The lnternational Festival, a three day event will open 5pm on Friday, September 28. Opening Ceremonies follow at 6 pm on the South Stage (2nd Street). There is no attendance fee or parking fee, not even for the stages! Literally, to attend, it is "a walk in the park".
We are excited to announce that we will again host a Naturalization Ceremony where residents representing different countries will take the Oath of Allegiance and be sworn in as US Citizens. The festival hours are Friday 5 to 10pm, Saturday 11am to 10pm, and Sunday I2 Noon to 5pm.
The festival is a family oriented event full of fun, food, children’s games and activities, demonstration artists, sales and display vendors, and non-stop multi-cultural entertainment. Entertainment this year continues with the “Interactive Area” located at the Garden Pavilion featuring cultural demonstrations by various performers and artists. A highlight at the area will be on Saturday at 1pm, when Teresa Black, Oklahoma Singer and Storyteller will perform. Other presenters include Origami with Nancy Anderson, Easy Pińata Making with Mexican Folkloric Dancers as well as a Kite Flight with free kites (supplies limited) for children on Sunday. In addition, David Wonders will walk the festival grounds captivating everyone of all ages with balloon art and comedy street magic adding to the fun on Saturday and Sunday!
Volunteer community performers this year include: Aambri-al, ABKA Lion Heart Karate-Do, Ahava Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, Aislinn & The Snake River Gang, Cori Emmett, Castillo’s Own Pipe Band, Dances of India, Desert Moon Dance Troupe, Filipino American Association of Lawton/Fort Sill, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Choir w/ band, Grupo RVE, Hannah Esquer, International Group, Island Paradise, John Adams Kickin Patriots & Music Express, Kealii’s Polynesian Spectacular, Kickers of Lawton, Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Miss Lawton Brooke Jeffus & Miss Lawton’ Outstanding Teen, Leah Salas, Myron Beeson, Sound Illusion, SW Institute of Chinese Martial Arts, and YMCA Zumba.
The two main stages, the 2nd Street Stage (located east of the Holiday House) and the Lake Helen Stage (north) will feature non-stop entertainment. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, there will be free headline concerts on both stages! The International Festival is pleased to present the following headliners (subject to change):
Friday Night Concerts
Needfire
www.needfiremusic.com
Celtic Rock, back by popular demand!!
Blending rock guitars, bass, and drums with soaring bagpipes and reeling Celtic fiddle, Needfire offers a fresh alternative rock sound to the world of traditional Irish & Scottish music. Headlining festivals coast to coast, Texas-based Needfire invigorates vintage Celtic music with the heart of rock & roll.
Mikel and the Blood Washed Blues Band
http://mbwbb.com
Mikel & the Blood Washed Blues Band is an American Indian Southern Rock and Blues band from Konawa, Oklahoma that formed in November, 2006. Since that time they have performed throughout the state as well as in Branson, Missouri. They are back by popular demand for their third International Festival performance. Mikel Daggett, songwriter, lead vocal, rhythm and lead guitar, won the 2011 Musician of the Year Award by the Branson Gospel Singer/Songwriters Association. He was also a finalist for the 2011 Artist of the Year, a 2011 New Horizon finalist for Male Vocalist of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. Having grown up around musicians, "When I first heard Stevie Ray Vaughn play, I knew I had found my niche," says Mikel, "With influences like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Lynard Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters; well, what can I say?”
Saturday Night Concerts
Del Castillo
http://delcastillomusic.com
Eclectic blend of Flamenco, Rock, Latin, Blues, and World music
Winners of 18 various music awards and profiled by Rolling Stone, Billboard, & Guitar One Magazine
“Their secret weapons are brothers Rick and Mark Del Castillo, whose tumbling brilliance on nylon-string classical guitars features jaw-dropping dual leads. These eruptions of technique and taste conjure images of Eddie Van Halen fronting early Santana (with an assist from the Gipsy Kings)." , Rolling Stone Magazine
Samantha Rose Band
http://samantharoseonline.com
Samantha Rose will perform with her full band for her first performance at the International Festival. She grew up in Lawton, OK and now lives near Oklahoma City. Samantha’s music is a blend of original songwriting with nods to Southern Rock, Country, and Pop. Her touring schedule has included Nashville’s Whiskey Bent Saloon, various Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill Restaurants as well as other venues throughout the state.
