By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Agritourism is big business in Oklahoma these days. The Salt Fork River Valley Ranch and Farm Tours will be kicking off agritourism events at three areas southwest of Ponca City on June 7.

Over 63 million people visit agritourism venues annually in the United States.

The area events are significant enough that Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach will be the keynote speaker. Abby Cash, Oklahoma State Agritourism, director and other Oklahoma Department of Tourism officials are expected to attend.

A full venue of free activities have been slated for "Summer on the Salt Fork," which includes a ribbon cutting at high noon the Big V Ranch, "T" Street and White Eagle Road, Ponca City.

At 2 p.m., the Blubaugh Angus Ranch, 9801 West North Avenue, Ponca City, will have a kick off with Abby Cash, as guest speaker.

Silver Top Farm will kick off its events at 4 p.m., with the vineyard ribbon cutting, farm tour, with an art show and wine tasting. Carrie Netherton, Tulsa FOX23 reporter is the emcee. Silvertop Farm is located at 6151 Fountain Road, Ponca City.

The public is encouraged to attend the free events, which will be followed by a benefit dinner, which has a $25 fee.

Salt Fork Tours and Silvertop Farm will host a benefit dinner, auction and outdoor concert at 6 p.m., on The Cowskin. Admission is $25. The event benefits North Central Oklahoma Projects including 101 Ranch, Tonkawa Santa Fe Depot and Ponca Indian Mission.

Tickets are available at Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank of Oklahoma, RCB Bank, and Blubaugh Insurance Agency.