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Hiking Highlights

By
Alaina Stevens
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Gloss Mountains State Park for Oklahoma Tourism Department

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy nature, and many may not realize the state has some great trails to explore, from our northernmost corners to the Texas border. Here are some popular hiking destinations in Oklahoma:

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 

Lawton

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this refuge offers hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, taking hikers through rugged terrain – including the famous Mount Scott, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains/visit-us/trails

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

Tulsa

If you’re looking for a lush canopy of native Oklahoma trees, a good spot for birdwatching, winding trails, serene ponds and ancient boulders, Turkey Mountain is the place to be. The 600-acre park is in the Osage Hills near the Arkansas River. Some trails may be closed due to an improvement project, so be sure to check out the website for maps, safety tips and park rules.

riverparks.org/experience/turkey-mountain 

George M. Sutton Wilderness Park

Norman

In need of an easy trail? George M. Sutton Wilderness Park has just what you need. Visitors can enjoy the 1.4-mile loop trail with a small lake, gazebo and paved walking/jogging path. You can also fish and bird watch. 

normanok.gov/residents-visitors/parks-recreation/parks/george-m-sutton-wilderness-park

Beavers Bend State Park

Broken Bow

Whether you’re looking for a 1- or 12-mile hike, Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma has a variety of paths for you to explore. Named in honor of a former Oklahoma governor, the David Boren Trail includes seven smaller trails that can be mixed and matched to suit your time limit and skill level. The trails offer vantage points of the park’s lakes and wildlife.

visitmccurtaincounty.com/activities/outdoor-adventure/hiking

Gloss Mountain State Park

Fairview

Gloss Mountain State Park, known for its Cathedral Mountain Trail, provides hikers with panoramic views of prehistoric mesas and buttes. It’s about 1.5 miles round trip with a slight elevation, and if you’re looking to capture the scenic view, the best time to go is during sunrise or sunset. 

stateparks.com/gloss_mountain_state_park_in_oklahoma.html

Elk Mountain Trail – Charons Garden Wilderness Area

Indiahoma

This 2.3 mile hike concludes with vistas of the Wichita Mountains and Charon Garden Wilderness. There are many boulder scrambling opportunities at the top and lots of wildlife present throughout – including the colorful boomer lizard.

alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/elk-mountain-trail–2

Turner Falls Park Trails

Davis

The Turner Falls area has a bevy of trails that all lead to the pièce de résistance: a 77-foot waterfall with numerous caves. Stick around for castle ruins and plenty of beautiful spots to sit and take it all in. 

turnerfallspark.com

Travertine Creek Trail – Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Sulphur

Connecting the Travertine Nature Center and Pavilion Spring, the Travertine Creek Trail is a fairly easy trek for beginners, offering a mostly level pathway with gentle slopes. This is also a pet-friendly area. 

nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/trails.htm 

Remember to check the weather and trail conditions before setting out on any hike, and always bring plenty of water and snacks. If you’re looking for more trails to explore, visit alltrails.com to find locations, maps, difficulty levels and more.

The Horse Show Capital of the World

By
Gina Dabney
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Set to open in the spring of 2025, the Fairgrounds Coliseum is a product of OKC’s city-funded MAPS 3 and MAPS 4 projects. Rendering courtesy Visit OKC/OKC Fairgrounds

There’s a new kid on the block at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds: a state-of-the-art event center, the Fairgrounds Coliseum, which broke ground earlier this year. While the 216,164 square-foot coliseum is being built, the Jim Norick Arena will continue to host events; estimated time of coliseum completion is April 2025.

Spearheading the vision for this new coliseum are a variety of experts, including J. Scott Munz, OKC Fairgrounds executive vice president of marketing, and Zac Craig, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Amenities

The Coliseum will have first-class patron amenities. Topping that list are the concourse and suites, along with a full-service restaurant and ample seating.

The Coliseum will have an open concourse – a large open area at the front  – Munz says, so that when you leave your seat, you will still have a view of the arena floor.

“It will have an open design,” Munz says. “[The building] is a new and modern design.”

There will be seating for more than 7,000 people, which includes arena seating, a lounge and suites along with retractable seating options.

“The Coliseum will seat about 4,700 in its 21-inch padded seats for horse shows,” says Craig. 

The retractable seating will allow flexibility for different event configurations – from bull riding to concerts to basketball.