The lnternational Festival began in 1979 as an "Ethnic Exposition" and was created out of a desire to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Lawton's diverse heritage, sponsored by the Lawton Public Library with assistance from the City of Lawton and community volunteers. In 1982, the event's name was officially changed to the "lnternational Festival" and over the years has grown into a three-day event averaging 39,000 to 43,000 in attendance. The festival provides local ethnic organizations and other groups and individuals an opportunity to display aspects of their culture that makes the Lawton-Ft. Sill community so unique, while developing community spirit and participation through involvement of local residents, civic organizations, businesses and schools.
MAJOR SPONSORS
Major sponsors of the International Festival are the City of Lawton, Lawton Arts & Humanities Council and its International Festival Committee, Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Friends of the Library, McMahon Foundation, and funding and/or support for this event is partially provided by the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce/ Lawton Hotel-Motel Tax Fund
PLATINUM MEDIA SPONSORS
Brisa Tropical, KBZQ-FM, KCCU-FM Public Radio, KSWO TV, Lawton Constitution, Lawtoninfo.com, Magic 95 & Okie Magazine, OK Family Publishing & Media Group (Red River Family Magazine and Rio Grande Family Magazine), Perry Broadcasting – KJMZ, KKRX, KXCA, and Townsquare Media – KLAW, Z94, & MY 107.3FM.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For public parking, enter the park at 3rd & NW Ferris Avenue. Please note that the festival will go on rain or shine and some events may be subject to change without notice. Festival services include Information Booths, ATM onsite, Diaper Den, and First Aid Station. Also, “Park and Ride” shuttle service is free from the McMahon Memorial Auditorium Parking Lot located at 801 NW Ferris Avenue to the festival site. For all events and locations on the festival grounds, the festival committee respectfully requests that all visitors refrain from bringing pets (only service animals), bicycles, skateboards and alcoholic beverages. Call 580-581-3470 or 581-3471 for more information. Visit www.cityof.lawton.ok.us/lahc
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
The events begin Friday night with the NFL Punt, Pass, & Kick. Then, Saturday's events include Sunrise Shootout, Fishing Derby and Football Jamboree. Contact Reggie Seaton at 581-3400 for more information and updates.
FESTIVAL VOUNTEERS NEEDED!
As in previous years, we are counting on support from our festival volunteers! Have you considered volunteering? Besides having fun --- volunteering offers great opportunities to meet new people, gain valuable experience for your resume or college application, community visibility for your organization or business and a great bonding experience for your family or group! To volunteer at the 33rd Annual International Festival, call the Arts & Humanities Div. office at 580-581-3470/3471.
Time:
All day event
Location:
PetSence 4019 Northwest Cache Road, Lawton
Description:
will be hosting a two day pet adoption. Animals from several rescues will be in attendance. Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm come on out and meet your new best friend.
Time:
2:00pm-5:00pm
Description:
Everyone is invited to the Shortgrass Arts & Humanities Council's Gala in the Garden Encore this Sunday September 30th from 2 to 5 at the Wilcoxen Gardens at 712 East Walker in Altus. Enjoy this secret treasure of a garden and the fabulous music of strolling minstrels Dr David and Kittie Huey, the poetry of Oklahoma Poet Laureate Eddie Wilcoxen, and the beautiful sunflower paintings of the Altus Spouses Club members! It's come and go! Call 471-9733 for questions.
