Herb growers, gardeners, and folks who just want to have the “thyme” of their lives should make plans to attend the 17^th Annual Ponca City Herb Festival.  The event will be on Saturday, June 5, from 8 am – 4 pm at the L.A. Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens, located on 14^th and Grand Avenue in Ponca City. This multi-year RedBud award-winning festival is hosted annually by the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club of Ponca City.  There is no admission charge.

This year’s event will host over 100+ vendors selling herbal plants, flowers, herbal crafts, outdoor garden furniture, antique and collectible garden wares, handmade herbal soaps and bath products, herbal vinegars, stoneware, metal ware, cooking supplies, festival and herbal lunches, and more.

The event will also include the Children’s Booth, which has proven quite popular with festival attendees.  This year’s booth has several hands-on activities scheduled, including creating garden hats and planting flowers in recycled children’s shoes.

Other festival activities include live entertainment by Wisconsin’s renowned pan flute band, Inkapirka, performing in the gazebo. There will also be free seminars throughout the day on the Cann Home patio. New to the festival this year is an old-fashioned pie-baking contest. After judging, festival attendees will be able to enjoy a slice of pie.

According to Mary Anne Potter, found of the Ponca City Herb Festival, all monies raised by the Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club will be used to enhance the public gardens of Ponca City.   By staging the festival at the Cann Memorial Gardens, it is hoped to heighten public awareness of all Ponca City public gardens and to raise funds for their continuation.

Parking will be available across the street from the Cann Gardens at the First Presbyterian Church with a small donation.

For more information on the Ponca City Herb Festival, contact Ponca City Tourism at 580-765-4400, or www.poncacityherbfestival.com.

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Days are getting warmer and warmer!   There are a lot of GREAT events planned here in Ponca City…. Here’s a list so you can start making plans now.  Also don’t forget to become a FAN of Ponca City Tourism on FACEBOOK!  Also check out these and all upcoming events onwww.poncacitytourism.com!

Current Events in May 2010:

6 – 9 — SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL : Presented by Evans Children’s Academy of Performing Arts. Show times are 7:30 p.m. nightly, with the Sunday matinee beginning at 3:00.  Tickets are on sale now by calling the Poncan Theatre (580) 765-0943 or www.poncanthreatre.com.

6 – 9 – JEKYLL AND HYDE, THE MUSICAL : Presented by ReACT. A tale of the epic battle between good and evil, this musical focuses on a doctor’s attempts to separate man’s evil nature from his good.  Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.  Sunday matinee performance begins at 2:30 p.m., in the Wilkin Hall Theatre, Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa.  Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and children.

8 – WALK FOR LIFE : Fundraiser for Living Hope Pregnancy Center in the War Memorial Park along Hutchins Trail.  7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Contact Ramona Ash, 580-765-0664.

8 – PANCAKE BREAKFAST, WITH SAUSAGE, BISCUIT AND GRAVY! : American Legion Post 14, 407 W. South Avenue. 6:30 – 10:00 a.m. Adults $5.00, Children Under 12 $2.00, Children under 6 FREE!

8 – RED CROSS BENEFIT DINNER & AUCTION : $20/person, Ody’s 6:00 p.m., 3700 Lake Rd – Annual fundraiser for Red Cross Disaster Relief Services – Blingaritas! Receive a specialty drink at Ody’s and a chance to win 1 of 6 gem stones (Emerald, Citrine, Amethyst, Star Ruby, Blue Topaz, and Garnet) from Her Majesty’s Gems.  Contact: Tamie Barnes – 580-765-6605.

9 – PAINTINGS BY LIZ ROTH, OSU : Asst. Professor in Drawing and Painting : Ponca City Arts Center – Opening Reception May 9, 2010.  Event runs through June 13.  Contact: (580) 765-9746.

Beyond This Week:

13 – MAYFEST, SPONSORED BY EDWIN FAIR : The Edwin Fair Annual Mayfest is in honor of the month of May as Mental Health Awareness month.  Free children’s games, informational booths, food, beverages, door prizes and much more…. FREE to the public.  Hours are 3:30 – 5:30, 5th Street location.  Contact Natalie Wittenburg: (580) 762-7561.

15 - 16 – OUTDOOR EXPO, Camp McFadden : Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. activities will include canoeing, catching fish and learning how to filet it, hike the camps many trails, demonstrations by Boy Scout Troops, Water Safety, Volleyball and Archery, Gun Safety Dutch Oven Cooking with free hot dogs, drinks and s’mores!  Admission is by Donation.  Contact: (580) 762.9955 or www.campmcfadden.com.