It’s all about the food and fun in Checotah, Okrahoma, this weekend.

Nisa Hanson, director of Checotah’s Arch of Triumph Inc., formerly Checotah Main Street, puts the event together.

“It’s a food festival for the young and the old,” Hanson said. “There are arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, something for everybody. We’re expecting good weather. I put the order in for 80.”

In its 15th year, some things return like the car show and okra-eating contest, and some are new like a performance by the Oklahoma Kids and a new food vendor called Renegade BBQ Plus of Valliant.

“He’ll have Indian tacos, fried green tomatoes, bloomin’ onions, and more,” Hanson said. “We wanted him here.”

She’s also excited about Oklahoma Kids. Tara Raby, regional director for Oklahoma Kids, said the group will perform from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Saturday in Pocket Park. Performers participating in Okrafest range from ages 3 to 14 and have a vast range of experiences while in Oklahoma Kids, she said.

“They are honored to be asked to participate in the festival and hope that you will come out and enjoy their show,” Raby said.

The only child performing from this area is Lauren McFarland, 11, of Fort Gibson. Her mother, Stacy McFarland, helps the group schedule performances in this area. She expects the group to sing patriotic and country songs.

Lauren is a sixth-grader at Fort Gibson Middle School and has been in Oklahoma Kids for two years. The family has never been to Okrafest but said they are looking forward to it. She said she has a lot of fun performing and hopes to be a professional singer or an actor when she grows up.

Until then, she might get a chance to join the other children at Okrafest. Hanson said kids like the climbing wall, dunk tank and inflatables.

“We’re excited,” Hanson said. “The closer it gets, the more exciting it is.”

Free okra samples will be given at the Okra Pot tent, while the supplies last.

“A popular event at the festival is the okra eating contest — anyone who wants to see how much pickled okra they can eat in a given amount of time is invited to participate.”

The Okra Baby Contest has six entrants raising money. The winner will be crowned at noon Saturday.

“Parents and grandparents enjoy it,” Hanson said.