Other amenities include upscale concession areas, an A/V suite and a sophisticated catwalk system.

Economic Impact

In 2018, Crossroads Consulting, based in St. Petersburg, Fla., conducted a strategic assessment for a potential new fairgrounds coliseum.

“Among many detailed findings,” says Munz, “they determined that the proposed new Fairgrounds Coliseum is estimated to generate $233.1 million in direct spending – which would produce $408.1 million in total output.”

The findings – which Munz reminds are from five years ago – also showed 3,990 total jobs annually in a stabilized year. And, it was estimated that during the coliseum’s construction period, there would be one-time economic impacts to the local economy with the purchase of materials, supplies, labor and professional fees.

Meanwhile … 

The Fairgrounds Coliseum will be built to the south of the Jim Norick Arena, and Craig says “events will be taking place at Jim Norick until the new coliseum is completed.”

The Jim Norick Arena, constructed in 1965, will maintain its scheduled roster of events, such as the AQHA World Championship Show, the OKC Barrel Futurity, and the Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals. Other non-equine events include the Shrine Circus, Disney On Ice and numerous graduation ceremonies, as well as youth basketball games and other sporting events.

“The Norick is very busy,” says Munz. “It is critical we keep the building open.”

Over the past 20 years, improvements have been made to upgrade the equine facilities on the property.

The Fairgrounds Coliseum, a $126-million project, is funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue, along with other funding sources.

“We plan to remain the horse show capital of the world and book national and international equine events,” says Craig. “This new arena will only help.”

Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Stephen Smith joins Mayfest 2023 as a juried artist from Tulsa. His paintings are created using thickly textured paint, applied with spatulas and painting knives. Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

The future of Tulsa’s beloved arts festival, Mayfest, is in good hands.

Ahha Tulsa, which took control of the event in 2020, ceased operations late last year. The unexpected closure left the continued existence of Mayfest uncertain – but the University of Tulsa swooped in to save the day. TU, led by president Brad Carson, purchased what was then the Hardesty Arts Center at 101 E. Archer St. and took charge of operations for the festival almost immediately after the nonprofit announced its closure. Despite a rapid acquisition, there were only about 100 days to plan the event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

“Brad Carson charged his team with ensuring the dedicated volunteers behind the annual arts festival had what they needed to create a Mayfest befitting a golden anniversary, while upholding the traditions that thousands of attendees have come to expect,” says Mona Chamberlin, the university’s director of marketing and communications. 

Mayfest began five decades ago as “Jubilee ‘73” to celebrate the Junior League of Tulsa’s 50th anniversary. Mayfest volunteers and leadership have worked diligently to honor those roots and “inject history into this year’s Mayfest wherever possible,” says Chamberlin. “Junior League of Tulsa will return and have a presence to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Area businesses and volunteers have collected posters from former Mayfest events, which will be on display in the galleries at 101 E. Archer Street.

“Also at 101 E. Archer, the Invitational Artists Gallery, sponsored in part by the Gelvin Foundation, returns to feature the work of past Mayfest artists and celebrate their commitment to the festival.”

Mayfest’s general schedule and offerings will remain the same as in years past, with activities running throughout the Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District. The university is partnering with several area businesses to offer four performing arts stages in 2023, where guests can enjoy everything from dance to theatre to live music. Visitors can also expect a variety of food and drink options. Admission remains free to the public.

Of course, art is the jewel in the Mayfest crown. Visual artists from around the globe – and across the city – will be selling their original works throughout the festival’s three day span. Expect an array of mediums, including clay, digital media, pastels, glass, prints, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and wood.

While circumstances surrounding the planning time weren’t ideal, Chamberlin says Tulsans’ passionate dedication to the cause has helped exponentially. 

“Mayfest volunteers have made all the difference,” she says. “The University of Tulsa staff and faculty are working hand-in-glove with the incredible cadre of volunteers who have made Mayfest such an amazing festival for half a century.”

Mayfest 101

When: 
May 12-13, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
May 14, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: 
The Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District, downtown Tulsa

Things to know:
Mayfest is a pet-friendly festival for well-behaved, leashed pets that are current on their vaccinations. 
No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed at Mayfest.

