Artful eating 

 If there’s one thing I know about the people of Oklahoma, it’s that they love art that challenges them. They love being offended and intrigued.

We love the arts festival because of the food. I mean, the art is nice to look at, but it’s more fun to do when you’re toting around some delicacy like Strawberries Newport or chicken brochettes.

I’m sure there are some people who go solely for the art. I just don’t know any of them.

And that doesn’t matter a bit to the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, which gets the majority of their funding from the event.

“The food is just another facet of what makes the Festival of the Arts unique in Oklahoma City,” said communications director Emily Trotter. “I always think of it as a
chance for people to try something new or something they just don’t see anywhere else.”

And the money keeps them afloat all year, keeping Opening Night prices down and allowing the council to put on the Twilight Concert Series for free.

This year includes a few new vendors peddling tasty treats to art-hungry masses.

Adella’s will be an Italian booth raising moneyfor the Reduxion Theatre Company.
On its menu are Italian nachos and something called an “Italian firestick.” 

What is a firestick? I have no idea ... and yet I’ve never wanted to try something more in my entire life.

KCSC-FM classical music radio in Edmond will be the beneficiary of a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly booth, Australian Jaffles & Salads. A “jaffle” is similar to a panini-style sandwich, said Trotter, and it looks to be a pretty health-conscious menu. Selections include a sandwich of apple, cheese and raisins; one with zucchini, cheese, tomato and basil; and another with hummus, bell pepper and onion.

But it’s the new Cajun King booth that is sure to get a few tongues waggling over plates of fried catfish, fried chicken and red beans and rice to benefit the Norman Arts Council.

Prices are capped at $8 for the vendors to keep it affordable for families.

“We’ll also have a tent that serves hot dogs and fountain drinks. It’s important to us that parents can bring their kids without worrying about breaking the bank if they get
hungry,” said Trotter.

But man cannot live on fried chicken alone, presumably. One needs libations, which is why Six-day Cellars will be serving several varieties of wine (and mimosas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

And if it rains, well, it always rains, said Trotter.

“That’s our gift to you, Oklahoma City: great art, great food and a little drought relief.”

The festival is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. through Saturday, and closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday, which is the final day.