— FORT GIBSON — Most towns would take offense to being called corny, but for Fort Gibson, it’s just a way of life.

About 2,000 people gathered in downtown Fort Gibson on Saturday to take part in the fourth annual Corn Festival, which celebrates the corn harvest in the Fort Gibson area.

There were games, water-based inflatables, a petting zoo, and vendors lining the streets, and just about everyone was carrying some type of corn with them as they participated in the festivities.

Joey Fast, a Fort Gibson resident for 20 years, said that this was the first Corn Festival he’d been to, and came out to see what all the fuss was about.

“It’s nice out here,” Fast said. “I also wanted to come out to get some of my dad’s barbecue.”

Fast’s father was busily preparing barbecue for the American Legion Frank Gladd Post 20. The rest of their group was under the shade of a tent, entertaining patrons with stories and offering water, watermelon, barbecue, and merchandise promoting their post.

Tim Smith, the commander for the post, said that the American Legion has had a booth at every Corn Festival.

“I’m not sure what to expect with the change in times this year,” Smith said. “But we think it’s a very good thing to be active in the community.”

As he spoke, the bell was rung on top of the locomotive style smoker, signaling a fresh batch of turkey legs becoming available to the public.

Fort Gibson residents braved the heat as they came out in full force to support the local agriculture, which is critical to the local economy. As they perused the items at different booths, they kept cool with numerous bottles of water and anything they could use as a fan.

Myra Cookson, who oversees the Corn Festival, grabbed a microphone, happily welcomed everyone, and then spent her time engaging with customers at a grill that was serving up hot and fresh sweet corn.

“Debbie Daniels and I head this up,” Cookson said. “I love it. I think what makes me the happiest is seeing everyone have a good time and enjoy themselves.”

The town of Fort Gibson coordinated the last evening of their festival with the opening of a new splash pad and skateboard park as well, which brought even more hungry and thirsty mouths over to the booths.

Adding to the fun were corn shucking and corn eating contests, which attracted large groups of spectators as “The Ridge," a band from Muskogee, played in the background.

Chris Randell, an assistant manager at Hobby Lobby, brought his family out for an afternoon of corn tasting and fun.

“I really like the family environment,” Randell said. “I love that the community does this every year. There were so many great vendors and so many fun activities for the kids. And, as usual, the corn was awesome.”