Tuesday, April 22, 2008; Posted: 5:00 p.m. (CDT)
Oklahoma City -- The Festival of the Arts has been called Oklahoma City's rite of spring and hundreds attended the first day of the event downtown. This is the 42nd year the festival has taken place. As KSBI-TV's Kealey McIntire explains, some changes have been made, but the old staples are still popular.
Performing arts, visual arts and culinary arts are all on display this week, but sometimes the food vendors double as performers. Mina Henry, at the Strawberries Newport food stand, has a song she and her team sings to lure in customers.
Henry has been a staple at the Festival of the Arts. For 25 years, she's been dishing out the original Strawberries Newport. The treat consisting of puffed pastry, strawberries, custard and whipped cream, is only available once a year at the festival.
"That's what we do for Oklahoma City. We do that once a year for the arts festival. it makes money for us and for the arts council," says Henry.
Dozens of other choices are available at the International Food Row in case pastries aren't your thing.
The festival features nearly 200 artists from all over the United States, Canada and even England. All the artists are selling original artwork, such as hand-blown glass, paintings and sculptures.
"Something for everybody," says Lisa Voegeli, 2008 Festival of the Arts Co-Chair.
Voegeli says the festival has remained a success because of the hard work of all the volunteers.
"There are over 5,000 volunteers that keep it going. I'd say it's the best family reunion you've ever been to when you come down here as a volunteer," says Voegeli.
A few things have changed after 42 years. The newly revamped youth plaza features food, a t-shirt booth and a stage has been added. All the artists are lined up along Hudson this year.
Despite the changes, some still head to the festival for the old staples.
"The Indian taco and the Strawberries Newport are always favorites," says festival attendee Kayla Yanda.
Henry looks forward to providing her original tasty treat for years to come, but only at the festival.
The Festival of the Arts continues the rest of the week. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and it's open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.
