‘89er Days Ahead 

The official ‘89ers Celebration, including the oldest continually run parade in Oklahoma, is approaching its 95th year, while still sparking all the excitement of its first. Held in Guthrie—our state’s original capitol—this year’s festivities honoring our state’s historic birth will launch April 16 with near non-stop attractions running through the 20^th. 

Committee chairperson – and 1994 ‘89er Queen – Carrie Fryar says Guthrie is a cool town anyway, but the traditions of ‘89ers week take it from cute to can’t-miss. 

“I’d pack a bag and plan on being here the whole week,” Carrie said. “There’s so much to do every day all day.” The schedule kicks off with the Chuckwagon Feed and silent auction on Tuesday night, and continues with a carnival on Wednesday. 

The streets will be lined with local food and craft vendors, providing shopping and dining options between events like barrel racing, “Geezer’s Gassers and Hawgs” Car Show, two nights of rodeo, and one-of-a-kind competitions like The Great Bed Race. 

Celebrations kick off on April 16th with the Chuckwagon Feed. The Parade is on Saturday, April 20th at noon.

“Participants build mobile beds and just like it sounds, they race,” Carrie explained. Four team members push, while one brave contestant clings to the bed. “I have yet to win, but maybe it’s my year,” Carrie said, noting that she’s only wrecked once. 

On Friday, the ‘89ers Day Rodeo takes place at the Guthrie Rodeo Grounds, followed by a Beard and Mustache Competition, U.S. Marshals Show, and fan-favorite, the Old Timers Baseball Game on Saturday. 

“The beloved Old Timers Baseball Game is back,” Carrie said. “It will take place in The Flats following the parade. It’s basically a reenactment of an 1880s baseball game in old-timey uniforms, using wooden bats, and no gloves.” 

The celebration culminates in a 200+ entry parade, featuring the Langston University band, Shriners from across the state, first responders, car clubs, and more, all geared toward this year’s theme of honoring the sacrifice of military members and their families. 

The ‘89ers Celebration and Parade are sponsored by the American Legion Lebron Post 58, and are the product of nearly year-round planning of a dedicated committee and generous community. 

“The reason it’s been going on for so long is because it really is such a cool tradition,” Carrie said. “It just brings everyone together.” 

Explore the full schedule of events at 89erdays.com.