Learn more:
tulsamayfest.org

Art credit:
Stephen Smith joins Mayfest 2023 as a juried artist from Tulsa. His paintings are created using thickly textured paint, applied with spatulas and painting knives. Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

Entering Barbecue Country

By
Tracy LeGrand
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Getting Started

Growing one’s skills at the grill is attainable through trial and error – and other resources such as online classes from the major barbecue brands. 

Interested grillers can check out YouTube tutorials to learn how to get started on a gas grill, the differences between heat sources, how to set up or build various items and just about everything in between. 

Locally, some restaurants in both OKC and Tulsa offer periodic classes – a quick internet search will yield helpful results. 

For a formal opportunity to learn on a regular basis, Forge Barbecue Co. formed Tulsa Barbecue School in 2017 to teach the finer points of handcrafted, wood-fired barbecue. The curriculum is backed by expert grillers, barbecue societies and a network of pitmasters.

Tech at the Grill 

There is an ever-evolving arsenal of grilling gadgets and gizmos, like precision cookers, high-powered portable griddles and one-touch grill cleaning systems for those looking to up the ante on their home set-ups. 

True-infrared tech is relatively new and addresses the issue of food dryness as a result of traditional gas and charcoal. This technology cooks with heat waves as opposed to heated air. Temperatures can get as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit – much hotter and more efficient than the standard technique. 

The Meater App gives cook time estimates and helps ensure you don’t over- or undercook different meats going on the grill simultaneously.

Used by professionals for decades, precision cookers work by circulating heated water, cooking food to the exact set temperature needed for grilled perfection. 

Whether camping, tailgating or cooking in the backyard, high powered portable griddles are versatile, making it easy to cook up anything a full-sized grill can. With its flat surface, a griddle can also cook bacon, eggs, pancakes or any other goodie you might want, and some models come with both a grill and griddle surface combo.

BBQ Trends

Hot summers paired with abundant beef and other grilled goods are big business, a trend reflected worldwide as annual market revenue for grills and roasters ranges from $4 to $7 billion. 

As to style, fusion barbecue – a culinary blend – is rising at many new up and coming restaurants nationwide. With fusion ‘cue, chefs are mixing a variety of cooking styles and cuisines together.

For some pitmasters, trends are eschewed in favor of a secret and curated barbecue alchemy. Chuck Gawey, owner of Albert G’s Bar-B-Q in the Tulsa area, focuses on consistency and proven methods. 

Matt Thompson, vice president of operations for RibCrib, has noticed a few trends sticking, and his team has subsequently integrated them into the menu. 

“We notice that a lot of pitmasters – especially the younger ones – are really pushing the idea of what barbecue is in the southwest United States, ” he says. “We’re seeing a lot of experimentation of craft barbecue menus, and it gets us taking chances – like when we introduced Redneck Nachos, [which are] potato chips fried in-house, then topped with pulled pork, a black bean and corn medley, queso, a swirl of barbecue sauce and pickled jalapeños. 

“It’s not traditional, but we brought it out and people really like them. So we’re asking: ‘What does barbecue look like in the 21st century?’ We’re keenly aware of our history and what we learned in competitions years ago, and now are seeing exciting things we never thought about until now.”

Trends include:

  • A Spanish grilling method, la plancha is performed on a slab of slate over flames, giving effortless heat control and an absence of flare-ups, along with the ability to cook evenly, as the stone acts as a griddle.
  • Vegetarian and plant-based BBQ options include elote, which is corn roasted on the grill, often brushed with vegan mayonnaise and sprinkled with plant-based cotija cheese and chili powder. Other veggie
    favorites include Idaho potatoes sliced into wedges; mushroom burgers marinated overnight; and the classic plant-based hot dogs and veggie burgers.  
  • Another favorite is to skewer veggies into kebabs, brushing them with oil and seasoning and serving with barbecue sauce. Choices include tofu steak, cauliflower steak and seitan. On the naturally sweet side, grilling turns fruit into a luscious treat. Try jackfruit, peaches and pineapple. 

The Perfect Pairings

Using sauces and spices to zest up your BBQ is a creative expression in cookery, and Oklahoma is home to a variety of concoctions including Smokmaolma Barbecue, Tumblin 5 BBQ, Brushy Creek Barbecue, D’Lynn’s Family BBQ Sauce, Antler’s BBQ Sauce, Knotty Pine Barbecue and so many more. The website madeinoklahoma.net is a great resource for those looking to shop local.

