The third annual Crossroads of Oklahoma Farm Show is coming to the Canadian County Expo and Event Center Oct. 16-18.

Janelle Martin, the owner of C&M Production Group running the Crossroads of Oklahoma Farm Show, has been doing some out-of-the-box thinking to make the show as successful as it can be. That includes some new elements being introduced to the show in Canadian County this year.

“One of the things that we are doing is the seminars,” Martin said. “We did some last year and we’re doing some this year. And then we are also bringing in Jake Gill. He’s doing a farm tour right now, and we are bringing him in for a two-hour concert from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Oct. 17. We’re calling it Lunch with Jake.”

The seminars are geared toward farmers and ranchers, and will be involving the Oklahoma Department of Agricultural Food and Forestry. 

An expert will be speaking about a new world screwworm during a seminar set for 3 p.m. Oct. 17. 

The Crossroads of Oklahoma Farm Show usually has held the event in Canadian County near the beginning of the year, but some personal situations altered the plans. Martin also mentioned the suggestion of moving the show to the fall had come up during interactions with folks at previous year’s events. 

“Actually, our response has been very well received,” Martin said. “So we’re real excited to have it moved. It might have started out as something that wasn’t planned, and then I’ve got to say, Canadian County Expo has been a dream to work with and was very understandable, and found us dates we could move our funds and stuff. They worked with us and were very accommodating. Sometimes God has a plan and we just have to follow it. We may not understand it, but we follow it.”

The show also overlaps with fall break in many communities locally, something Martin sees as a strong opportunity for interested folks to make it out to the Expo Center. 

“I think that just being here during fall break is going to give lots of families time to come out and see and enjoy the farm show for three days,” Martin said. “From the concert to the type of vendors that we are bringing in, I mean, we’ve got some things that are for kids too, including a basketball hoop game. Every year, we’re going to grow.”

Martin said the more collaboration the Crossroads of Oklahoma Farm Show has worked with Canadian County Expo Center officials, they have been impressed. That has led her to anticipate even more events to be attracted to Canadian County in the future.

The farm show is free for all ages, with the show being accessible Oct. 16-17 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., while Oct. 18 will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The concert is also free, with over 90 vendors specializing in a wide variety of items signed up to attend. Martin wants to intrigue folks to want to come back each year and see what different things the show offers. She also wants the community to truly enjoy the experience. Folks can contact Martin at info@crossroadsokshows.com, or at 580-234-3549.

“If they live in the city, come on out,” Martin said. “If they are a hobbyist farmer and rancher, come on out. If they’re a rancher/farmer, come on out. We’re a show for everybody, and kids enjoy it. Even the city kids will come in and enjoy looking at all of the big equipment. We are a community trade show.”