Hopes for shine, no rain for 50th Annual Arts for All Festival

As the 50th Annual Arts for All Festival readies to begin today, Thursday was a day for vendors to set up.

It was also a time hope past years’ weather patterns change for the drier, if even for three days.

Along the West Gore Boulevard row of vendor tents popping up in Shepler Square Park, Matthew Montgomery was tying down and staking his frame. When all is said and done, this Oklahoma City-based photographer will have examples of his works on display inside for visitors to the festival.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t rain.”

As much as the festival is a Lawton tradition, another aspect that seems to come each year is rain. Despite early forecasts otherwise, by Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned of potential rain and thunderstorms by nightfall with the next round expected Sunday.

But for the Heimer Family Cinnamon Roasted Nuts tent, precautions were in place, just in case. Bob, wife Judy and grandchild Ren were battening down the hatches on all four sides to their sturdy red tent. After over 20 years of being a festival mainstay, Bob said they’ve learned to prepare.

Judy said a little rain won’t dampen what they have to offer from their roaster from Germany: almonds, cashews and pecans. Ready to roll and ready to go, Ren hopped on the dolly used to carry all the important pieces into place as Judy grabbed the handles and Bob picked up the odds and sods.

“This is the fun part,” Judy said as she began rolling Ren away.

But the fun has only just begun. Or will begin.

At 4 p.m. Friday events kick off and last through 5 p.m. Sunday among the 90 booths open at Southwest Oklahoma’s largest and most popular cultural event featuring art, music, food, fun and more.