Downtown Edmond Arts Festival 2026

Featured Artist: Bridgett Loftiss, Dust Bowl Tough, Guthrie, OK

MAY 1, 2, & 3, 2026

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM to 8 PM•SUNDAY 11 AM to 5 PM Sponsored by the

Welcome to the 2026 Downtown Edmond Arts Festival!

2025 AWARD WINNER

Arts Festival Program Shirt, Ads win Awards

The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival has received another award from the International Festival and Event Association. The 2025 Arts Festival program, inserted into Edmond Life and Leisure the week before the festival, received a Gold Pinnacle Award in the Newspaper Insert/ Supplement category in the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards.

This is the fourth time the program has won an award in the category. The magazine, designed by Arts Festival Co-Chair Michelle Schaefer, also won a Silver Award in 2022 and a Gold Awards in 2023 and 2024.

The festival also won a Gold Pinnacle Award for Best t-shirt design in 2025. Arts Festival ads that appeared in Edmond Life and Leisure also won a Bronze award for Best Ad Series.

Downtown Merchants

There are over 160 artists and 20 food vendors to visit at the arts festival, but don’t forget to shop at the businesses that are open in Downtown Edmond every day! Here are a few of them, stop in and check them out!

Featured Artist Bridgett Loftiss

The 2026 Featured Artist, Bridgett Loftiss, is used to seeing her designs on t-shirts wherever she goes. But now she is going to have to get used to seeing her Blue Hippo design on ads, billboards and stickers. Bridgett is the owner of Dust Bowl Tough, a custom T-shirt company in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Bridgett grew up on her paternal grandparent’s farm in Elk City. Their stories were the inspiration for Dust Bowl Tough. Her interest in art began at an early age and was developed throughout her childhood.

Bridgett started sketching and drawing when she was in third grade. She continued to develop as an artist, taking art classes throughout high school. Bridgett said, “I had a knack of looking at something and then hand drawing it.” Her high school and college art teachers accused her of tracing the things she had drawn. She enjoyed trying different mediums but gravitated toward commercial art and graphic design.

Bridgett attended OSU in Okmulgee on a scholarship. Afterward she worked for a screen print company in Guthrie, then at Oklahoma Embroidery Supply and Design in Edmond. When Bernina of Switzerland bought the company, Bridgett became a production manager, becoming passionate about t-shirt production. The mechanical separation, breakdown, burn screens and lining up allowed her to use her artistic and technical/mechanical side.

While working for OESD she oversaw a staff of nine people doing digital embroidery art. When they got the design in, Bridgett digitized the design and stored it in machine language plugged into an embroidery machine. Then they stitched it with threads into the fabrics. She eventually got her own machine and branched out on her own.

In the early 2000s she started her first business, Precision Punch, doing machine embroidery for the Spider Man film crew the Marine Corp.

When she founded Dust Bowl Tough in 2007, the idea came from a deep appreciation for her grandparents and their generation.

Her inspiration for Dust Bowl Tough was to honor the hearty, resilient and courageous people who lived through

Bowl era. She once heard her grandmother talk about when her family dug a hole in the ground and lived in a dugout for a year. Bridgett said, “We don’t have the ruggedness of that generation.”

Bridgett likes to bring a mixture of different styles, cultures and mediums. Her Thunder bird t-shirt is part Native America combined with an Ancient Egypt times Phoenix. The buffalo T-shirt has an Oklahoma bison, with a North African feel and a style from India.

She found a niche that allowed her to do something she loves while also making it profitable. Bridgett said, “With T-shirt design you’re not looking to create a painting, you need to make

an impact at a glance. It’s more about the impact within a few seconds. I lean more into the graphic design side.”

The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in a difficult 2020 throughout the world. Bridgett and some of her artist friends pulled together in December that year and displayed their artwork at a mall.

Not everything was difficult in 2020. That was the year a friend gave Bridgett the best gift. He’s a long-haired chihuahua, named Ob1. Bridgett said, “He’s my best friend. He’s been with me since my divorce and honestly was the bond I needed to keep me going at times. He’s kind, even tempered, doesn’t bite, and the world’s best cuddler.” Ob1 is Bridgett’s mascot and has done almost every show with her for the last five years. He sits in a counter height chair behind the counter and greets customers.

