Things to Do

5 Reasons You Should Not Miss the 40th Annual Bertram Oatmeal Festival

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Tradition and giving back to the community are two things dear to the heart of most Texans. This weekend, Sept. 1-2,  the 40th Annual Bertram Oatmeal Festival will strive to uphold time-honored traditions while also providing outstanding students within the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District with funds to support their dreams of achieving a college education. The end product is a weekend full of laughter, food, and fun. So grab your spoons and pack your bowls, it is time to head to the “Gateway to the Hill Country” to sow your wild oats!

1. It Combines the Tried and True…

Oatmeal carton stacking at the Bertram Oatmeal Festival

Photo: Facebook/Oatmeal Festival, Courtesy of Ryan Schmidt Photography

Who does not love the opportunity to take in a good old fashioned main street parade in the heart of Texas? This year, the festival’s centerpiece event takes place just after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. Other events traditionally associated with the festival include the Bake Off, The World Championship Games (which include activities such as the Cow Chip Kick, oatmeal eating, oat box stacking, and the toilet ring toss among others), and the nightly street dance with live music. This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by James Ridge and Jarrod Birmingham starting at 9:03 p.m.

2. …With Something Brand New

BBQ Ribs

Photo: Pixabay

This year the festival is proud to add a Barbecue cook-off to its repertoire of events. With 11 cooking stations to choose from, visitors can fill their plates to the brim with a variety of meats, potato salad, beans, and a drink for $10 a plate.

Additionally, there will be several other fair-style food vendors offering up delectable delicacies.

3. You Can Bring Your Furry Friends

Oatmeal Festival Pet Parade

Photo: Facebook/Oatmeal Festival, Courtesy of Ryan Schmidt Photography

Watch your furry four-legged friends strut their stuff from Johnnie May Wheeler Park all the way to downtown Bertram at the festival’s Pet Parade. Registration begins just after 9 a.m. and all entries are free, however, participants must either be leashed or in a crate. Everyone will receive a Certificate of Participation, but ribbons will be handed out for Best of Show, Best Dressed Pet, Best Oatmeal Themed Pet, and other notable honors.

4. Festival Proceeds Support a Great Cause

Graduate Cap Toss

Photo: Pixabay

The Bertram Oatmeal Festival is organized by a “Bowl of Directors.” Rebecca Noah, the bowl’s president, said the proceeds from the festival go back into the community.

“We give money to things like the PTO, the 4-H, pretty much any community organization that asks, we give to,” Noah said.

In addition to supporting various organizations, the festival also provides scholarships to some of its top high school volunteers. In fact, Noah said the proceeds from last year’s event contributed to the distribution of the largest scholarship the bowl has ever bestowed on a student.

5. There Are Activities for All Ages

Oatmeal eating contest at the Bertram Oatmeal Festival

Photo: Facebook/Oatmeal Festival, Courtesy Ryan Schmidt Photography 

Unlike other events where one age group or another is the primary focus, the Oatmeal Festival brings together the young and the not so young for a day filled with good old fashioned fun. It is a time to celebrate the past, while also incorporating the future. From free kiddie activities to a homecoming for Bertram High School graduates, this family friendly event is a definite can’t miss.

In fact, Bowl President Noah said it is an event filled with, “great food, friends, and fun. It’s just a great way to get to know your community.”

If you would like to view an in-depth schedule of events, simply follow the link to the festival’s website.