her family and the people in her community, working both in person and remotely for Tenkiller Behavioral Services since 1997. In 2011, she returned to Stilwell, the place she had always called home. A licensed
professional counselor since 2000, she founded Phoenix Counseling Services in June 2014 and has since dedicated herself to supporting the mental health needs of her community. Over the past decade, she has committed herself to strengthening families, empowering children, and amplifying the voices of those too often dismissed and unheard.
Beyond her professional work, Krista is an active community leader. She has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as President of the Stilwell Kiwanis Club from 2022 to 2024. She is also deeply involved in First Baptist Church of Stilwell, where she serves in Awana, Vacation Bible School, and as the children’s choir director. She has also served on the Peavine School Board and is a member of the Zoning and Planning Committee for Stilwell.
In her free time, Krista cherishes moments with her family, enjoys playing with her grandchildren, reading, traveling with her husband, and tending to her beloved backyard chickens. She hopes that her commitment to her family, faith, and community positively impacts those around her.
Help Continue this Long-Standing Stilwell TRADITION! YOU CAN JOIN!
Stilwell is most famously known as the Strawberry Capital of the World, a title attributed to the unwavering dedication of our diligent strawberry growers. Many of them begin in the fall of the previous year to ensure we have perfectly ripe strawberries available just in time for our celebrated festival. Each year the growers enter their very best berries for a chance to be awarded as the Grand Champion at our prestigious annual contest. is has their berries auctioned o as the coveted 1st place berries at the Stilwell Kiwanis Strawberry Auction. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 10th, 2025, 2 p.m. at the Kiwanis Stage and show your support by participating in the Champion Berry Auction. e auction warmly welcomes ALL strawberry enthusiasts, anyone can bid. Just bring your pocketbook and join the fun! Our wonderful berry growers help keep this beloved tradition alive for our community, so let’s show them how proud we are of our famous Stilwell strawberries!
Annual Strawberry Festival