Time:
6:00pm-9:00pm
Description:
LAWTON-FT.SILL BRIDGE CLUB - $4.00
Time:
6:00pm-7:00pm
Location:
Westminster Presbyterian Church 7110 W. Gore Lawton
Description:
Affected, At-risk, Caregivers, Interested Persons
Huntington's Disease Support Group meeting
Location:
Macarthur Middle School Aux Gymn
Description:
CrossFire Volleyball Academy announces tryouts for 14 & under girls, Sunday October 14th, 1:00 p.m.,at Macarthur Middle School Aux Gymn, cost $30.00, requires proof of OKRVA registration, more info at crossfirevba.com
Time:
1:00pm-3:00pm
Location:
Center of Creative Living, 3501 SW Dr. Elsie Hamm (F Ave.) Lawton, OK
Description:
Comanche County OHCE Leader Lesson
“Internet Safety for All Ages”
Presented By: Kent Murray, Agricultural Business Management Coordinator at the Great Plains Technology Center & Cody Holt, Small Business Coordinator at the Great Plains Technology Center
When: Tuesday October 2th from 2-4 pm
Where: Center of Creative Living
3501 SW Dr. Elsie Hamm (F Ave.) Lawton, OK
Open to the public, come and learn with Comanche County Oklahoma Home and Community Education.
Location:
Outskirts 5029 Old Jacksboro Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302
Send Reminder:
Yes - 0 days 4 hour 0 minutes before start
Description:
Free dance Lessons Join Us For Free Country Western Dance Instructions! Starting in September we will meet each Wednesday,7:00 pm. at Outskirts on Old Jacksboro Hwy. Wichita Falls, Tx. No partner needed, We will teach a new partner dance each Month. Dances will be Two Step, Waltz, Polka, Progressive Double 2, Swing (East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, 2Step Swing), Cha Cha, Night Club 2 Step and More. The Last 1/2 hour will have a line dance to teach. Join us for fun and excercise and meet new friends call 940-867-1478 or email texomaallcountrydance@yahoo.com texomaallcountrydance.webs.com
Time:
11:30am-2:30pm
Location:
CENTER FOR CREATIVED LIVING
Description:
LAWTON-FT.SILL BRIDGE CLUB - $4.00
Time:
11:00am-12:00pm
Location:
"Wichita Room" in the Shepler Center at Cameron University in Lawton, OK
Description:
The Greater Lawton Rotary Club is a part of District 5770.
Our history goes back to 1918 with the combined history of the Lawton Rotary Club and the Lawton West Rotary Club. In 2008 both clubs got together and combined to create The Greater Lawton Rotary Club of Lawton. The merger of our two former clubs has been fantastic!
We are able to multiply the talents and energy of both clubs and serve both the local community and the projects of Rotary International in ways that is greater than what we could have done separately. We are one cohesive club with lots of great fellowship. We are recognized as the premier and most active community service organization in the Lawton Area.
Members include business and professional leaders primarily from Southwest Oklahoma. We are a friendly and committed nonprofit organization “Leading the Way” to help improve the quality of life for those in need.
Members of the Greater Lawton Rotary Club benefit from the relationships built over the past 90+ years with the City of Lawton, the Chamber of Commerce, various nonprofit organizations, educators and business leaders within our community.
Rotary was founded on a high standard of ethics as described in our 4 Way Test.
If you are interested in meaningful community service opportunities, valuable interaction with business leaders and great fellowship, join us for lunch.
Time:
4:30pm-8:00pm
Description:
LAWTON-FT SILL BRIDGE CLUB - 5:30 DINNER - 6:00 PLAY
Description:
The Lawton Community Theatre will open its 61st Season with one of our favorite things, “The Sound of Music” with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The story is suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. It follows Maria’s journey from life as a young postulant in Nonnberg Abbey to her marriage to the principled Captain von Trapp where she became mother to his seven charming but challenging children. As World War II looms and the Captain is called to service, the family makes the decision to flee their beloved Austria.
