From just a small idea to the successful festival it has become, Bristow's Tabouleh Festival has become a tradition. On May 13, 2005, Bristow started an annual family oriented event that lasts all day. Starting the day off is the annual Wildflower Run which includes both a 5K and a fun run. It begins on Main Street and winds through downtown and the city park. This run has featured some of the best runners in the area. Walk or run, doesn't matter, it is certainly a fun filled day for the young and the old.
Started by the late Rick Root, the late Nancy Spencer and several of the Bristow Merchants, an idea was tossed around as to what they could do to help Bristow and bring people into town.
The idea of a Tabouleh Festival was presented, No other town around had such a festival, and is continuing on to this day becoming Bristow's own tradition.
The festival celebrates Bristow's Founding Middle Eastern ancestors that settled in Oklahoma in the late 1800's. The festival honors Bristow's Lebanese heritage with food, music, traditional belly dancers, tabouleh bar, wine tasting, a kids zone, craft, collectibles and food booths. Visited by thousands, the event is surely a pleasure to attend.
While in town for the festival, take a few moments to enjoy Bristow. The town offers a beautiful city lake and park, a golf course, the public swimming pool complete with a two water slides, tennis courts, local retail shops up and down Main Street and an amphitheater which was dedicated by Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Bristow’s own Chrysler Tower Plaza on Main Street.
In addition, the nation's only memorial to the battle of Wake Island is located on the grounds of the VFW Hall adjacent from the lake. Take a minute to visit the train depot and the museum, located between Sixth and Seventh Streets along the railroad tracks on the east side of downtown. Actor and singer Gene Autry was a telegrapher at the depot.
So bring the entire family and make a day of it. Welcome to Bristow, enjoy the festival and come visit Bristow again.