Whether it’s a comedian, concert or performance, there’s plenty of on-stage entertainment in July.
In Tulsa, visit the River Spirit Casino Resort to enjoy comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias on July 19. Stick around the venue for the Beach Boys on July 20. Other Tulsa goodies to visit include the Doobie Brothers on July 2 at the BOK Center, as well as Bowling for Soup at Cain’s Ballroom on July 20.
In OKC, get your Fourth of July celebrations started early with OKC Philharmonic’s Red, White and Boom on July 3. Taking place at Scissortail Park, you can enjoy live outdoor music replete with fireworks and concessions. If you’d rather stick to the great indoors, venture to Edmond for Celtic Throne on July 7 at Armstrong Auditorium. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma offers two musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall this month: Jersey Boys July 9-14, and Cinderella July 30-Aug. 4. Also at the Civic, Painted Sky Opera performs its rendition of Lucia di Lammermoor, a story described as full of “forbidden romance and shimmering melodies.” If that’s not enough to satiate your entertainment needs, visit the Paycom Center for Janet Jackson on July 26 and Olivia Rodrigo on July 27.
Around the state, you can catch lauded comedian Jerry Seinfeld on July 13 at Winstar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, along with Monty Python’s Spamalot on July 26-28 at Gaslight Theatre. And if you find yourself on or around Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, head to the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater for Ruth: The Story of Redemption, running through July 27.
Sports fanatics have their pick of options in July.
In Tulsa, the Drillers are still truckin’ at ONEOK Stadium, with home games July 4-14 and July 30-31. If you prefer soccer, stick around the stadium for Tulsa FC’s matches July 20 and 26. You can also head over to the BOK Center for Tulsa Oilers football July 13 and 19. Expo Square is a hotbed of equine-centric sporting events this month, including the Pony of the Americas National Congress, July 5-12; the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Hackamore Classic, July 22-28; and simulcast horse racing all month long.
Events in OKC include the OKC Baseball Club’s home games, July 4-6, 9-14 and 23-28 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, as well as a Twister City Roller Derby bout on July 20 at Arctic Edge Arena in Edmond. Fans of bull riding shouldn’t miss the PBR Teams event at the Paycom Center from July 12 to 14. The OKC Fairgrounds play host to both the National & Youth World Appaloosa Horse Show, through July 4, as well as the Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals, July 18-27.
Rodeo fanatics have plenty of events to visit, including the Wynnewood Open Rodeo, July 12-13 at the Wynnewood Rodeo Grounds; the Founder’s Day Rodeo, July 12-13 at Drew Park in Pittsburg; and the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo, July 25-27 starting at the Pawnee Lakeside Event Center. Other can’t miss events include the Norman Conquest Ride, July 13 at the J.D. McCarty Center; the International Round-Up Club Cavalcade, July 15-21 at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska; and the Dehydrator Bicycle Ride, July 27 at the Simmons Center in Duncan.
July has arrived and it’s VERY hot, so let’s head to the movies and cool down with plenty of action, comedy and horror!
First up, a sequel that may or may not need to exist: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Coming a whopping 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III, this film again focuses on Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy), a detective with the Detroit Police Department who always seems to wind up in California. His daughter (Taylour Paige, Zola) and her ex-boyfriend (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer) team up with Foley to uncover a new conspiracy. The main cast are joined by other veterans Judge Reinhold (Ruthless People), John Ashton (Midnight Run) and Paul Reiser (Mad About You). An attempted fourth film has started and stopped several times, so hopefully this version sings when it hits Netflix on July 3.
For some romance and comedy, don’t miss Fly Me to the Moon. Set during the Space Race of the 1960s, the story follows Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) as he attempts to get Apollo 11 off the ground while nuturing a relationship with Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson), a marketing specialist brought in to help NASA. The trailer’s got jokes, charm and a whole subplot about faking the moon landing, so it should check all your boxes when it launches in theaters on July 12.