Maria is played by the talented Mandee Thomas; Captain Georg von Trapp is played by the equally talented Johnny Horn. The von Trapp children are a delight with Victoria Jolly as Liesl, Matt Ortner as Friedrich, Kristi Saliba as Louisa, Andrew Celedon as Kurt, Heather Martin as Brigitta, Emma Shady as Marta, and Isabel Celedon as Gretl. Sherra Gray plays Mother Abbess; Cindy Martin plays Sister Berthe; April Martin plays Sister Sophia; Debbie Wood is Sister Margaretta. George Porter IV plays Rolf Gruber; Katie Noffsker plays Elsa Shraeder and Neil West plays Max Detweiler. Also in the cast are Dylan Bittner, Joe Wotring, KW Hillis, Johanna Miller, Renee McGuinn, Kathryn Patterson, Kaitlyn Powell, and Riann McKelvey.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6 at 8pm; Sunday, October 7 at 2PM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 11, 12 and 13 at 8PM and Sunday, October 14 at 2PM. Tickets are $14, $20, and $22. This is a family-friendly show and children under 12 will be admitted for $10 with a paid adult. Reservations are highly recommended and may be purchased at the LCT Box Office, 1316 NW Bell Avenue, by calling (580) 355-1600. With the opening of our season LCT announces the availability of online ticket sales. Single and group tickets may be purchased by visiting www.lct-ok.org.
“The Sound of Music” is generously sponsored by EZ Go and City National Bank. All Lawton Community Theatre projects are made possible by grants from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the City of Lawton and the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Hotel-Motel Tax Fund. LCT is a charter member of Arts for All, Inc.
Description:
The Trail of Fear Scream Park, Oklahoma's Largest Haunted Attraction is back....bigger and better than ever before for our 15th year of TERROR!
Located in Lawton, the Trail of Fear began as a single attraction in 1998 with a small tent and outdoor maze. Today the Trail of Fear is the largest haunted attraction in Oklahoma and is growing to be one of the top haunted attractions in the United States.
The Trail of Fear consists of 4 main attractions.
Trail of Fear Haunted Scream Park Reviews
ALL NEW FOR 2012!
The Experiment: a self guided tour of the excavation sites, trails, and facilities that were once operated by Dr. Michael Kultra and his team of researchers. In 1946 he began an experiment based on his archeological discoveries and heinous surgical practices. Something went wrong…very wrong.
Crispy Family Carnival: A Sideshow Revue combines the style of the classic era side shows with modern day edginess and finesse and features the best performers and attractions from the best shows from around the world!
The Trail of Fear Halloween Midway: includes Live Zombie Target Practice, Coffin Maker, Witches House, and much more….
Boo House BBQ: featuring delicious smoked BBQ dishes as well as mouth-watering hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and MUCH more.....
The Trail of Fear Apothescary: features all sorts of souvenirs including T-Shirts, various glow in the dark items, jewelry, and other things that might make your skin crawl!
The Pumpkin Junction: October 19-20, and 26-27 only
Trick or Treat, listen to Halloween Stories, and see some magic! A wonderful event for entire families is back at the Trail of Fear.
Location:
Duncan, OK
Description:
“Colors of Fall" will be the theme of the free 34th annual quilt show sponsored by the Stephens County Historical Museum and OHCE (Oklahoma Home and Community Education) clubs of Stephens County.
There will be over 100 quilts and quilted items on display at the Stephens County Historical Museum at the intersection of Beech and Highway 81, inside Fuqua Park, Duncan, OK.
There will be a quilt competition for quilts made with fall colors, but all quilts, new to antique, are welcome and encouraged. There is no entry fee.
Enter Quilts - Wednesday, October 3, 1-5 p.m.
Quilt Viewing - Friday, October 5, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, October 6th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Quilts Released - Saturday, October 6th, after 4 p.m.
There will be a raffle for a quilt made and donated by OHCE. 100% of donations go to support the Stephens County Historical Museum. Tickets for Quilt raffle will be available through OHCE members. The quilt drawing will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 6th, 2012.
