Labor Day weekend all about Oatmeal

By Christi Bertelson

Highland Lakes Newspapers

The streets of Bertram and Oatmeal will be buzzing this weekend, as the 39th Annual Oatmeal Festival gets under way.

Kicking off Friday, Sept. 2, arts and craft vendors, barbecue, Mr. Groaty Oats, Music and the Miss Oatmeal Pageant and Auction will take place in the Oatmeal Community Center located at 7324 County Road 336 in Bertram.

“Our final count for Miss Oatmeal Pageant entries is 33,” said April Baladez, member of the Oatmeal Festival association.

“We take entries for the Mr. Groaty Oats Pageant until it’s almost time for them to walk up on stage, so if anyone wants to still join, it is open,”

Saturday gets underway with the Trail Ride from Oatmeal to Bertram and the Run for your Oats 3.3 mile race.

“The Trail ride is a confirmation of the transition from Oatmeal to Bertram for the festival, where the rest of the events will take place,” said Baladez.

During Saturday’s events crowds can enjoy the Pet Parade, Grand Parade, Washers, Music, Arts & Crafts and the famous Oatmeal Eating Contest.

“We want to remind everyone that we brought back the Oatmeal Eating Contest, which is always a lot of fun,” said Baladez.

“And our Zaney Games are fun for the whole family, Adults and Kids,”

To end the festivities the annual Street Dance will take place with Randall King and featuring Zane Williams.

The concert will be $10 per person at the gate and the association asks that no glass containers be brought within the festival grounds but that coolers and lawn chairs are welcome during the festivities.

For more information visit www.oatmealfestival.org or see page ---- for a full schedule of events.

Friday Night Schedule

Oatmeal Community Center

• 5:03 p.m. Arts & Crafts

• 5:03 p.m. Barbecue Supper

• 6:33 p.m. Miss Oatmeal Pageant and auction

• 7:33 p.m. Mr. Groaty Oats

• 8:33 p.m. Music: The Hired Guns

Saturday Schedule

Downtown Bertram

• 8:03 a.m. Trail Ride (Oatmeal to Bertram)

• 8:03 a.m. “Run for Your Oats”

• 8:03 a.m. Arts & Crafts & Food Vendors

• 9:03 a.m. Oatmeal Bake-off at the Allied Underground Building (corner Vaughan & Grange)

• 9:33 a.m. Pet Parade (Vaughan Street)

• 10:33 a.m. Grand Parade (Vaughan Street)

• 11:03 a.m. Music in Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park

• 12:03 p.m. Washer Pitching Contest 12:03 “World Championship Games” (Vaughan Street)

• 12:03 p.m. Children’s Games (behind City Hall)

• 1:33 p.m. Homecoming at Joanne Cole Mitte Memorial Library Meeting Room.

• 3:03 p.m. Bake-Off Results Announced

• 8:03 p.m. Dance on Vaughan Street, featuring Randall King and Zane Williams.