The Bixby Green Corn Festival Returns!

Even the mildest of winter seasons can leave us longing for spring and summer; to be able to put away the heavy coats and jackets, the chilly weather sweaters and boots, and to be outside in the sunshine and the greenery during the warm months. This is the time of year that people like most to spend time with family and friends in the sun-drenched outdoors and is especially delightful to enjoy at a festival. One such event to look forward to is the Bixby Green Corn Festival, held annually every fourth Thursday, Friday and Saturday in June.

“This is the 48th year for the Optimist Club of Bixby [a local group dedicated to the improvement of the youth of the community] to be sponsoring the event,” says Kevin Dean, Chairman. “The event itself has been around since about 1948, when Clyde Miller, a local farmer, started it after a very fruitful harvest.”

Held in downtown Bixby, the festival offers food, arts and crafts, carnival rides and games, contests, and pageants for three different youth age groups, vying for the title of Little Miss and Mister Bixby.

Musical entertainment is varied; Thursday night is Gospel Night, and local church singers will perform. On Friday night, Travis Bond and the Rebel Souls and Bottoms Up will take the stage; and Saturday will feature the Riverside Rebellion Band, with Danny Davis and the Dirt Road Detours closing out the night.

When asked about his favorite event of the festival, Dean was candid.

“As much as I like listening to some of the awesome bands we bring in, or watching who can stuff their face full of watermelon or devour an ear of corn the fastest, or riding the carnival rides or getting my fill of Pineapple Whip – the event I look forward to the most is the Box Turtle and Bullfrog Races. To see the kids’ faces when they bring their turtles or frogs up for entry, and then to hear their screams when the frogs hit the crowd – that’s priceless.”

“The Green Corn Festival gives the opportunity to gather and interact,” says Dean. “We have kid and adult games that families can compete in together, or they can join forces with friends to win the prize. You get to be outside, enjoy the sunshine, and be with family and friends!”

The Bixby Green Corn Festival is to be held June 23-25, in the heart of downtown Bixby, south and east of 151st Street and Memorial; the Charley Young Park is the location of the Gazebo Stage. For more information, visit the Bixby Optimist’s Club website at www.bixbyoptimist.com.