OrangeFest will live up to its name with OSU Institute of Technology student clubs, academic programs and campus services offering plenty of activities and more during the downtown event Friday.
For more than 70 years, Okmulgee has been home to OSUIT, and OrangeFest is a unifying “town and gown” symbol of the longstanding relationship between the campus and community.
“OrangeFest provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about the campus and for students to learn more about the Okmulgee community,” said Shari Erwin, OSUIT’s executive director of Marketing & Communications. “Okmulgee is a college town, and that powerful synergistic relationship shared between OSUIT and Okmulgee deserves a celebration.”
The event officially starts at 4 p.m. on Friday with live music, food trucks, and plenty of hands-on activities from several OSU Institute of Technology student clubs and academic programs.
Members of OSUIT’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineering will be constructing a geodesic dome on the Creek Council House lawn during the duration of OrangeFest and people are invited to watch the large dome take shape throughout the evening.
The ASCE along with Phi Theta Kappa honor society will also be selling glow necklaces and bracelets before and after the GloRun 5K, which will begin and end in the heart of OrangeFest.
The Horology Club from the School of Watchmaking will have a booth where instructors and students will do live demonstrations as well as give children and adults a chance to test their watchmaking skills.
The Student Government Association is sponsoring the Speed Light Flash Tec Challenge beginning at 6 p.m. The inflatable game combines speed and agility as two contestants race to see who can hit the most lighted targets before time is up.
Heather Sumner, Okmulgee Main Street director, said involvement from student clubs is vital to the success of OrangeFest.
“This allows the community to see first-hand some of the programs that OSUIT has to offer, which they can highlight in a cool way with fun activities that coordinate with their programs,” Sumner said, such as the popular watchmaking station. “They have also come up with several new activities this year that I am really excited about.”
The School of Visual Communications will have a gallery showing and sale of artwork by alumni and instructors. Visual Communications alumni Stephen Williams and Dave Burney will be doing live T-shirt screen-printing of five original designs. Those who purchase art or donate $25 to the school’s scholarship fund will receive a free screen-printed T-shirt with the design of their choice.
The School of Culinary Arts will have an OrangeFest ice sculpture on display stocked with cold water, orange Crush sodas and clementine oranges while supplies last.
The OSUIT Bookstore will have a tent set up selling OSU gear and apparel, and the Child Care Canter is sponsoring the Kids Zone tent with coloring sheets, temporary tattoos and more.
OSUIT’s School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment will have tractors on display that will also serve in hoisting up the Glo Run’s finish line banner.
People can also go by the Information Tent to sign up to win a football signed by the entire OSU Cowboy football team.
Pistol Pete will also have a big presence at OrangeFest this year— literally. A forty-foot inflatable Pistol Pete near 6th Street and Grand Avenue will greet those coming to OrangeFest. And OSU’s official mascot Pistol Pete will also be walking around the event so be sure to have your cameras ready to get your picture with Pete, who will challenge the mayor to a draw before firing the starting pistol for the Glo Run 5K.
“How many communities can say they have had Pistol Pete at their downtown events? The giant Pistol Pete will be the first thing everyone sees as they enter downtown,” Sumner said. “We encourage everyone to pose with Pete— big or life size— and take pictures using #orangefest2018 when posting on social media.”