For information or quilt entry forms contact either: OHCE Cultural Enrichment Co-Chairmen Betty Rupe at krupes@pldi.net or Zelpha Taylor at 580-439-2468 or Museum Director PeeWee Cary at 580-252-0717.
Time:
7:00am-4:00pm
Location:
7 NW Valleybrook Drive (Pecan Valley South)
Description:
Yard Sale Fundraiser for the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Oklahoma.
Come browse through tables of treasures to buy and take home.
All items sold will go towards the care and treatment of our Great Pyrenees dogs in the rescue and those still in shelters.
Description:
The Lawton Community Theatre will open its 61st Season with one of our favorite things, “The Sound of Music” with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The story is suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. It follows Maria’s journey from life as a young postulant in Nonnberg Abbey to her marriage to the principled Captain von Trapp where she became mother to his seven charming but challenging children. As World War II looms and the Captain is called to service, the family makes the decision to flee their beloved Austria.
Maria is played by the talented Mandee Thomas; Captain Georg von Trapp is played by the equally talented Johnny Horn. The von Trapp children are a delight with Victoria Jolly as Liesl, Matt Ortner as Friedrich, Kristi Saliba as Louisa, Andrew Celedon as Kurt, Heather Martin as Brigitta, Emma Shady as Marta, and Isabel Celedon as Gretl. Sherra Gray plays Mother Abbess; Cindy Martin plays Sister Berthe; April Martin plays Sister Sophia; Debbie Wood is Sister Margaretta. George Porter IV plays Rolf Gruber; Katie Noffsker plays Elsa Shraeder and Neil West plays Max Detweiler. Also in the cast are Dylan Bittner, Joe Wotring, KW Hillis, Johanna Miller, Renee McGuinn, Kathryn Patterson, Kaitlyn Powell, and Riann McKelvey.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6 at 8pm; Sunday, October 7 at 2PM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 11, 12 and 13 at 8PM and Sunday, October 14 at 2PM. Tickets are $14, $20, and $22. This is a family-friendly show and children under 12 will be admitted for $10 with a paid adult. Reservations are highly recommended and may be purchased at the LCT Box Office, 1316 NW Bell Avenue, by calling (580) 355-1600. With the opening of our season LCT announces the availability of online ticket sales. Single and group tickets may be purchased by visiting www.lct-ok.org.
“The Sound of Music” is generously sponsored by EZ Go and City National Bank. All Lawton Community Theatre projects are made possible by grants from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the City of Lawton and the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Hotel-Motel Tax Fund. LCT is a charter member of Arts for All, Inc.
Description:
The Trail of Fear Scream Park, Oklahoma's Largest Haunted Attraction is back....bigger and better than ever before for our 15th year of TERROR!
Located in Lawton, the Trail of Fear began as a single attraction in 1998 with a small tent and outdoor maze. Today the Trail of Fear is the largest haunted attraction in Oklahoma and is growing to be one of the top haunted attractions in the United States.
The Trail of Fear consists of 4 main attractions.
Trail of Fear Haunted Scream Park Reviews
ALL NEW FOR 2012!
The Experiment: a self guided tour of the excavation sites, trails, and facilities that were once operated by Dr. Michael Kultra and his team of researchers. In 1946 he began an experiment based on his archeological discoveries and heinous surgical practices. Something went wrong…very wrong.
Crispy Family Carnival: A Sideshow Revue combines the style of the classic era side shows with modern day edginess and finesse and features the best performers and attractions from the best shows from around the world!
The Trail of Fear Halloween Midway: includes Live Zombie Target Practice, Coffin Maker, Witches House, and much more….
Boo House BBQ: featuring delicious smoked BBQ dishes as well as mouth-watering hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and MUCH more.....
The Trail of Fear Apothescary: features all sorts of souvenirs including T-Shirts, various glow in the dark items, jewelry, and other things that might make your skin crawl!
The Pumpkin Junction: October 19-20, and 26-27 only
Trick or Treat, listen to Halloween Stories, and see some magic! A wonderful event for entire families is back at the Trail of Fear.
