Wilson Rawls novel “Where the Red Fern Grows” was set in the Ozark hills in and around Tahlequah Oklahoma. The novel tells the tale of an adventurous young boy who saves his money to travel to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to purchase two red-bone hound hunting dogs.  The first film was made in 1974 and featured many locals from the Tahlequah community and surrounding areas and was remade in 2003, both filmed in and around the Tahlequah area. It’s only fitting that Tahlequah host the Red Fern Festival.

The festival spans seven blocks and hosts over 150 arts and crafts vendors and gourmet food trucks. There are many activities for all ages. The inflatables, petting zoos and kids games naturally attract kids, while the showcase of live music attracts the young and the young at heart. There is an annual Miss Red Fern Pageant that’s a hit with festival-goers and the rubber duck race through the Town Branch Creek is always a must. Coon Hunters come out to compete in the Hound Dog Field Trials to find out who’s top dog.  

The Red Fern festival continues to grow each year both in size and in heart. What once started as an event of under 1,000 attendees has grown to an estimated 15,000+ attendees with people coming from all over the United States.