Some seasonings pair best with specific meats. Chicken goes well with dill weed, rosemary and anything citrus – including the peel and juices, especially in a marinade. 

For turkey, try the warmth of cumin or the classic pairing of sage. For an Asian flair, turkey blends well with star anise. 

Goose and duck are enhanced by rosemary, and experts say this herb balances the intensity of the fatty poultry. Red pepper flakes and cinnamon increase texture and tenderness.  

Beef goes well with yellow mustard powder, onion, garlic and basil. 

Try the classic flavor profile of lamb with mint or other options like curries and turmeric for a depth of richness. 

Sage enhances pork and turkey. Other optimal pork pairings include juniper berries for a tart complement to pork’s sweetness, or caraway with its licorice flourish.

Grilled fish and seafood benefit from a citrus zing with lemongrass, or try oregano with freshwater fish.  

International Barbecue Styles 

It’s not just Oklahoma, nor the U.S. at large, that’s enamored by the nuances of barbecue. Varied grilling styles can be found throughout the world.

Wandering the streets of Jerusalem, you’ll find shipudim, a ubiquitous lamb meat kebab. Meat on a stick is a popular street food in Ghana, and is known as chichinga; it typically comes with beef or lamb rubbed with suya – a mix of ground spices, peanuts and hot peppers. 

In the Philippines, chicken or pork inihaw is often, but not always, on bamboo skewers and the word is a general Tagalog term meaning ‘grilled’ or ‘roasted.’ Pickled kimchi is South Korea’s most famous culinary export … followed closely by Korean barbecue, often cooked at the table and typically flavored by toasted sesame oil, the sweet heat of gochuijang (chili paste) and savory doenjang soybean paste. 

Yakitori is Japan’s beloved barbecue offering, with skewered and grilled chicken parts including cartilage, liver and thigh, marinated in sake, ginger, soy sauce, garlic, mirin and often a touch of brown sugar. 

South African barbecue is braai – usually pork, lamb or beef cooked over a wood grill.

Ask the Experts

Safety at the grill is paramount. Experts weigh in on some do’s and don’ts. 

Do:

  • Keep pets and children at least three feet away from the grill. 
  • Keep a clean grill, free of fat buildup. Scrape it clean between uses. 
  • Place charcoal and propane grills outdoors, a safe distance from structures, railings and eaves.
  • Ensure a gas grill is open before lighting.
  • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using a propane grill for the first time each year by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. 
  • Call the fire department and distance yourself from the grill if a fire becomes unmanageable or you smell a strong gas odor.

Don’t: 

  • Add any flammable liquid to an already started fire.
  • Place starter fluid close to heat sources.
  • Spray water on fire flare-ups.
  • Skewer meats together that cook at different paces.
  • Leave the grill unattended.
  • Forgo a meat thermometer. 
  • Cross-contaminate or place cooked meat on a plate that also holds raw meat.
  • Wear loose clothing or anything that could catch fire easily.

Diner Favorites

The grill is ready and the smoker’s at the perfect temp. So which meat – and which cuts – are your next decisions. 

“Ribs and brisket are mainstay meats at Earl’s Rib Palace,” says Richard Rea, the restaurant’s operating partner. “They are the highest-quality cuts of meat and therefore get the prime real estate in our smokers. Coming in at a close third is our smoked bologna – less traditional for sure, but a tasty slice of meat when you’re looking to get off the beaten BBQ path.”

RibCrib’s Thompson weighs in: “We like St. Louis style ribs because they’re very meaty and flavorful. Baby backs are leaner and spareribs are untrimmed and much larger, and so we feel like St. Louis style has a ton of flavor and is easy to eat. I also think we do a great job with our pork butt, as it’s a juicy, tender meat that’s very flexible, and you can do a lot with it once done smoking. One of our most popular meats is smoked chicken breast. We slather, season and smoke skinless chicken, and folks love it.”

Whitney Beavers with Legendary Q Brands, owner of Billy Sims Barbecue, says they utilize the entire beef brisket, and it’s “smoked for 12-14 hours overnight. Both cuts – chopped and sliced – appeal to many different palettes. We use boneless white meat chicken breast that we slice and season to perfection,” she says. “We use the pork butt, which is actually the shoulder of the pig. After smoking and seasoning overnight, this is a definite fan favorite that is ordered often, whether it be as a dinner or atop our famous Heisman Sandwich.”

