A parade on Main Street (Route 66) started downtown’s revitalized 4 th Western Heritage Days (WHD) festival at 9 a.m. on August 17, then the rest of the activities moved to our Klingensmith Park between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Savanna Gantz-Batey, West Fest Committee’s lead planner, estimated 1,000 people attended.
Boy Scout Troop 571 led the parade and at least 20 entrees followed, including Shriners Hospitals for Children, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Creek County Sheriff, classic cars and trucks, Loyd Ingham’s tractor, Bristow’s Round-Up Club, the 4H Club and Mt. Hermon Church. Two hundred people watched. Bro D’s Coffee, Bristow Toy Museum and Miss Kitty’s Coneys opened for business.
The large park, occasionally used for WHD in times past, provided plenty of room for 45 vendors, musicians and a children’s play area. That’s what Gantz-Batey intended.
Children slid down an inflatable water slide, played in a bounce house, spun on a mechanical bull, had their faces painted, and of course, swam in the adjacent city pool. For everyone, vendors offered resin art, jewelry, purses, cups, hats, food, drink and more under the shade of tents and from food trucks.
Why did the West Fest Planning Committee move most events to Klingensmith Park?
Gantz-Batey explained “I do feel the proximity to be better” to neighborhoods. “It gives it a family friendly feel.” Mike and agreed. “I think it makes more sense…the lake…nice new pool, pretty park area…more shade.”
Mike Pahsetopah, an Osage/Creek Indian, was first to perform in the amphitheater. In-between expertly displaying the Eagle and Hoop dances, he explained his background and added, “…all of us here are in the Circle of Life.”
Ready to rumble? Phantom Star (black costume) and the Bad Clown took on challengers during the popular-with-children Body Progression Wrestling tournament, managed by Brandon Groom. At the end of the day, Emily Hollingshed of Coweta sung country and western songs.
At 1:30 p.m. at the pool, at least 60 kids dove underwater – repeatedly - during the “Pirate Plunge” trying to bring home their share of $80 in coins.
Gantz-Batey summarized the day. “It was a success, despite some of the changes that occurred…it provided a lot of options for all ages to enjoy.” She thanked her team of planners: mother, Ralena Groom, and Dawn Doles, Guthrie Jaiden and Melinda Hurst and six event donors. She works full-time for Emerge Diagnostics, has a family, yet still made time to hold another fun-filled free event for Bristow’s residents.