The annual Okmulgee Pecan Festival begins Thursday in downtown Okmulgee. On Monday, Great Plains Amusement began setting up the carnival rides along 6th Street in preparation for the threeday festival. Cards allowing carnival attendees to ride all night for one price at the Pecan Festival are on sale now at the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce office at 112 N. Morton Avenue. The cards are $25 if purchased at the Chamber, and $30 if purchased from the carnival. The cards will be exchanged for wristbands at carnival ticket booths. The cards can be used just one time, but the carnival-goer gets to decide what night they choose to use it. The carnival is sponsored this year by the Muscogee Nation. Lots of food and fun is promised, but it will be hot, so take adequate precautions. See the special insert in today’s edition with Pecan Festival details. AMANDA THOMAS