Description:
“Colors of Fall" will be the theme of the free 34th annual quilt show sponsored by the Stephens County Historical Museum and OHCE (Oklahoma Home and Community Education) clubs of Stephens County.
There will be over 100 quilts and quilted items on display at the Stephens County Historical Museum at the intersection of Beech and Highway 81, inside Fuqua Park, Duncan, OK.
There will be a quilt competition for quilts made with fall colors, but all quilts, new to antique, are welcome and encouraged. There is no entry fee.
Enter Quilts - Wednesday, October 3, 1-5 p.m.
Quilt Viewing - Friday, October 5, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, October 6th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Quilts Released - Saturday, October 6th, after 4 p.m.
There will be a raffle for a quilt made and donated by OHCE. 100% of donations go to support the Stephens County Historical Museum. Tickets for Quilt raffle will be available through OHCE members. The quilt drawing will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 6th, 2012.
For information or quilt entry forms contact either: OHCE Cultural Enrichment Co-Chairmen Betty Rupe at krupes@pldi.net or Zelpha Taylor at 580-439-2468 or Museum Director PeeWee Cary at 580-252-0717.
Description:
The Third annual “Buckin at Saint Jo” takes place on Saturday Oct. 6, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Saint Jo Rodeo Arena. The Saint Jo Riding Club is hosting this event, which is a benefit for the Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department. The Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services to our community and surrounding areas (approximately a 210 square-mile area in east central Montague County).
The “Buckin at Saint Jo” presents an entire evening of exciting bull riding. This year, the event has been sanctioned by the UPRA. For the younger participants, there will be Muttin Bustin and a Stick Bull Competition. Montague County Cowboy Church will be providing the concessions. There is also a Raffle for 2 separate “Day Hunts” at a local game ranch. Raffle tickets may be purchased on the night of the “Buckin” or by contacting: LouAnn 940-727-2202, Nancee 940-995-2885, MaLynn 940-841-4580, or Debbie 940-736-9919. Come Join us at the Saint Jo Riding Club Arena for the “Buckin at Saint Jo” and help support our local Saint Jo Volunteer Fire Department.
UPRA Sanctioned.
Books Open Tuesday 10-2-2012. For entry info-go to urodeo.com
Location:
Hobart Regional Airport, Hobart, Oklahoma
Description:
Join the fun on Saturday October 6th for the 5th Annual Hobart's Pumpkin Palooza at the Hobart Regional Airport.
The day of events begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues all day, ending with the pumpkin chunkin' starting at 2.
For more information go to www.hobartmainst.com or call 580-726-4206.
If you want to enter the chunkin' contest call 580-682-1901.
Time:
6:00am-2:00pm
Location:
#10 SW 24th Street
Description:
Huge Church wide garage sale! First Free Will Baptist Church, #10 SW 24th Street, Lawton
All kids sizes clothes, toys, furniture tools, & more!
Come early for bargains!
Time:
6:00am
Location:
Sheridan & Lincoln, Lawton, OK
Description:
Garage Sale/Bake Sale fundraiser for Job's Daughters Bethel 7, sponsored by Masonic Lodge 183
Time:
6:00am-3:00pm
Location:
7 NW Valleybrook Drive (Pecan Valley South)
Description:
Come shop for treasures to take home at our yard sale fundraiser. All proceeds will go towards the care and treatment of Great Pyrenees Dogs in our rescue and those still in shelters.
Something for everyone.
Time:
7:00pm-9:00pm
Description:
“Skating under the Stars”
When: October 6, 2012 7pm-9pm
Where: 38th & Lee McMahon Hockey Arena
Bring your own quad, speed or inline skates
Family Friendly Night
Suggested that you bring 2 cans of food items to be donated to Lawton Food Bank
DJ: by Afterwork Productions Top 40 playlist
Be the first 25 and receive Glow bracelets!
In case of Inclement Weather: Event will be canceled
Contact Jennifer Strobl 580-695-6954 or Parks & Recreation
