Labor Day offers last chance for summer fun

Brandy McDonnell, Entertainment Writer Comments 0
Published: September 4, 2009

Schools are back in session, swimming pools are closing down, and the sun is setting earlier every night. Autumn is beginning to take hold, but this Labor Day weekend offers one last chance to celebrate summer. From festivals and rodeos to movies and concerts, several Oklahoma venues are providing ideal opportunities to have one last summertime blowout.

Collin D. Rosebrook takes pottery out of kiln during last year's Arts Festival Oklahoma. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES

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Here are just some of the events taking place this Labor Day weekend.

→Arts Festival Oklahoma: Take in the wares of 150 visual artists, live music from Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Horseshoe Road and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, children’s activities and more at the 31st annual festival at Oklahoma City Community College, 7777 S May Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Information: 682-7576 or www.occc.edu/AFO.

→Mayor’s Blues Ball, Medicine Park: Hear 15 authentic blues bands perform live at the resort town’s third annual blues ball. Hours are 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Information: (580) 529-2825 or www.medicinepark.com.

→Henryetta’s Labor Day Celebration: Billed as the largest Labor Day event in the state, Henryetta’s festivities include a carnival, parade, gospel concert, car show, rodeo, fireworks and more. The activities take place today through Monday in various places around town. Information: (918) 652-3331 or www.henryetta.org/events.htm.

→Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival, Tuskahoma: Experience Choctaw cultural exhibits, an intertribal powwow, stickball games, arts and crafts and live music from Billy Currington, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson and more. Activities begin at 9 a.m. today and Monday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Choctaw Capitol grounds. Information: (580) 924-8280 or www.choctawnation.com.

→Dusk ‘til Dawn Blues Festival, Rentiesville: Get the blues with 30 bands performing on three stages, plus children’s activities, at the birthplace and home of late Oklahoma blues legend D.C. Minner, 701 D.C. Minner St. Hours are 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. today through Sunday. Information: (918) 473-2411 or www.dcminnerblues.com.

→Sam Noble Oklahoma History Museum’s Movie Night, Norman: See the movie "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” and the galleries tonight at the museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. The galleries will be open from 7 to 8:30 tonight, with the movie starting at 8:30. Information: 325-4712 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.

→Cherokee National Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Park Hill: Take in about 70 American Indian art, craft and food booths, a marble tournament and blowgun event at Cherokee Heritage Center, 21192 S Keeler Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday. Information: (918) 456-6007 or www.cherokeeheritage.org.

→Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park: See The Bard’s comedy "Twelfth Night” in the company’s final weekend for this summmer on the Myriad Gardens Water Stage. Performances are at 8 tonight and Saturday. Information: 235-3700 or www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

→The Beach Boys, Quapaw: Hear the "Good Vibrations” when the band plays at 2 p.m. Sunday at The Venue at Downstream Casino, 69300 E Nee Road. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Information: (888) 396-7876 or www.downstreamcasino.com.

→PRCA Rodeo of Champions, Elk City: Catch the pro rodeo action, Wrangler bullfights, parade, children’s carnival and concerts by Joe Diffie and Ricochet at this 71st annual event at Beutler Brothers Rodeo Arena in Ackley Park. Gates open at 7 tonight through Sunday. Information: (580) 225-0207 or www.elkcitychamber.com.

→Loose Caboose Festival, Purcell: This Main Street festival features antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, live music, food booths and wine tastings. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: 527-0462 or www.loosecaboosefestival.com.

→Labor Day at Remington Park: Starting at noon Monday, the racino will give away free Lucky Louie Bobbleheads while supplies last. Sodas, hot dogs, beer and programs are $1 all day. Face painting, train rides and giant inflatables will be offered to kids. Racing begins at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Information: 424-1000 or www.remingtonpark.com.

→Arcadia Blues Festival & Rodeo: Take in rodeo action, live rhythm and blues, a parade, youth talent show, block party and more at this 26th annual event at various locations in Arcadia. The festivities start at 7 tonight, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Information: 396-2510 or www.arcadia bluesfestival.com.

For more events, go online to www.wimgo.com.