Have ever wondered how or why the Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival was started 32 years ago?
Some of the residents at Foss Lake got together and decided they wanted to honor the men and women who had been involved in Desert Storm. They felt like these Veterans who served never had the kind of recognition they deserved.
Three of the men who began the festival were L. C. Murphy, Carman Mikles and Bill Farmer. In the beginning there was a lighted boat parade followed by a huge fireworks show. The festival was only 1 day, which was Saturday. In just a few years, the festival began to grow. Vendors were added, several special events were incorporated beginning with a special program on Friday evening where the Veterans and current military people are honored.
As the festival grew, The Foss Lake Association began to take on projects around the lake with money made from the festival. Some of the projects the Association has provided include Storm sirens around the lake, habitats for the fish, repairs on some of the docks, purchase feed for the buffalo, while they were there, help purchase a Side -scan sonar for Foss Lake, which helped solve two 40 year old cases of missing people, and annually the Association gives a sizable donation to the Veterans Center at Clinton. There are numerous other areas that Foss Lake Association has been able to help with improvements thru the years.
This year, the 32nd Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival is July 8th and 9 th . This event is one of the largest outdoor events in western Oklahoma and is fun for the entire family! Friday, July 8 th , all the vendors will be in place by 1:00. The opening ceremony honoring our Veterans and current Military will begin at 6pm at the Main Stage, north of the Marina on Cedar Point. The Altus AFB Honor Guard will present the colors and Colonel Tom Ivester will address the group.
Friday evening will continue with a free concert on the Main stage from 8-11 pm., with the Tyler Wilhelm band and JW Lane. Take a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music and the evening. Friday will also be a good time to go thru the vendors who will have jewelry, t-shirts, crafts and all the fun things they have to offer and check out the food court. Kids always love the pony rides. These vendors set up on Friday and will stay until late Saturday night.
Saturday, the 9 th is loaded with special events and activities beginning with the 7 th Annual 5K Fun Run across the Dam starting at 7am. Check-in begins at 6:15 am at the Foss State Park Office. The run is open to runners and walkers of all ages. The proceeds from the run benefit the Veterans center at Clinton, Foss State Park and local non-profit charities. Participants will receive a drawstring backpack, a race T-shirt and other goodies. For information email fossfunrun@gmail.com, or go to Facebook “ Foss Lake 5K Fun Run” to receive the link to register on line. Dwight Shephard, 580-515-4319, is the coordinator. Following the 5K Run is the Kayak “Trail Ride” at Chinaberry, starting at 10:00. Meet at 9:30 and bring your own kayak or paddle board.
Continuing Saturday activities, The Foss Lake Little King and Queen Pageant begins at 10:30. Check in at 10:00 in the main stage area. Get an entry form at the Foss State park office, B&K Bait house, The Elk City News Paper office in Elk City or down load it from Facebook – Foss Lake Christmas in July.
Beckham County Baggers and H20 Baggers will have a Cornhole Tournament with registration at 11 AM and Bags fly at 12 noon. There will be 3 categories including Upper (competitive) - $50 entry, Lower (backyard players) - $30 and 12 and under Youth $10. The payout will be a 50/50 on the adult divisions and 100% payout on the youth. For more information contact Eric at 580-928-7128.
The festival will have a lighted Boat Parade beginning at Dusk on Saturday evening. Contact Copper Cove Marina at 580-660-6585 for more information. This year there are cash prizes of $250 and $125 for 1 st and 2 nd place in 2 divisions. The festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display, sponsored by MPLX, which will wrap up the 32 nd annual Christmas in July Festival. This event is sponsored by many area companies and businesses each year and organized by dedicated volunteers.
Make plans to take your family out to Foss Lake July 8 th and 9 th and enjoy all of the activities!