The Okmulgee Pecan Festival is returning this year with an exciting new addition to its lineup: a Beard & Mustache Competition.

This fun-filled event invites participants of all ages to show off their facial hair or, for the kids, get creative by crafting their own beards and mustaches out of materials like paper and yarn. It’s the first time the festival will feature a kids’ freestyle category, giving families a chance to let their imaginations run wild.

The competition will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m., alongside the first annual Pecan Festival Car Show at the Okmulgee Claude Cox Omniplex.

For more information, contact organizers TJ and Amber Mordecai through their Facebook page, Oklahoma Beard Lovers.

The 2024 Pecan Festival, happening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the same day, at the Claude Cox Omniplex, will bring the community together for a day of family-friendly activities. Despite facing financial challenges, the festival’s spirit remains strong, focusing on local engagement and fun without breaking the bank. Bouncy houses, carnival-style games organized by local churches, and affordable food from civic groups are just a few highlights.

“The whole point of this festival is community,” said Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce representative Kelly Baehler. “We want this to be an event where families can come without worrying about costs. The money raised by civic organizations and churches will go directly to support their causes.”

Other Festival Events Include:

• Talent Showcase: Local students will take the stage to showcase their singing, dancing, and musical talents throughout the day.

• Baking Contest: Bakers can compete in both adult and youth categories, presenting pies, cakes, cookies and muffins – all featuring pecans, of course!

• Car and Bike Show: The community can vote for their favorite vehicles in the festival’s first annual car and bike show (see related article).

• Community Booths: Local churches and civic organizations will host games and sell fair-style food to raise funds for their initiatives.

— 2024 Pecan Festival Baking Contest Categories Kids (Ages 5-17) & Adults (18+)

• Pie – Whole Pie

• Quick Bread – Whole Mini or Regular Size Loaf

• Muffin – 2 Muffins

• Cookie – 3 Cookies

• Cake – Whole Cake One $2 entry fee and form per entry. -As Okmulgee gears up for this beloved annual event, Baehler emphasized the importance of unity: “This day is about our kids, our neighbors, and our town. Let’s come together to celebrate what makes Okmulgee strong.”

For more information on the Pecan Festival or to register for events, contact the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce at 918-756-6172 or Kelly Baehler at 918-346-3954.

— Harvest Spoon Chili Festival

Also on Saturday, Oct. 12, Okmulgee’s Main Street will host the Harvest Spoon Chili Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6th & Grand in downtown Okmulgee. With chili cookoffs, a marketplace for local artisans and fun events like the 5K Fun Run and a pumpkin chunkin’ contest, the Chili Festival promises something for everyone. Highlights include trick roping performances, a hot pepper eating contest, dessert auction and cornhole tournament (see related article in this edition).

Don’t miss the chance to experience two fantastic festivals in one day!