It’s almost that time! OSU Institute of Technology and Okmulgee Main Street have teamed up once again to put on the annual OrangeFest festival in downtown Okmulgee, Friday, April 12.

This free community event will begin at 4 p.m. and end around 11 p.m. A family-friendly event, the evening features everything from live music, food trucks and a beer garden to a mechanical bull, lawn games, inflatables and the annual Glo Run 5K.

The community homecoming celebration, hosted by OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street, is around the Creek Council House Square downtown.

"OSUIT is a vital part of the Okmulgee community, and Okmulgee Main Street is proud to partner with them on OrangeFest!” Heather Sumner, executive director of Okmulgee Main Street, said.

Back again this year, The Get Down will be taking the stage to perform favorite Top 40 covers beginning at 7:15 p.m. The band will also serve as the OrangeFest DJ before and after the live performance.

The local radio station, 106.3 FM The Brew - KOKL, will also be broadcasting live from OrangeFest.

Keep an eye out for OSU mascot Pistol Pete as he makes an appearance for photo opportunities.

There won’t be a shortage in food for the event. Three food trucks will be open during the event in addition to downtown restaurants.

Okmulgee’s Boss’n Hogs BBQ truck will have a full menu of smoked meats all evening along with a fan favorite ice cream food truck, 8230 Enterprises, serving up tasty treats. New this year to the lineup will be Collins Katfish Wagon serving up their famous fish tacos and other signature dishes.

Sumner said some of the other restaurants will be open as well. Kirby’s Café, That Mexican Place and Tavern 56 will have their doors open for other food options throughout the night.

On the corner of 6th Street and Morton, Tavern 56 will also be hosting a beer garden where those 21 and older may visit and enjoy an adult beverage or two.

If you’re looking for another way to enjoy a unique drink, OSUIT’s students in the Future Chef’s Association will be bringing back the Ice Luge serving up orange smoothies.

In addition to the food, drink and entertainment, the event will also feature many activities such as face-painting, inflatables, lawn games and a mechanical bull.

“This will be free activity, but if under 18, a parent must sign a waiver,” Sumner said.

The 5K Glo Run will begin at 8 p.m. Applications for the Glo Run will be accepted up to just before race time.

Runners will begin at the starting line on Morton Ave. near the intersection with 7th St. and proceed along the marked route through downtown. Runners will then turn north on Seminole Ave. toward Hawthorne Park, loop around the park, and return south on Seminole toward downtown. The finish line will be just past the historic Orpheum Theatre on East 7th where it intersects with Morton Ave.

During the race, Seminole Street, from 7th to Belmont, will be closed to through traffic.

“Okmulgee First Assembly is hosting our water stations,” Sumner said, “andTSET is providing fruit and water for the contestants at the finish line.

MCN Public Relations office is the main sponsor for the Glo Run too!

For more information on this year’s schedule of events, visit osuit.edu/orangefest.