Lawton’s International Festival is back for its 47th year, running Friday through Sunday at Elmer Thomas Park. Admission and parking are both free, and golf cart rides will be available from the Museum of the Great Plains lot for anyone who needs a lift to the action. Friday starts at 5 p.m., Saturday runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday wraps from noon to 5 p.m.
This year brings a few new additions to the lineup. Friday night features karaoke for the first time, all-ages games run throughout the weekend, and adults can enter a Saturday cornhole tournament for $20 per team. Teams need to check in at the information booth Friday between 7 and 9 p.m. and be ready within 10 minutes of their match start time. Along with the new events, the festival brings back its food and merchandise vendors and live performances across all three days.
Festival committee chair Dory Thomas points to volunteers as the reason the event stays free year after year, saying the people who give their time and effort are what let the community enjoy free days of fun and entertainment. The festival is funded through donations and grants.
Will you be at Elmer Thomas Park this weekend? Let us know which day you’re planning to go and what you’re most excited to try.
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Local Lawton
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