Bridgett created her featured artwork, the Blue Hippo in January while she was in Gulf Shores on vacation. “I wanted to dress it up to make it exciting—basically to do the hippo in a stained-glass motif and have the light shine through it like the Oklahoma sunlight, absorbing the light of all the elements of its environment. That was a way I could bring in color. There was a box the hippo was holding. I wanted to incorporate him holding Route 66. I didn’t want to use just plain blue. I wanted to do something that made him more colorful, come to life and give more energy.

Bridgett said, “I ran into my own art in the French Quarter, and as far away as Disney World and New Mexico. It’s so cool to know that people wake up someplace in the world, they go to their dresser and pick out my artwork to wear for that day.”

The past several years Bridgett made the T-shirts that displayed the artwork of previous featured artists for the Downtown Edmond Arts Festivals. This year she is excited to see her own design on the Arts Festival T-shirts. Bridgett’s Dust Bowl Tough website can be found at:

https://www.dustbowltough.com

Facebook @dustbowltough

Instagram @dustbowltough/ Written by Gloria Baumann

Why a Blue Hippo?

When the festival committee began planning the 2026 event, they wanted to join in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66. They decided nothing represented Edmond more than it’s iconic Blue Hippo.

You’ve driven past it a hundred times, and maybe even wondered, “Why is there a Blue Hippo along Broadway?” The hippo’s origins are a little foggy, but its place in Edmond culture is unmistakable.

Bud Fisher’s knowledge of the hippo, whom he calls Happy Hippo, goes back 30 years. “I was told that he once belonged to an aquatic center that went out of business,” said Bud. “Water used to shoot out of that box the hippo’s holding.”

Bud inadvertently acquired the hippo when he purchased an old construction company in 1991, which came with a variety of equipment pieces and work projects left in the back lot. The hippo lay in two pieces, along with an elephant that was in too many pieces to save. Bud put Happy in front of his shop, Glass Solutions, and he’s been “happily” smiling at Edmond drivers ever since.

But if you think the blue hippo’s story ends there, then you haven’t heard about the many adventures of Happy. His first kidnapping was in the early 1990s by high school students at Edmond Memorial High School, who somehow hauled the hippo up onto the gym roof! Thus followed a long string of hippo-nappings by students from rival high schools.

“One time, some Santa Fe High School students asked permission to borrow the hippo for a teacher’s birthday surprise. I agreed, but while there, he was spirited away by Edmond North,” Bud said. “He was also put in the pond of Oklahoma Christian University (then Oklahoma Christian College) as a fraternity prank.”

Poor Happy has not survived all of his travels unscathed. He’s gotten bumped, scraped, and even fallen out of a truck. Following multiple repairs, Bud mounted him more securely. Happy also suffers from sun exposure, which leaves him looking pale at times. If you’ve driven by recently, you will

notice that Happy has gone from faded light blue to a vibrant turquoise. “My son repainted him with an airbrush,” Bud said. “I remember repainting him at least four times before I retired and turned the company over to him.”

Bud is amused by the hippo’s legacy. Although Happy was not originally a Route 66 landmark, he has become one. Travelers along the Mother Road often stop to take a photo with Edmond’s blue hippo.

“He’s become famous. He’s been in the newspaper lots of times. I’ve seen cheerleaders pose for photographs in front of him. I’ve seen parents drive up and let their children out of the car to kiss him, although I wouldn’t say he’s sanitary,” Bud said with a laugh. “I think it’s wonderful how taken people are with him.”

But Happy has gotten a recent upgrade. Jett Wagner with Boy Scout Tropp 386 created a photo backdrop

as an Eagle Scout project. Jett, who has extensively traveled Route 66 with his family, wanted to emulate the “hometown nostalgia” of other roadside attractions. His platform offers places for people to stand while taking photographs, with the name of Edmond and other local landmarks images above.

Although Happy Hippo’s age and origins remain a mystery, he has firmly, but smilingly, staked his place in Edmond’s history. You can visit Happy at 1129 S Broadway in Edmond.

