City: Norman, OK

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (405) 370-1132

Address: 201 W. Gray

Description: This festival is hosted by the Assistance League of Norman. May Fair began as a one-day event and evolved into a three-day event several years ago. In 2009, it celebrated its 35th year. Between 70 and 90 local and regional artists exhibit and sell their work. The fine art includes stained and blown glass, jewelry, watercolors, oil paintings, graphics, pottery, photography, turned and sculptured wood. Master craftsmen sell handmade quilts, painted gourds, hair and home accessories, signs, tiles, soaps, birdhouses, and wooden furniture. Each year, the festival highlights an artist. This artist demonstrates his or her painting or sculpture style on Sat afternoon.There are live performances held throughout the event. Visitors will enjoy local bands, dance troupes, soloists, and more. Food vendors sell such items as homemade sundaes, bratwurst, corn dogs, specialty coffees, kettle corn, gyros, gelato, Indian tacos, and roasted nuts. This festival also holds a food contest. The May Fair Arts Festival has won several awards, including five Pinnacle Awards given by the International Festivals and Events Association. In 2005, the festival was a winner of the Oklahoma Governor’s Redbud Award for the Outstanding Event in Oklahoma, given by the Department of Tourism.Visitors are allowed to take pictures. Parking is located around the park and is free. Admission is free, however, there is a $5 charge for the children’s art yard and for special events programming.