Preparations are underway for the 19th annual Septemberfest to be held Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The event has grown each year, and has become an annual fall favorite for many Oklahoma families. Hosted by Governor Mary Fallin and First Gentleman Wade Christensen, Septemberfest is a free event for the whole family to enjoy.
“Septemberfest is a beloved fall tradition for many Oklahoma families,” said Governor Fallin. “The First Gentleman and I are excited that it has grown so popular that now it will be hosted at the Oklahoma History Center. We’re thrilled that Oklahomans have shown they love Septemberfest as much as we do.”
A celebration of what makes Oklahoma unique, Septemberfest features more than 50 attractions for people of all ages. Activities featured at this year’s Septemberfest include pony rides, a chalk artist, clowns, face-painting, puppet making, inflatables, carriage rides, live music, food trucks, chuck wagon cooking, laser tag, museum exhibits, reading by the waterfall, live animals, first responder equipment and much more. Tours of the Governor’s mansion will also be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., the Oklahoma History Center will be open and free to the public all day. This year, along the Red River Journey, the History Center will be “Oklahoma Wild” highlighting native plants and animals. Visitors will have the opportunity to see reptiles from HARP, mammals from Martin Nature Park, eagles from the Grey Snow Eagle House (limited viewing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and can make sunprint photos with native plants and grasses. Visitors will enjoy interaction with living historians representing WWII, cowboys, land run participants, nineteenth century American Indians, antebellum musicians, the Civil War and more! The History Center will bring the past to life with learning stations, hands-on activities, demonstrations and more.
Septemberfest was founded in 1997 by Friends of the Mansion, Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to preserve and improve the historic Governor’s Mansion, as well as its grounds and furnishings. The Oklahoma History Center began co-hosting Septemberfest with Friends of the Mansion in 2004. Chairman of this year’s event is Jim Hasenbeck, President of Studio Architecture. This is Hasenbeck’s 13th year to lead the event as chairman.
“Septemberfest is a gift passed from governor to governor for the people of Oklahoma and it continues to grow each year,” Hasenbeck said. “Moving the festival to the Oklahoma History Center this year is an exiting change that we hope will make Septemberfest even more enjoyable for Oklahomans.”
Septemberfest is free and open to the public with no registration or tickets required. For more information about the event or to volunteer, please visit www.fomok.org or contact Friends of the Mansion directly at (405) 557-0198.