For even more Blue Hippo, come to the Blue Hippo Festival on June 6 from 4 to 9 pm at Stephenson Park. The family friendly event features musical performances, live artists, a blue car show and all things blue!

Thanks to Amy Dee Stephens and Edmond Outlook for the information provided in this article.

FREE Shuttle to the Arts Festival

No more hunting for a parking space! You can park at one of two UCO parking lots on the west side of 1st and University, and board a shuttle bus. After a short three minute ride you will be dropped off, just a block away from the arts festival.

The service will be free, thanks to sponsorship by CityLink, Visit Edmond, the Edmond Chamber and the Edmond Economic Development Authority. The bus will run about every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, and from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday, May 3.

“We often heard of visitors frustrated with the lack of close up parking, especially from parents of young children and those with mobility issues,” said Michelle Schaefer, Arts Festival co-chair. “We want to make it easy for anyone to be able to attend without worrying about walking several blocks in the heat and wind.”

2026 Artist List

Artist Medium Booth #

Abdullah, Athraa Oil/Acrylic 105

Allen, Michael Photography 418

Andry, Keith Water Color 204

Ausmus, Kayla Water Color 208

Baker, Amber Wood 414

Bennett, Buck Oil/Acrylic 321

Billen, David Photography 214

Billington, Kerry Oil/Acrylic 327

Bladen, Ed Wood 613

Boen, Chelsea Pottery 310

Bolerjack, Wendy Mixed Media 512

Bopp, Jennifer Metal 509

Bowling, Regina Oil/Acrylic 304

Bracken, Betsy Jewelry 338

Brunton, Donna Oil/Acrylic 209

Bullard, Jenny Oil/Acrylic 216

Burleson, Champ Glass 401

Calvert, Jill Jewelry 415

Campbell, Phyllis Pottery 624

Carbajal, Diana Mixed Media 112

Carel, Stephanie Jewelry 420

Cargill, Chris Oil/Acrylic 326

Case, David Graphics 340

Case, Randall Oil/Acrylic 334

Casey, Dennis Photography 610

Christie, Mary Lou Jewelry 325

Christie, Maryanne Jewelry 424

Clark, Todd Oil/Acrylic 324

Cobos Leon, Melissa Pottery 404

Coplin, James Oil/Acrylic 213

Corner, Sean Sculpture 410

Cornman, Robert Oil/Acrylic 411

Croy, Jennifer Oil/Acrylic 308

Cutter, Dana Designer Craft 421

Daniel, Michael Troy Wood 506

Davis, Randy Jewelry 127

Davis, Wendy Michelle Oil/Acrylic 609

Dillon, Jenny Glass 232

Davis, Jolene Leather 503

Dixon, Cassandra Wood 211

Dorris, Eric Oil/Acrylic 417

Duncan, Rob Pottery 431

Artist Medium Booth #

Elaine, Madison Oil/Acrylic 408

Endres, Marilyn Wood 423

Evanovich, Rebecca Pottery 119

Evington, Debbie Jewelry 405

Fager-George, Daniel Mixed Media 215

Fairchild, Kris Oil/Acrylic 103

Fallini, Monica Oil/Acrylic 113 Field, Lindsay Jewelry 608 Fields, Kathy Jewelry 122 Fisher, Jennifer Fiber 422 Flores, Dennis Jewelry 114 Foster, Amy Jewelry 202