Gawey with Albert G’s also has his stand-outs. 

“Brisket goes all night and is ready in the morning,” he says. “It’s always going to be about the brisket, ribs and pulled pork. And Oklahoma loves the smoked bologna and the smoked wings that are quick fried to order.” 

Barbecue, Arts, Festivals and 5Ks

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Photo courtesy May fest

It’s a busy month for community events. 

In Tulsa, celebrate heritage with Germanfest, running May 5-7 at 1429 Terrace Drive. Participants can enjoy live music, dancing and delicious eats. Celebrating its 50th year, Tulsa International Mayfest runs May 12-14 at 400 S. Main St. See gorgeous wares from local artists, and enjoy live music and food. Keep the good vibes going at Bixby BBQ ‘n’ Blues Festival, running May 19-20 at Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum. Other community events to visit are the John Hope Franklin National Symposium, May 24-26 at Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campus, as well as The World of Bob Dylan event, May 30-June 4 at 100 E. Second St. 

In OKC, the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Scissortail Park is a can’t miss, as it’s one of the largest celebrations in the city that presents authentic music, dancing and scrumptious fare. Head to the OKC Fairgrounds for Budweiser’s Custom Car SuperShow, racing into town on May 20.

Fans of Red Dirt country music should head to Stillwater’s Tumbleweed Dance Hall for the annual Tumbleweed Calf Fry, May 4-6. Other events of note include the Norman Pride Festival Weekend, May 5-7 at various locations; the Jim Thorpe Celebration and Memorial 5K, May 6 at Jim Thorpe Park in Yale; the Prague Kolache Festival, May 6 on the 1100 Block of Main Street in Prague; and the Arts for All Festival, May 12-14 at Shepler Park in Lawton. Final highlights include the Stilwell Strawberry Festival, May 13 in downtown Stilwell, and the Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride, May 20 at Bartlesville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. 

Tad Jones

By
Staff
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Photo courtesy Tad Jones

Tad Jones, executive director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums, is a Claremore native and graduate of Oologah High School and the University of Tulsa. Jones served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1998 to 2010; during his tenure, he held leadership roles including the House Education Appropriation Chairman and the House Majority Floor Leader. After helming the Grand Lake Association, Jones came to Will Rogers Memorial Museums in 2014. We caught up with Jones and got his thoughts on … 

… how he got involved with the museums.

I grew up in Claremore and went to school in Oologah, so I have been around the museums all my life. When the position came up to be the director in 2014, it was a dream opportunity to be a part of the legacy of such an inspirational and impactful figure as Will Rogers. I have been the director since then and have absolutely loved sharing Will.

… what the memorial and museums offer.

The Memorial Museum in Claremore houses the largest collection of Will Rogers writings and memorabilia in the world. Visitors can visit 12 galleries to learn about Will’s life and influence, and they can also visit the tomb where he and family members are buried. The Birthplace Ranch where Will was born is just 12 miles up the road near Oologah, and visitors can see the White House on the Verdigris where Will was born and raised.

… whether his political background has helped in this role.

I think it has definitely helped. We desperately needed a new HVAC system when I arrived, and we were able to get funding for that. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people through my time in the legislature, and those relationships continue to be important to the future of the museum, through funding, support and activities.

… the future of the museum.

We are extremely excited about the future of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. We will be receiving funding from an Oklahoma Historical Society bond package to build a new building for offices, collections and events; have a new entryway; and solve ADA issues throughout the museum. We will also be updating all our exhibits to create the Will Rogers – World Citizen Experience. We will be inspiring people from all over the globe with Will’s life and character traits that made him so beloved.

… how people can get involved.

Our website, willrogers.com, has lots of information for visitors, and we have a fantastic volunteer group called the Ropers who help out with events throughout the year. They greet people from all over the world. Volunteer information is also on our website.

… the best part of his day.

We have a great staff at the Memorial and we have so many wonderful events for the community.  Each day brings something new, and I love seeing people come to the museum and smile as they learn about Will or participate in our activities.

… how to help.

When the museum was built in 1938, not only did the Oklahoma legislature invest in the Memorial, but people from all over the country helped fund the building. We are asking the same as we renovate the Museum, as our world needs a positive role model citizen and there just isn’t anyone better than Will Rogers. If you want to help with our efforts, you can visitwillrogers.com and click on the World Citizen Experience button. We would love everyone’s help as we keep Will’s legacy alive.

