This day in Oklahoma history: April 5

Caroline Sellers/KFOR
·1 min read

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The first Festival of the Arts was held in Oklahoma City on April 5, 1967.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the first Festival of the Arts showcased 43 artists and offered homemade tuna sandwiches to guests. The first festival was planned in three weeks with a $15,000 budget.

THIS DAY IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY: March 28

  • Festival of the Arts, 1978.
    Festival of the Arts, 1978. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society.
  • Festival of the Arts, 1969.
    Festival of the Arts, 1969. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society.
  • Festival of the Arts, 1979.
    Festival of the Arts, 1979. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society.
  • Festival of the Arts, 1968.
    Festival of the Arts, 1968. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society.
  • Festival of the Arts, 1976.
    Festival of the Arts, 1976. Image courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society.

By the year 1989, the festival had grown and became the main focus of OKC’s centennial celebration.

Nowadays, the festival brings in around 750,000 visitors annually. It highlights Oklahoma City while celebrating the visual and performing arts.

To learn more, visit okhistory.org.

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