Luther Pecan Festival featuring new holiday attraction, 5K and more set for this weekend

JaNae Williams, The Oklahoman
·2 min read

Fans of Oklahoma pecans and small town charm can head to the annual Luther Pecan Festival this weekend as the event returns for its sixth year.

Organizers are planning an even bigger celebration than year's past as Luther's Main Street comes alive — as host to over 100 vendors, artists, young entrepreneurs, food trucks and nonprofits — to celebrate the new pecan harvest, usher in holiday shopping, and support small businesses.

This year's festival includes for the first time, the lighting of Luther's holiday attraction on Saturday and a 5K run/walk on Sunday morning to celebrate the town's 125th anniversary.

The lighting of "L'Whotherville" at 5 p.m. Saturday is one of 11 holiday attractions in Route 66 towns from Edmond to Sapulpa that will be open throughout the season. The lighting will feature the music of Carter Sampson and appearances from the Grinch, Whos, and Santa.

Saturday night will also include an evening of shopping and a street dance featuring The Wagon Wheel Band.

Couch Orchard Pecans are stacked and ready for purchase at the 2022 Luther Pecan Festival in Luther.
Couch Orchard Pecans are stacked and ready for purchase at the 2022 Luther Pecan Festival in Luther.

Following Sunday morning's 5K Run/Walk that will take participants by Luther's historic Booker T. Washington Park and countryside, the festival will carry on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How the Luther Pecan Festival began

The Luther Pecan Festival was founded by Dawn Shelton of the Luther Register News after observing the strong showing of support every November from people coming to Luther for high-quality nuts freshly harvested at The Orchard on 66, also known as Couch Pecan Orchard.

The orchard has rebranded to reflect its location and the new owners' vision to offer more reasons to visit throughout the year, including a "Trail of Cheer," set to debut in December.

Gabriel and Jonathan Parker look at a bunny with their mother Camille Parker at The Luther Pecan Festival in Luther on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
Gabriel and Jonathan Parker look at a bunny with their mother Camille Parker at The Luther Pecan Festival in Luther on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

The festival supports entrepreneurs with products including skincare, jewelry, clothing, photography, fine art, specialty foods, candles, unique gifts, and more. There are even youth entrepreneurs who participate selling pet treats, jewelry, crocheted items, and art as they hone their business skills.

More: Get ready for Thanksgiving with Luther's Pecan festival and a classic pecan pie recipe

While many think of pies when they think of pecans, at the festival, shoppers will also find pecan-inspired candles, lip balms, coffee, candy, sourdough bread and more. Plus family-friendly activities like face painting, cotton candy and kettle corn, pony rides, and experiences with animals including llamas and bunnies.

The 2022 Luther Pecan Festival is seen in Luther.
The 2022 Luther Pecan Festival is seen in Luther.

"Big thanks to the Luther Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, and community leaders for all the ways they make our event safe and fun," Shelton said.

The Luther Pecan Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with the 5K kicking off at 9 a.m. Sunday. For more information about the festival or to register for the 5K, visit https://www.lutherregister.news/pecan-festival-2023/.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Sixth Annual Luther Pecan Festival set for Nov. 18-19 with new events