Labor Day is the biggest day of the year in the eastern Oklahoma town of Henryetta. With just over 6,000 people, this is a truly small-town Labor Day Celebration. The holiday weekend features a barbeque, carnival, games for the kids, a parade down Main Street, a large rodeo and fireworks.
In between the festivities, tourists can head to the Henryetta Country Club to play a round of golf or visit the Henryetta Territorial Museum, the focal point of the small town. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jim Hall Lake just a few miles east of town provides boating, fishing and swimming. For those looking for alternative lodging options, camping is also available around the area.
Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation, comprised of twelve tribal districts in Tuskahoma, puts on a large Labor Day Festival every year. The festival includes a variety of events starting on Thursday before Labor Day, and continuing for virtually every hour of the weekend. Friday's 5K race is followed by basketball, stickball and physical fitness challenges.
Additionally, arts and crafts, stage shows and quilt shows are constantly on display during the weekend. Concerts on various stages are a big draw at night and have featured such popular acts as Wynonna Judd and Gretchen Wilson. All concerts are free. The weekend events are available to everyone and RV camping sites are a popular place to stay.
Music has a rich history in Oklahoma. Thus, many Labor Day events center around music festivals. The small northern town of Grove features a Labor Day Weekend Fiddle Camp. Events begin on Friday with a barbeque and bluegrass party. After workshops for all levels during the days, the nights feature fiddle contests, a fish fry and jam sessions.
The Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival in Rentiesville is a weekend full of blues music. With three stages and low admission rates, you can listen to talented blues acts play from 6 p.m. Friday night through 5 a.m. on Labor Day morning. This event is also kid-friendly, with art and music activities and workshops for youngsters. Rentiesville is just off U.S. 69.