… his day-to-day.

Right now, most of it is preparing for the renovation of the museum.  I am working to raise money and prepare for the major update to the facility over the next few years.  

Rhys Martin

By
Staff
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Photo courtesy Rhys Martin

Tulsa Native Rhys Martin is the president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. An avid photographer, Martin first became enamored with Route 66 during a bridge preservation event in 2015. Now, he represents the Association as a member of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, the Route 66 Alliance, the Tulsa Route 66 Commission and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. We caught up with Martin and got his thoughts on…

… what drew him to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. 

My first real exposure to Route 66 was in 2013, when I took a road trip from Tulsa to Miami to see the Coleman Theatre Beautiful. I was blown away! I wanted to see what else the road had to offer – in Oklahoma and in the other seven states. In 2015, I went to a bridge preservation event in Lebanon, Missouri, and met a whole host of roadies and advocates. That sparked the flame, so to speak, and I wanted to see how I could help with other efforts. I officially joined the board of the Association in 2017 as the Tulsa County representative and was elected president in 2019.

… what the Association does for Oklahoma.

The Association was created in 1989 to help promote and preserve Historic Route 66 – which had fairly recently been federally decommissioned. We helped get the first Historic Route 66 signs placed along the road – in any state – and continue to help people not just find the road but know what to see and do while they are there. When preservation is needed, we help get the word out and roll up our sleeves to help where we can. We also work with other groups around the country to make sure Oklahoma Route 66 is represented well, especially in light of the upcoming centennial.

… his passion for historical preservation.

I loved history and social studies in school – shout out to Mrs. Smith and Coach Long! But I wouldn’t call it a passion until after I returned to the U.S. after a ten-month backpacking journey around the world in 2009-2010. I was able to experience dozens of other cultures and some remarkable history, and I came home a different person. I started looking around Tulsa and Oklahoma to see what I had been missing the whole time.

… programs he’s proud of and things he’s looking forward to. 

I’m pretty proud of our original Historic Route 66 signage initiative – which involved raising nearly $20,000 to get those familiar brown signs placed along the road. Although I wouldn’t be involved for another 25 years, that set the standard for when we worked with ODOT in the last few years to update and enhance that signage inventory across the state, from Quapaw to Texola. As far as the future goes, all roads lead to the centennial right now. I’m particularly excited about relaunching our kids membership to help engage a new generation.

… his favorite part of Route 66 to shoot. 

I love the quirky! From Buck Atom in Tulsa to the Parker Rig in Elk City to the Milk Bottle in OKC – stuff you can’t see anywhere else. I also admit that I am drawn to sites that weren’t preserved – an old, empty gas station or a rusted automobile carcass in a county field. It all tells a story.

…how people can get involved with the organization.

We are entirely membership based – the low annual fees help us buy supplies when preservation needs come up. We also rely on volunteers when projects come to us, such as the painting of Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce a little over a year ago. Join us and help us out!

… the Route 66 centennial. 

Our biggest focus is not stepping on what the 40+ communities along Oklahoma Route 66 are already planning. We want to help promote what they are already doing and make sure the world knows about it! I also sit on the board of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, which is involved in the national centennial commission. I also want to make sure our 400+ miles are properly highlighted with whatever they are planning.

… his team. 

I’m just one cog in a much larger machine – I couldn’t do what I do without our board and volunteers. They are the real rock stars of Route 66 preservation! 

Springtime Cinema

By
Drew Joseph Allen
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© 2022 Nintendo and Universal Studios

April showers bring May flowers – and films? I don’t know, middle-of-the-year intros become so difficult. But we’ve got some good movies to explore let’s month – let’s go! 

Starting out the month in super fashion, get ready for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Based on the Mario franchise of video games from Nintendo, the computer-animated film sees several mainstays, including Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) take on Bowser (Jack Black) and his army of minions. This will be the first film based on Mario since the universally panned (slash cult classic) live-action Super Mario Bros. film, released in 1993. Although the voice cast has been extremely divisive – particularly since Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario for over thirty years, is being relegated to cameos – the animation looks absolutely wonderful and the plot seems to be going for ultimate nostalgia when it hits theaters on April 5. 