Frazier, Alexis Oil/Acrylic 614

Fryslie, Leah Designer Craft 511

Fuller, Mark Pottery 201

Funk, Janet Graphics 226

Garvey, Marilyn Oil/Acrylic 328

Garza, Amber Jewelry 222

Gentert, Andy Oil/Acrylic 623

Gerdes, Wendy Oil/Acrylic 625

Glenn, Holly Oil/Acrylic 330

Glover, Shane Metal 223

Gonzalez, Eric Water Color 228

Goodwin Self, Kristi Oil/Acrylic 432

Gray, Jennifer Jewelry 403

Hadlock, Kat Mixed Media 303

Hebert, Tony Photography 101

Helkenn, Hans Designer Craft 510

Hernandez, John Designer Craft 336

Highfill, Judy Jewelry 439

Holderby, Bob Metal 402

Hood, Paul Photography 227

Huereca, Samantha Pencil 626

Hunt, Aaron Wood 109

Hunter, Sandy Kay Oil/Acrylic 301

Hutchison, Jean Photography 312

Iglesias, Carlos Jewelry 207

Imhoff, Fred Jewelry 305

Ingram, Jack Designer Craft 219

Jager, Marissa Mixed Media 438

Jahraus, Jon Graphics 331

Jessup, David Designer Craft 124

2026 Artist List

Artist

Jewell, Peg Water Color 316

Jimerson, Tyler Metal 618

Johnston, Jerron Oil/Acrylic 309

Kahrs Jr., Neil Designer Craft 501

Kalbach, Galen Designer Craft 335

Kelly, Adriana Jewelry 622

Kemp, Dan Jewelry 107

Kenney, Tim Oil/Acrylic 429

Kennington, John Photography 230

Killough, Kelly Oil/Acrylic 233

Kittredge, Chelsea Pottery 317

Klinksiek, Sean Sculpture 617

Lamb, Lauren Glass 514

Lanoue, Elaine Oil/Acrylic 218

Lanoue, Guiteau Mixed Media 217

Large, Rondi Wood 409

Lauersdorf, Robin Graphics 128

Lawless, Jami Mixed Media 505

Litherland, Tony Pottery 433

Locke, Jerry Sculpture 406

Loftiss, Bridgett Designer Craft 322

Lujan, Harold Jewelry 315

Madjar, Shandor Jewelry 125

Malone, Michael Sculpture 338

Martin, Taylor Jewelry 210

McDonald, John Glass 313

McGinn, Caleb Photography 412

McHam, Tammy Oil/Acrylic 437

McKay, Jan Oil/Acrylic 205

Mejstrik, Carolyn Water Color 116

Meyers-Dyer, Sue Wood 319

Miller, Judith Pottery 440

Montgomery, Matthew Photography 606

Morte, Ophelia Mixed Media 515

Nelson, Marti Designer Craft 416

Nelson, Matthew Oil/Acrylic 425

Nothhouse, Gretchyn Pottery 110

Parham, Michael Designer Craft 513

Parks, Brian Metal 419

Popp, Donna Jewelry 627

Powell, Nicole Designer Craft 504

Petersen, Carl Wood 302

Artist

Praytor, Alana Glass 436

Rain, Izabella Mixed Media 605

Ratliff, Amber Jewelry 502

Riggs, Jacquelyn Jewelry 118

Rish, Connie Oil/Acrylic 123

Rodenberg, Florelle Water Color 616

Roy, Kristin Designer Craft 508

Ruff, Karen Sculpture 628

Salazar, Jeremy Oil/Acrylic 612

Sanders, Katherine Oil/Acrylic 306

Savage, Ron “Doc” Graphics 220

Scanlan, John Photography 332

Schaefer, Rosanne Oil/Acrylic 615

Schlabach, Teresa Fiber 507

Shafer, Larry Wood 337

Sharp, Michael Wood 516

Shoop, Haylee Graphics 603

Smith, Mark Pottery 621

Smith, Stephen Oil/Acrylic 225

Spellman, Vanessa Oil/Acrylic 413

Standridge, Gregg Wood 106

Stocker, Wilhelmin Oil/Acrylic 607

Stonecipher, Carroll Designer Craft 601

Stotts, Thomas Oil/Acrylic 427

Tallent, Larry Jewelry 229

Taylor, Lily Mixed Media 426

Thomas, Erin Water Color 611

Tong, Linda Designer Craft 307

Tracy II, John Oil/Acrylic 221

Trigilio, Lisa Mixed Media 318

Uhles, Holly Oil/Acrylic 120

Urmie, Michele Jewelry 104

Vogt, Anne Jewelry 212

Walker, Shep Designer Craft 117

Wallace, Jason Photography 115

Walsh, Charolette Oil/Acrylic 126

Whitacre, June Pottery 203

Wilhelm, Susan Beth Water Color 434

Winterburn, Kathy Jewelry 428

Zimmer, Tom Sculpture 620

Booth locations subject to change. For an accurate list, go to www.downtownedmondok.com.

