Arts Festival Oklahoma at OCCC
Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 1-3
(Published: 07-27-2012)
Held every Labor Day Weekend since 1978, Arts Festival Oklahoma (AFO) attracts over 25,000 visitors to Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). The 34th annual AFO, scheduled for Sept. 1-3, will feature visual and performing artists from around the state and country.
Close out the summer with hand-crafted art, live entertainment and a variety of mouthwatering food choices, including Indian tacos, roasted corn on the cob, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and more.
A popular spot on the AFO grounds, the Children’s Activity Tent, will be overflowing with glitter and glue, ribbon and yarn, paint and brushes – ready for the youngest AFO artists to create their very own masterpieces.
The annual festival is located on the north end of the OCCC campus, S.W. 74th and May Ave. Admission to the festival is free; parking is $5 per vehicle.
The Art
Visual artists from all over the country will combine to offer a diverse collection of work for festival guests including drawings, fine crafts, glass art, jewelry, mixed media, oil/acrylic, watercolor, pastels, photography, pottery, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, wood art and metal works. Over 160 art booths will cover the OCCC grounds. To see a list of new and returning artists showcasing their work at this year’s festival, click here: www.occc.edu/afo/artistpics.html.
The Entertainment – Daytime Performances – Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Enjoy local Oklahoma artists on AFO’s performance roster. Whether you favor classical, country, Latin, or other musical fare, you will find something to engage you. Daytime volunteer acts for this year's festival will include local entertainers who represent the best of the region.
Feature Entertainment – Saturday Evening – Rave On, The Buddy Holly Experience
“Rave on” with Buddy Holly imitator, Billy McGuigan, Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.
Experience the thrills of the 50s and Buddy Holly’s greatest hits such as, “Peggy Sue,” “Raining in My Heart,” “It’s So Easy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “True Love Ways,” “Rave On” and more.
During the performance, also enjoy tributes paid to Holly’s fellow rockers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.
McGuigan has received national attention and critical acclaim for his portrayals of the legendary Buddy Holly, and audiences continue to enjoy his energy, realism, sincerity and talent.
The role of Holly has taken McGuigan all over the United States, appearing in over 400 performances of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. These performances broke box office and attendance records in theaters across the country.
For more information on Billy McGuigan and Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience, please visit www.billymcguigan.com/rave-on.
Feature Entertainment – Sunday Evening – OKC Philharmonic
Come early and secure your seat on the lawn, Sunday, Sept. 2, at 8 p.m. to hear the extraordinary sounds of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Tracing its roots to the city's first professional orchestra in 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, under the musical direction of Joel Levine, will return to AFO to perform a family-friendly outdoor concert of pops and beloved classics for symphony orchestra.
The Philharmonic’s holiday performances, July 3rd concert in downtown Oklahoma City, July 4th concert in Yukon, OK, and the annual Labor Day concert at OCCC have all become family traditions for thousands in central Oklahoma. To learn more about the city’s highly acclaimed orchestra, visit their website at www.okcphilharmonic.org.
The Food
It’s fair food time. What’s your favorite? Roasted peanuts? Funnel cakes? Turkey legs? The AFO food court will feature these mouth-watering treats as well as fruit and coffee blended smoothies, shaved ice, roasted corn on the cob, pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, cinnamon rolls and so much more.
The History
First launched in 1978, AFO’s main purpose is to provide the citizens of Oklahoma with a cultural experience focusing on Oklahoma’s fine artists and craft persons as well as Oklahoma performing artists. The annual festival is made possible by the strong community support of OCCC and partner organizations including Women of the South and the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
With the support of more than 400 volunteers, the Labor Day weekend festival makes a strong contribution to the quality of life and economic development of this region, bringing in nearly 25,000 guests each year.
Festival hours are Sat., Sept. 1 and Sun., Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Mon., Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. OCCC is located at S.W. 74th and May Ave. For more information, call (405) 682-7576 or visit the Arts Festival Oklahoma web site at www.occc.edu/afo.