If you’re a fan of anime, you’ll want to see Suzume on the big screen. The story focuses on a high school girl and a mysterious young man who try to stop a series of disasters from happening in Japan. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, known for other well received anime films like Your Name and Weathering with You, the film will likely cover similar ground in terms of character beats and story (involving teens in Japan doing supernatural stuff and falling in love), but the animation looks so beautiful that it almost certainly won’t matter. It was released in Japan last year, but the States will finally get it on April 14. 

For your action fix, check out The Covenant. Starring Jake Gyllenhall as Sergeant John Kinley, the story revolves around his mission to rescue his interpreter from behind enemy lines. The trailer abandons all the normal jokes and pizzazz director Guy Ritchie’s films are known for. Instead, it looks to be a very serious thriller with gritty undertones and stoic performances. We’ll see if Ritchie can make the turn when it releases on April 21. 

If you need a coming-of-age story, look no further than Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Based on the eponymous 1970 Judy Blume book, the story follows sixth-grader Margaret Simon as she begins a quest of religious self discovery. Blume rejected several offers to adapt the book over the years until director Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen) came along. The film stars newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson alongside Rachel McAdams and releases on April 28. 

Lastly, the surreal comedy horror Beau Is Afraid will be a must-see for any A24 fans. Set in an alternate present, Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) travels home after his mother suddenly dies, and he experiences supernatural elements on his journey. The trailer is, in my opinion, wholly bonkers and feels like a fever dream of insane proportions. The stacked cast also includes Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan and Patti LuPone. Written and directed by Ari Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar, this film will unquestionably be an unhinged voyage when it drops on April 21. 

It’s Baseball Season!

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Oklahoma City Dodgers v Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos) Photo courtesy the OKC Dodgers

Baseball reigns supreme this month. For professional games, visit ONEOK Stadium on April 6-8 and 18-22 for the Tulsa Drillers as they take on early season foes. At Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, cheer on the OKC Dodgers April 1-2, 11-16 and 25-30. 

Collegiate fans can catch the University of Oklahoma play at home at L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman on April 1-2, 11, 14-16, 25 and 28-30; the Oklahoma State University Cowboys take the O’Brate Stadium field in Stillwater April 1-2, 4, 11, 14-16, 18 and 25. 

Don’t forget about softball! The NCAA reigning champs, the OU Sooners, return in fine form at the Marita Hynes Field on April 1-2, 6-8 and 28-30. And OSU storms the Cowgirls Stadium April 11-12, 14-16 and 18. 

Other goodies in Tulsa include the Oklahoma Buckskin’s Bloomin’ Blowout 1-2 at Expo Square; the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show on April 5-7 at Expo Square; Tulsa Oilers hockey April 7-9 at the BOK Center; and the Smoke and Guns charity MMA and boxing event on April 22 at BOK Center. 

You can catch the last of the OKC Thunder’s season on April 2 and 9 at the Paycom Center, or visit the SWOSU Rodeo on April 13-15 at the Don Mitchell Rodeo Arena in Weatherford.

Photo courtesy the OKC Dodgers

Flower Power

By
Mary Willa Allen
-
Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

It’s the perfect weather for outdoor community events, and we’ve got plenty. 

Tulsa Botanic Blooms runs through April 16 at Tulsa Botanic Garden. Guests can enjoy over 200,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring bulbs. The Azalea Festival ushers in spring from April 1-30 at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee; visitors can view 40 acres of manicured gardens boasting over 30,000 azaleas. Tulsans can also venture to Expo Square for the Spring Home and Outdoor Living Expo, running April 21-23; the Tulsa PAC for the Orbit Arts Festival on April 15; and Tulsa Town Hall’s Jonna Mendez speaking event on April 28. 

In OKC, you can get plenty of flower power at the Tulip Festival on April 8-9 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Keep the good times rolling at the Norman Music Festival on April 27-29, with over 100 local and national bands. And those looking for fitness and inspiration in equal measures should visit the OKC Memorial Marathon, running April 28-30 at the OKC National Memorial and Museum. 

Around the state, entertaining events include the Cimarron Territorial Celebration and Cow Chip Throwing Contest, April 1-8 at the Beaver County Fairgrounds; the Festival of Colors, April 8 at 14805 W. Industrial Rd. in Guthrie; the Red Dirt Film Festival, April 13-16 at the Sheerar Museum in Stillwater; and the Artesian Arts Festival, April 22 in Sulphur’s Artesian Plaza. 

Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

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