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By John Dobberstein, Editor
Rooster Days, Oklahoma’s longest-running festival, returns to Broken Arrow in May for its 92nd year, promising plenty of food, music and fun.
Live entertainment, carnival rides and a variety of vendors will grace Central Park on Main Street for the annual event slated May 18-21. Rooster Day is being presented by TTCU Federal Credit Union.
"We'll see a great lineup of live music, two nights of bags flying in the cornhole tournament, and expanded vendor offerings," said Rooster Days Committee Chairman Scott Eudey Tuesday during a press conference about the event.
On Thursday, May 18, the festival's first evening will showcase area talent with performances from local school jazz bands and show choirs. Country singer Gracie Shriver headlines the entertainment for Saturday, May 20, and King Cabbage Brass Band will perform Sunday, May 21.
Rooster Days also features a two-day Cornhole Tournament May 18-19. A Fun Run, 5K Run, and the Rooster Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 20.
Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Conway estimated that the event brings 34,000 people to the community.
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"It’s very important how safe it is and how well it's run, and that is done with the support of our incredible city," Conway said. "Our fire, our police, this is a very safe, wonderful festival because of the investment our city has made into this event."
City Manager Michael Spurgeon announced that the new Broken Arrow Police Mounted Patrol Unit will finish its specialized training in late March.
"We are very excited to announce the Mounted Patrol Unit will be a part of that great Rooster Days tradition," Spurgeon said.
Two other events related to Rooster Days include the Miss Rooster Days Pageant and tryouts for the festival’s mascot—Roscoe the Rooster.
The current Roscoe is ready to retire, and tryouts for the next Roscoe will be held on Feb. 15. Contact the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce for more information on becoming the next Roscoe at 918-893-2100.
Miss Rooster Days 2022 Jasmine Bell is the Youth Ambassador for the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. She spoke about the upcoming Miss Rooster Days Pageant to be held March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Central on Main Ballroom. Applications for the pageant will be available on February 1.
"Miss Rooster Days attends ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking ceremonies, grand openings for new businesses and has an opportunity to work on community events such as the Miss Rooster Days Pageant and the annual Taste of Summer event," Bell said.
Miss Rooster Days is an honorary member of the Broken Arrow Chamber and networks with business leaders from around the community. She also receives a $3,500 scholarship and a $500 savings account.
"My reign as Miss Rooster Days has been exciting. They have kept me on my toes meeting city officials and business leaders in the community," Bell said.
Rosie Kramer, community relations partner for TTCU, added “The Broken Arrow community very important to us. We’ve invested and continued to invest in the community, with our commitment to the schools and support of nonprofits. We’re looking forward to another successful Rooster Days event and we’re happy it’s in May.”
“As you can see when have an event that’s been around 92 years, that tells you the commitment this community has to this event,” said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “Very few festivals in the country that can say they’ve been around 92 years.”
SAVE THE DATES
• Rooster Days Fun Run: May 20, 2023, Central Park (1500 S Main St)
• Rooster Days 5K Run: May 20, 2023, Central Park (1500 S Main St)
• Rooster Days Parade: May 20, 2023, Main Street (starts at College Street, ends at Mason Drive)
• Rooster Days Cornhole Tournament: May 18 & 19, 2023, Central Park (1500 S Main St)
