Red Fern Reminiscent of Less Hectic TimesCome back to a time of searching for crawdads, hound dog field trials and just plain fun at the 5th annual Red Fern Festival on April 29 and 30 at Norris Park in downtown Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Materializing as a way to honor native son Wilson Rawls and his best-selling book, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” the Red Fern Festival has matured into an award-winning event recognized nationally.
“We are proud that our event went from an intangible thing to a popular festival that so many visitors enjoy,” said Kate Kelly, tourism director with the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone in the state should be proud that one of our native sons authored ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ she added.
Author Wilson Rawls grew up in the Tahlequah area where the story is set. Many may not realize the impact this story has had, and continues to have, said Kelly. The book is in the curriculum of at least fifty percent of schools in the United States, and its popularity does not seem to be waning.
The Festival is composed of some of the best aspects of the story with one of the highlights being the hound Dog Field Trials, held throughout the two-day event.
Children’s activities are many and varied and range from old-fashioned 1930s-era games to modern art activities, and of course, catching crawdads.
Other events include Red Fern Chili Cook Off and Barbeque Extravaganza; live entertainment; 5K Run and One Mile Dog Jog; 5C’s Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show; Red Fern Poker Run; Tahlequack Duck Rack and more.
For more information about top events in Oklahoma take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oklahoma.
For more information on the Red Fern Festival, visit www.RedFernFestival.com