The Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce is bringing back one of the community’s most beloved traditions – the Pecan Festival – set for Oct. 10-11. This year’s theme is “The Throwback Year,” promising a full weekend of fun, food and family-friendly activities.

Friday night kicks off downtown Okmulgee with the always-popular Bed Races at 6:30 p.m., followed by a lively Street Dance around the courthouse square from 8-11 p.m.

On Saturday, the action shifts to the Claude Cox Omniplex, where events run all day beginning at 8 a.m. Families can enjoy Inflatable World, a car show, vendor expo, circus acts and free nonprofit booths. The schedule is packed with highlights:

• 8-11 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast & Cornhole Tournament

• 10-11 a.m. – Pecan Bake-Off

• 12-2 p.m. – Steak Cook-Off

• 2 p.m. – Fish Scramble

• 5 p.m. – Circus Main Show

• 6 p.m. – Cruise Night (back downtown) Chamber staff noted that the two-location setup – Friday downtown and Saturday at the Omniplex – grew out of scheduling changes with the Chili Fest in recent years. “It worked out really well last year, but this year it’s going to be even bigger,” said Marilyn Harris with the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce.

The festival also features a unique new addition: Circus entertainment throughout the grounds. While details are still being finalized, one of the quirkier events making the rounds is something called Cow Pie Bingo – a tongue-in-cheek country game where participants win prizes based on where a cow … well, makes its mark.

Churches and nonprofits will once again be allowed free booths, provided they’re not selling items. Political parties and local organizations are also expected to participate.

From pecan pies and car shows to circus fun and community dances, this year’s Pecan Festival is set to celebrate Okmulgee’s heritage in a big way.

For more details and updates, visit the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.