When I was a kid, it seemed like there were butterflies everywhere. White ones, yellow ones, spotted ones…and the monarchs. I loved to get one to sit on my finger, the wings slowly opening and closing until it few away.

I don’t think I see as many butterflies anymore – and definitely not as many monarchs.

You can see them again in an historic rural Oklahoma area though.

In between the towns of Washington and Cole, in McClain County, sits a building marking the Jerusalem Community Heritage Center and Park. It marks a former black community. Many residents moved away around World War II. Recently, people who live nearby decided to clean up the area, which includes an old cemetery and historical markers.

Kids love the festival, and there are tons of them around. They have different things each year, since it’s relatively new. I’ve seen face painting, clowns, a butterfly parade, and the crowning of the butterfly queen. They have food for sale and monarchs to see.

There’s a lot of awesome photo opportunities for your kids. Bring money. It’s free to go, but there’s a lot of fun things to do – like releasing a monarch or playing games – and your kids will want to do that.

This is also a port-a-potty only event. My youngest child used a port-a-potty for the first time at the Monarch Festival. She was horrified. I took a picture. (Bad mom.)

The Monarch Festival is held in September – last year on the fourth Saturday. I think the actual date depends on the butterfly migration. All in all, it’s a fun time and a neat experience for kids.