By Don Lowe
Anyone looking for an atmosphere filled with carefree fun will find the seventh annual Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove, Oklahoma, a delightful experience.
There will be wide-ranging options for visitors to enjoy at this festival in early June, including Thunder on Wolf Creek Hydroplane Boat Races, featuring top National Boat Racing Association (NBRA) racers, as well as a YMCA triathlon; a car, truck and motorcycle show; and Historical Semi-Trucks Show-N-Shine.
The three-day weekend will also feature vendors, food trucks, a beer tent, live music and a kids’ zone to provide plenty of excitement for youngsters.
Amanda K. Davis, president of Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, knows it’s a big deal to have something for everyone, and she says, “The festival provides activities for all ages. The goal is to provide a weekend to celebrate our region with activities that are family friendly.
“This also allows for recruitment of visitors/non-locals that will be coming here for the free concerts and other events surrounding the festival. In 2023, there were more than 14,000 in attendance. We are working to grow that number each year.
“New in 2024 is the kids’ zone and VIP tent area for sponsors. These allow us to make the festival bigger and better. We’re also teaming with a great group for the Toes in the Grand Car, Truck & Bike Show. There’s a cost to join ($20) and awards will be given in 14 categories.”
Davis says the festival is a great way to kick off the summer season in Grove. “By the time June rolls around, a lot of weekenders have made their way back to Grand Lake. This gives everyone around the lake something to come together and do to help celebrate a successful summer season ahead.
“We believe people are looking for things to do around the lake when they choose to take a break from the water. This event gives people the opportunity to have vendor booths to showcase items, and we hope there is a large variety of food trucks onsite for people to enjoy, as well.”
This is Davis’ first Toes in the Grand event, although she has experience with music festivals and executing other events.
“I’m excited to bring my experiences together with an incredible Chamber staff, area partners and a great Chamber board and Chamber ambassadors to provide quality entertainment and family fun for the lake region.”
This event is a win-win on so many levels, and Davis explains, “Each time a non-local spends a dollar in your community, that dollar turns over up to nine times. Every single new dollar spent in the communities within the lake region yields an economic boost to local communities.
“Sales tax dollars fund many critical local services. If the Grove Chamber of Commerce can provide a summer festival that shows a valuable impact to spending, then we’ve had a great day at the office.
“We exist to be the business voice for the lake region, and this is a small way to celebrate our region and recruit new prospective residents into the area to experience all the things we love about Grand Lake.”
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, June 7, noon to 8 p.m.Wolf Creek:
• Historical Semi-Trucks Show-N-Shine
• Vendors
• Food trucks
• Beer garden
• Thunder on Wolf Creek Boat Races until 5 p.m.
• Live music from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Wolf Creek:
• YMCA Triathlon
• Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
• Historical Semi-Trucks Show-N-Shine
• Vendors
• Kids’ zone
• Food trucks
• Beer garden
• Thunder on Wolf Creek Boat Races until 5 p.m.
• Live music from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 18Wolf Creek Park:
• Thunder on Wolf Creek Boat Races from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Toes in the Grand Festival Fast Facts
When: Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9
Where: Wolf Creek Park, Grove, Oklahoma
Presented By: Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
For More Information: Contact the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at 918.786.9079, go to ToesInTheGrand.com or check out the Toes in the Grand Festival Facebook page. Note: The ramps at Wolf Creek Park will be unavailable for public use during the event.