Oklahoma teems with community events. In Tulsa, head to the Global Gatherings World Festival on Aug. 9 at the Gathering Place to learn about the various cultures represented within the city lines. Next up, venture to the Arvest Convention Center for Oklahoma Comic Con on Aug. 9-10, then head to the Greenwood Film Festival Aug 10-14. The event, happening at...
As the back half of the year approaches, August is stacked with some truly must-see films – so leave your weekends open, because there’s something here for everyone. Starting strong with a legacy sequel, don’t miss The Naked Gun. Starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., son of Frank Drebin Sr. – played by Leslie Nielsen in the original films...

Grayson Ardies

Executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), Grayson Ardies began his working with the department as an intern. In his tenure with the ODAA, Ardies has led many statewide agency initiatives and managed a two-year project that conducted an Aerospace and Aviation Economic Impact Study. An OU alum, Ardies is also a licensed commercial pilot...
Rick Harnish is in tune with what’s happening across the United States when it comes to high-speed rail development, and right now, that list is short. But as executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance (HSRA), he has hope. He carries around in his head a map of cities he would love to see connected.  “If I were in...
Imagine a costume designer hunched over a sewing machine, stitching a gown destined to shimmer under stage lights, or sculpting a foam headpiece for a fantastical character.  In Oklahoma, this isn’t a mere pastime; it’s a vibrant career path shaped by institutions like the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma City University (OKCU). Through...
Oklahoma has historically been one of the more earthquake-prone areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Our strongest earthquake, a magnitude 5.8, occurred in September 2016 near Pawnee – and a 5.1 magnitude hit Prague in February 2024. The U.S. Geological Survey currently reports earthquake magnitudes using the Moment Magnitude scale. A magnitude 5.3 is a moderate earthquake, with a 6.3...
Many people have heard of the National Register of Historic Places, but may not fully understand what, exactly, it is. Most also do not realize that anyone can make suggestions and help get sites added to this prestigious list. “We love working with the public and always welcome any input, suggestions or general questions about historically significant resources in our...
Almost 250 years ago, the Founding Fathers ratified the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the United States. Communities across Oklahoma will celebrate this historic event yet again with dazzling fireworks, good food and live entertainment.   Folds of Honor FreedomFest  Known as Tulsa's largest fireworks show, FreedomFest is the culmination of months of careful planning.  On the day of the...
Over the years, I’ve been asked many times if I’m any relation to Sheb Wooley, the Erick native who left an enduring mark in music, movies and television. It seems logical that I would be, since our last names are spelled exactly the same (there are a lot of variations) and we’re both from Oklahoma. However, I was born...
Exploring the outdoors, peering at plants and watching wildlife not only offer a mood boost, but also can bolster conservation efforts in Oklahoma. From logging nature sightings to sharing data about birds on an app, there are different avenues residents can use to share their observations which, in turn, can help inform biologists and naturalists about a species or...