Vendors, musicians and members of the community gathered Sunday in Andrews Park to celebrate Groovefest 2010.
Groovefest, a festival that features live music and local vendors, also serves as a human rights awareness event for the Norman community. The festival has changed hands among organizers several times over the years. Organizers aim to hold Groovefest twice a year in April and August, said organizer Aimee Rook.
The festival doesn’t always happen when it’s supposed to, and last weekend’s Groovefest almost didn’t happen at all. Rook said she remembers people saying in April that they didn’t think it would happen. “The planning wasn’t rolling, so I said I’d do it,” Rook said.
Rook, who was raised in Norman, sought the help of some friends that had grown up attending the festival, and worked to make it a reality. The organizers waited until June to host the event because of severe weather warnings throughout May.
Rook said the festival focuses on what Norman is doing right. This has changed some from the festival’s original mission, which used to focus on identifying human rights and the struggles for people who don’t have them in other parts of the world like Burma.
“The mission changed to focus not on human rights in Burma, but here in Norman,” she said. “What’s awesome and healthy about Norman? There are the organizations that prevent homelessness or protect women from domestic violence.”
George Ahmadi, stage manager for the festival, described Groovefest as a fun day in the park.
“It’s the healthy thing to do, rather than sitting inside at your computer,” Rook said.
OU graduates Callie McMatt and Lindy Smith enjoyed the day by hanging out and listening to the live music provided.
“It’s good for people to come out and get together,” McMatt said. “ This is why everyone loves Norman.”
Lauren Langford and Kayla Bozeman, Norman North High School juniors, attended the festival to tie-dye their T-shirts. The girls also walked around browsing the different vendors and listening to the bands.
“There are a lot of cool people here. I love the vibe,” Langford said.
Sunday’s Groovefest was the 25th Spring Groovefest in Norman history.
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