Food Trucks

Deep Branch Winery Wine

Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream ................................... Ice Cream, Hot Dogs

Five Star BBQ & Steakhouse .................................................... BBQ

Hangry Halo Mini Donut Co. ................................................ Donuts

J & J Etc. ................................................. Pickles, Relish, Pork Rinds

Kona Ice ........................................................................ Shaved Ice

Let’s Do Greek ...................................................................... Greek

Okie Brittle ............................................................... Peanut Brittle

Oklahoma Kettle Corn ....................................................... Popcorn

Oropel .............................................................. Ice Cream/Popcorn

Othello’s of Edmond .......................................... Beer, Hot Dog Cart

Plus 254 A Taste of Africa .................................................... African

Rodney and Lisa Ltd. ............................... Cotton Candy, Snowcones

Rodney and Lisa Ltd. .................................... Pizza, Pretzels, Nachos

Shamrock Swagger ...................... Burgers, Hot Dogs, Cheesesteaks

Shuckin’ Delicious .............................. Roasted Corn, Baked Potato

Sixth Day Snacks ........................................ Salsa/Granola/Hummus

Totally Nutz OKC Nuts

Unlimited Concessions ....... Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Indian Tacos

Unlimited Concessions Drinks

Wondervan Pops .............................. Fruit and Ice Cream Popsicles

Festival Music Schedule

FRIDAY MORNING

10:00 AM First Street John the Franklin Vocal,Instrumental

10:00 AM FM Stage Russel Dougherty Gr 4 & 5 School Group

10:30 AM Campbell Caleb McGinn................ Vocal,Instrumental

10:30 AM FM Stage Russel Dougherty Grade 3 ..... School Group

11:00 AM Main Street Brek Osenbaugh ............ Vocal,Instrumental

11:00 AM FM Stage Russell Dougherty Gr 1 & 2 .... School Group

11:30 AM FM Stage Clegern 1st Grade School Group

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

12:00 PM First Street Lacey Rane .... Vocal,Instrumental,Rock/Pop

12:30 PM FM Stage Erin Michelle ....................................... Vocal

12:30 PM Campbell Stardust Trio............................ Ukelele Band

1:00 PM Main Street Edgar Cruz Guitar, Vocal

1:40 PM FM Stage Comet Players Theater Co Vocal/Dance

2:00 PM First Street Sam Kahre ............................... Instrumental

2:30 PM Campbell Lorne Lee .................................... Jazz/Blues

2:30 PM FM Stage Classen SAS MS Show Choir ... School Group

3:00 PM Main Street Grayson Graham ................................. Vocal

3:30 PM FM Stage Mercy’s Hand Rock/Pop

4:00 PM First Street Blake Bricker Vocal,Instrumental

4:30 PM Campbell Richie Allen ............................ Tropical Rock

4:45 PM FM Stage Moore Rhythm Cloggers ................... Dance

5:00 PM Main Street Warren Dean .................. Rock/Pop,Country

5:30 PM FM Stage The Vibro Kings ............................ Rock/Pop

FRIDAY EVENING

6:00 PM First Street Percoustix..................................... Rock/Pop

7:00 PM FM Stage Highway 66 Band ..................... Classic Rock

SATURDAY MORNING

10:00 AM First Street Alyssa Elaine Vocal

10:00 AM FM Stage Okie Stompers Dance

10:30 AM Campbell The Lough Brothers ......................... Country

10:45 AM FM Stage Edmond Youth Chorus ........... School Group

11:00 AM Main Street Everybody Else’s Girl ......... Vocal,Jazz/Blues

Festival Music Schedule

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

12:00 PM First Street Fivemile Hollow Rock/Pop, Jazz/Blues

12:00 PM FM Stage Talk of the Town.................................. Jazz/Blues

2:30 PM Campbell Alice Jackson Vocal

1:00 PM Main Street Rick Smith.................................................... Vocal

1:30 PM FM Stage Wicked for Good Singalong

2:00 PM First Street Alana Luzmila....................................... Rock/Pop

2:30 PM Campbell Honor Plumlee Country

2:30 PM FM Stage Edmond Comm Chorale ............................ Vocal

3:00 PM Main Street Sam Kahre Cello

3:15 PM FM Stage Ravens Three .............................................. Celtic

