Strawberry Festival in general

It was May, 2024, time to celebrate the 77th annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival. Rain was expected to clear up by the weekend, and city crews were cleaning up, mowing and picking up trash. The street sweeper would be out later in the week.

“We’re trying to spruce everything up for the festival,” said Municipal Works Director Dale Dandridge.

Visitors to Stilwell often don’t realize the amount of organization and work it takes to host the festival, but Kiwanis volunteers do. They begin after the festival and discuss what was wonderful and what might need to be changed for the next year. By January, marching bands for the parade and Saturdays’ entertainment are among the many details that are usually determined early, along with vendor booth sign-up, which begins January 1.

The week’s activities begin Wednesday with Strawberry Day at Oklahoma's Capitol, where the Strawberry Queen, Lily Ritter, and her court along with Kiwanians take the red berries to share with the governor and people at the capitol.

A carnival rolled in and it was time for fun at Adair Park.

It was a weekend of reunions and family gatherings, especially since the festival fell on Mother’s Day weekend. The festival was also a great opportunity to run into old friends.

“I always enjoy seeing folks I haven't seen in a while. I also like Stilwell doing what it does best being a great small town,” said B.J. Latta.

On Friday the rodeo baegan and ran through Saturday night.

Friday night entertainment on the Kiwanis Stage featured Stilwell’s Got Talent. A Strawberry Jam music session included local talent.

“We have twelve unique contestants from singers to flag twirlers to lip sync’ers and dancers. It should be a great time,” said Tyler Davis, Kiwanis volunteer and emcee for the contest. “Also, we will have vendors on Friday so there should be some good food options while they enjoy the contest.”

A corn hole competition was held Friday night and Saturday.

“I honestly love the entire thing. I love seeing people who come into town just for the festival that we don't see often. The amazingly good vendors,” said Davis. “As a musician myself, I love the live music, especially local talent. This year the festival falls before Mother's Day, so I definitely intend to do a little Mother's Day gift hunting!”

Saturday began early with a Fun Run at 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the 5K Run for the Berries. Car show and motorcycle show entries also showed up early. Parade check-in began at 8 a.m. and the parade started at 10 a.m.

Mayor Jean Ann Wright enjoys celebrating Stilwell.

“I look forward to celebrating our beautiful city and one of the things we’re known for the best, our strawberries,” said Wright.

It’s fun to be in the parade.

“It’s cool to see all the happy, smiling faces along the parade route, and everyone yelling and waving hello,” Wright said.

Vendor spaces were sold out early and there were more arts and crafts than ever, all the way down to First Methodist Church. Horseshoe throwing and corn hole contests happened on Saturday. Berries were judged for the best berry, then auctioned off on stage. Musical entertainment included Brett and Terri, and nighTTrain.