Listen to this article
EDMOND — Visit Edmond and three local tourism partners were recognized with awards on June 11, 2024 at the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association’s annual RedBud Awards, sponsored by Edmond Electric.
The statewide ceremony, held at the Edmond Conference Center, recognized Oklahoma’s tourist attractions and destination marketing organizations for their outstanding efforts in promoting Oklahoma’s tourism industry.
The event, emceed by Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association CEO James Leewright, presented 37 awards in 17 categories.
The Edmond Farmers Market received the RedBud Award for Outstanding Agricultural Tourism Attraction in recognition of its contributions to the tourism industry through entertainment and strong marketing efforts. The Edmond Arts Festival received the Outstanding Event Award in recognition of its unique visitor-attraction efforts and effective marketing. Kicking Bird Golf received the Outstanding Attraction Award in recognition of its facility improvements, educational value and effective marketing.
Supporters from the Edmond Tourism Advisory Board, Edmond Convention Center, Downtown Edmond Business Association, City of Edmond, Edmond Parks and Recreation Department and Mayor Darrell Davis accepted the award.
Jennifer Thornton, Edmond Tourism Director and newly elected president of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, expressed pride in the community’s achievement, saying, “The Red Bud Awards recognize the very best of Oklahoma tourism and we are so proud of our community!”