4:00 PM First Street Edgar Cruz/Blake Bricker ............... Guitar, Vocal

4:30 PM Campbell Katie Bradford.................. Rock/Pop, Jazz/Blues

5:00 PM Main Street Lucius Coldstone........................Vocal,Rock/Pop

5:00 PM FM Stage Heartland Flyer .................................... Rock/Pop

SATURDAY EVENING

6:00 PM First Street Soltani Music School ................... Instrumental

6:30 PM Campbell Wild-Willy-E Rock/Pop

7:00 PM FM Stage The Bottom of the Barrel.......... Bluegrass/Rock

SUNDAY MORNING

11:00 AM Campbell Beck Blevins ............................................Country

11:00 AM Main Street Sapphires Garden............ Rock/Pop, Jazz/Blues

11:00 AM FM Stage School of Rock ..................................... Rock/Pop

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

12:00 PM First Street Skyy Webster .............................................. Vocal

12:15 PM FM Stage Madagascar Jr............................................. Vocal

12:30 PM Campbell Tristan Rudat ..............................Vocal,Rock/Pop

1:00 PM Main Street Melanie Cabaniss ....................................... Vocal

1:30 PM FM Stage Keith Coast Magic/Comedy

2:00 PM First Street Blake Bricker/Edgar Cruz ............... Guitar/Vocal

2:30 PM Campbell Alana Luzmila Rock/Pop

2:35 PM FM Stage Sunday Dryver ......................................... Gospel

3:00 PM Main Street Sam Kahre Cello

4:30 PM FM Stage Edmond Baton Twirling Academy .......... Dance

FREE CONCERTS At the Festival Marketplace Stage

SPONSORED BY The Edmond Agents of

Highway 66 • Friday • 7 pm

The band performs a wide range of Pop, Country, R&B, and classic Rock ‘n’ Roll captivating audiences with their superb vocal arrangements and exceptional musical talent. Each band member has enjoyed a distinguished musical career over many decades.

The Bottom of the Barrel • Saturday • 7 pm

Birthed in the heart of Oklahoma, The Bottom of the Barrel continues to charm countless crowds with their unique blend of bluegrass and rock music. Driving acoustic instrumentals and powerhouse four-part harmonies foster the Indie Rockgrass band’s signature sound as they enthrall audiences with a repertoire of songs that span the vast emotional spectrum of the hard-working class of America, painting pictures of everyday life with tales of heartbreak, drinking, and the pleasure of surviving both (despite their best efforts).

SPONSORED BY

“Wicked for Good” Singalong

Saturday • 1:30 PM

There’s “No Place Like Home” with Glinda and Elphaba!

SPONSORED BY:

Magic of Keith Coast

Sunday • 1:30 pm

The comedy of Keith Coast uses a blend of illusions, balloons, and dangerous things. The intent of his show is to have fun and make people laugh ‘till it hurts!

Princess and Super Hero Schedule

All characters in the Children’s Tent in Festival Marketplace, except “Wicked” Singalong on Festival Marketplace Stage

FRIDAY, MAY 1

11 am to 1 pm........... Ms. Rachel

1 pm to 3 pm ............ Tiana

3 pm to 5 pm ............ Ghost Spidey

5 pm to 7 pm ............ Mario & Peach

SATURDAY, MAY 2

10 am to 12 pm......... Tink & Rosetta

12 pm to 2 pm .......... Elsa & Anna

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm....“Wicked for Good” singalong (on Festival Marketplace Stage)

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm...Elphaba & Glinda

4 pm to 7 pm ............ Spiderman

SUNDAY, MAY 3

11 am to 1 pm........... Aurora & Belle

1 pm to 3 pm ............ Mirabel 3 pm to 5 pm ............ Alice & Mad Hatter

“Wicked for Good” Singalong

With Elphaba and Glinda Saturday, 1:30 pm

Festival Marketplace Stage Sponsored by: ............

NEW ARTISTS in the Valor Bank Art Plaza

Meet these new artists in the Valor Bank Art Plaza, located on the west side of Broadway between Hurd and Main. The restrooms are also located in this area.

MORE NEW ARTISTS

ADDITIONAL THANKS TO:

Randel