4 minute read
LILAC FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN CLAREMORE
from Value News May25
by Values, Inc.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
BY AARIKA COPELAND
Claremore, Oklahoma, is gearing up for an exciting new tradition as the Lilac Festival prepares to take over historic downtown! From June 26 to 28, the Lilac Festival will immerse visitors in the city’s rich cultural heritage, blending native and settler traditions in a vibrant celebration filled with music, food, art, and family-friendly activities. Susan Gebhart, Committee Chairperson, couldn’t be more excited about the event’s debut. “This festival is all about honoring Claremore’s past while celebrating the growth and revitalization of the Lilac District,” she shared. The festival’s name itself pays tribute to Claremore native and Cherokee playwright Lynn Riggs, whose play “Green Grow the Lilacs” inspired the world-famous musical “Oklahoma!”. Gebhart added, “Tying together the roots of Claremore’s settlers and Cherokee influences makes for something truly special”.
The Lilac Festival Features Music, Arts, Food Trucks, and Sweets
The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 26, during downtown’s popular Food Truck Thursday from 6-9 PM. Strolling through the closed-off streets of the Lilac District, attendees will find businesses showcasing special lilac-inspired products, and a variety of Cherokee Artisan vendor booths. Monica Champ, a registered artist with the Cherokee Nation is recruiting fellow Cherokee artists to display and sell their work, ensuring a rich and authentic cultural representation. While enjoying lively music and local flavors attendees will enjoy seeing a ribbon skirt display and fashion show at 320 on Main, spotlighting the intricate textile artistry of Native American culture.
Friday night (tentatively 6-9 PM) is all about music, square dancing and sweets, as a lively Street Dance and Pie Auction take center stage. Festival-goers can learn how to square dance in a setting reminiscent of the “Oklahoma!” musical while bidding on homemade pies and sweets. It’s the perfect way to experience a little nostalgia while making new memories.
The Lilac Festival Has Something For All Ages and Interests
Saturday morning sees a Main Street Market Day in full swing. Downtown businesses will open early at 9 AM, offering special deals and lilac-themed surprises. Just a block away, the Farmer’s Market at the Claremore Courthouse parking lot will provide fresh local produce and goods. Families will love the sidewalk chalk art area for kids, as well as a special Cherokee storytelling session held at Gazebo Park. Children will get to decorate rocks to create symbolic animals like water spiders, turtles, and a colorful snake that will become a feature in the Lilac District. All these animals hold significance in Cherokee folklore. Quilt lovers will appreciate the quilt show, which pays homage to settler-era craftsmanship and features talented local quilters.
Recent Lilac District Upgrades
Claremore Main Street Inc, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic downtown district is the organizer of the Lilac Festival. The Cherokee Nation is the title sponsor along with other sponsors soon to be announced. The festival will also highlight ongoing efforts to enhance the Lilac District’s charm. According to Steve Robinson, CMS Executive Director, the event will showcase the initial efforts of a new CMS initiative to transform the facade of Claremore Main Street. The project will include adding flower baskets to light poles, branding Main Street with the new CMS logo, painting the light poles, and installing more planting areas to produce an overall visual that ties in with the name Lilac District.
With free admission and parking, the Lilac Festival promises to be a weekend filled with community spirit, cultural appreciation, and plenty of fun. “Claremore has a very active downtown community, committed to keeping it attractive and vibrant,” said Gebhart. “We hope attendees walk away with a deeper connection to our town’s history and a fantastic family experience.”
Don’t miss the chance to experience the Lilac Festival—where history and community come to life!
Lilac Festival at a Glance
Thursday, June 26
Lilac-themed merchant displays
6-9 PM: Food Truck Thursday
Native American artisan market
Ribbon skirt display & fashion show (320 on Main)
Music & street closures for easy exploring
Friday, June 27
Street Dance & Pie Auction (6-9 PM, tentative)
Square dance lessons
Auction featuring delicious homemade pies and sweets
Saturday, June 28
9 AM – Noon: Main Street Market Day
Downtown business specials and Farmer’s Market
Sidewalk chalk art for kids
Cherokee storyteller & rock-decorating activity
Quilt show
LILAC FESTIVAL
VISITCLAREMORE.COM/EVENTS/ | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LILACDISTRICTOK
