Get ready for two days of summer fun with a holiday twist. It’s time for the 35th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July celebration – July 1112 at Foss State Park where parking is free during the festival. Friday, July 11, the vendors open at 1 p.m., offering a variety of food, clothing, jewelry and crafts.
The opening ceremony, honoring our Veterans and Military will begin at 7:30 p.m., at Cedar Point Circle, with the Altus AFB Color Guard presenting the colors. Brad Yoder will be the Keynote speaker and Joe and Neva Pyatt will be honored for their years of service as coordinators of Christmas in July Following the Veterans program, the Boy Scouts will be in charge of a Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Saturday, July 12th starts early with a 6:15 a.m., check in for the 7:00 a.m. Foss Lake 5K Run for Fun across the dam. Runners check in at the Foss State Park office parking lot. Buses will take runners to the start at the north end of the dam, finishing at the south end near the park offi ce. This event benefits area charities and funds a veterans’ appreciation reception at the festival. For information or to enter, call Dwight Shephard at 580-515-4319.
Vendors will open at 8:00 a.m. Next on the agenda is the Kayak Trail Ride at Chinaberry Campground. Meet at 9:30 a.m., and the ride starts at 10 a.m. It is sponsored by Premium Aerospace Center of Burns Flat. Join them for a guided kayak trail ride from Chinaberry Campground.
The “Duct Tape & Cardboard Boat Races” at Chinaberry Campground will begin with registration at 1 p.m., and races starting at 2 p.m. The age groups & entry fees are as follows: 8 and under – FREE • 9–12 – FREE • 1317- FREE • 18 & over (adult) – $10 entry fee.
Boat Build Rules: • Boats must be made before race day • Made from cardboard & duct tape only (decorations are allowed) • Paddles made from cardboard & duct tape only • Boats must have sides — no paddleboards • Life jackets required; one racer per boat • No body parts as paddles. • Must take your boat home or dispose of it properly after the race. Kayaks were donated by Great Plains Kubota of Clinton and awarded to winners in each age group!
Saturday evening be sure to bring your lawn chair and enjoy the street dance with live music by the Dean Jackson Band from 8-11. The band will take a break for the fireworks display about 9:40.
Enjoy family-friendly activities with a weekend full of fun, fitness and festive summer cheer topped off with a great fireworks display.
