Firefly Festival attracts thousands of guests

Artists, LaJeanne’s, community,andfallweather. WOW.Amelodiousmarriage between eclectic artisans and an enchanted ground. The Firefly Art Festival began on Friday with beautiful weather.

Even though it was a school day and workday for most, the attendance was steady. As Saturday rolled in, so did the crowds.

There was a steady mass of fairgoers of all ages. There was well over 5000 in attendance throughout the weekend. People came from across Oklahoma and many from out of state.

Who could resist the weather and the beautiful venueofLaJeanne’sPlants‘N Things. LaJeanne and Gary Reid provided the perfect backdrop for the Firefly Festival. LaJeanne had the nursery in pristine condition with an abundance of plants, flowers and pumpkins of all sizes. It was picture perfect.

Guests and artists created a bond that was felt throughout the grounds. So much happiness and generosity were felt among attendees and artisans.

Music was heard all through the flowing rows of vendors. Laughter, smiles, and even tears of happiness seem to be commonalities that have left an impact in the memories of the days of Firefly. Many expressed their feelings about new relationships that they left with, that they did not carry with them upon entering the gate.

Thelma Scriber, a Kingston High School art teacher, brought her class to sit and take in the surroundings and express themselves through sketches and drawings. Lacey Plines from Madill High School was one of the 80 plus vendors that participated. The authentic food trucks provided an array of out-ofthe- norm culinary options. Hope for Marshall County provided kids of all ages with a blast from the past and future with a slew of real-life cartoon characters. This was a hit and enjoyed by all.

A special thank you to the Enos/Cardinal Cove Volunteer Fire Department. They worked from open to close guiding the attendees to parking spaces as well as entering and exiting the grounds safely. Thank you to all that made donations to “FillingtheBoots”fundraiser.

So many sponsors helped make this event possible including Marshall County Tourism,AdvancedAmerica, First United Bank as well as CBO Technologies and OKBRAND. Kasey Davis of KDAV said she was thankful for all who contributed.

“I couldn’t have done this without them,” she said.

Davis had a lot to say about the festival from so many viewpoints. One that stood out the most was the aura of connections and reconnections that were made during these three majestic days.

Sunday October 9 at 5:00 p.m. was the end of Firefly Art Festival 2022, but for some, this was the beginning of an everlasting inspiration. Many memories were made that will carry throughout the year and years to come.