Fly Me to the Moon; photo courtesy Sony Pictures
If you’re looking for a horror thriller, make sure to see Longlegs. The plot sees newly minted FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe, It Follows) taking on a serial killer case involving the occult. The trailer is full of bizarre shots, creepy vibes, and absolutely no sight of Nicolas Cage, who is billed as the film’s sought-after killer. It definitely has all the right ingredients to make a fully engrossing film when it comes to theaters on July 12.
If you didn’t get enough tornados in real life this year, then see Twisters. A standalone sequel to the 1996 film Twister, this new entry follows Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Normal People), a former storm chaser who is brought back into the fold by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos, Hamilton) to test a new tracking system. She also meets the hotshot storm chaser Tyler Owens (Glen Powell, Top Gun: Maverick) who joins them on their quest. Filmed in Oklahoma and directed by Lee Isaac Chung (who directed Minari, also filmed in Oklahoma), the trailer has tons of action, yelling and huge tornados to get your blood pumping. It spins into theaters on July 19.
Lastly, for your superhero fix, you can’t go wrong with Deadpool & Wolverine. A long-awaited crossover featuring Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and also acting as the sequel to Deadpool 2, the story features The Time Variance Authority, a group that monitors timelines, and the mission they assign to the unwilling heroes that will change how the Marvel Cinematic Universe operates. The trailer is trying extra hard to remind you its rated R with some excellent violence and plenty of F bombs. The overabundance of fourth wall breaking might threaten to claw the film apart, but we’ll all find out together when it blasts into theaters on July 26.
Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), Blayne Arthur was sworn into the position in January 2019. The first woman to hold the office, Arthur has been heavily involved in agricultural policy for over a decade.
A Chickasha native, Arthur spent her early life raising livestock and produce with her family. Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural economics, Arthur began her career in small-business financing before joining ODAFF in 2009.
Today, Arthur serves as the President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, as well as the President of Food Export-Midwest. She also remains active in a variety of nonprofits and groups outside ODAFF. We sat down with Arthur and got her thoughts on …
… how ODAFF affects everyday Oklahomans.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry exists to help agriculture thrive in the state of Oklahoma, while also ensuring consumer safety through regulatory programs. The team at ODAFF is dedicated to protecting and promoting the highest standard of agricultural goods and natural resources for all Oklahomans. Many Oklahomans may not know that ODAFF employees are a part of their daily lives. From the meat and dairy products that are consumed each day to the scales at the grocery store, labels on a bag of dog food or wild land fire response across all 77 counties, the agency plays a role.
… the department’s divisions.
ODAFF has 11 different divisions, all of which operate in many ways. State veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall and his team do a great job of monitoring our state for animal disease and assisting producers in livestock productivity. State forester Mark Goeller and his staff assist with wild land fires that impact people in all corners of the state. We have a Consumer Protection Services division, which does many things, including price verification to ensure consumers are not being overcharged at the store. That’s just scraping the surface of what we do at ODAFF, and I know how fortunate I am to have such a terrific staff.
… landing in this career.
I did not have plans of pursuing a career in government service or ag policy as a young adult. My husband and I both grew up in the agriculture industry and attended Oklahoma State University. My husband is a full-time cattle producer, and I utilized my Agricultural Economics degree from OSU for several years in the lending and finance arena.
I first had the chance to work in state government as the executive assistant and social media coordinator for Secretary Terry Peach, and then worked for Secretary Jim Reese. I found I tremendously enjoyed ag policy and working with the employees at ODAFF because of the positive impact they have on agriculture. I believe the work that we do at ODAFF each day truly makes a positive impact on Oklahomans.
… her proudest accomplishments.
There are many great things that the team at ODAFF has accomplished over the last five years. In 2020, we were able to utilize $10 million in grant funds to help grow and expand the animal protein processing sector in the state. Since that time, we have had over 42 new facilities come online in the state and additional inspection of product that can enter commerce. We have had exceptional growth in our Made In Oklahoma companies across the state, helping drive local purchases and rural economies and access international markets. We have implemented a Fire Warning System with the National Weather Service and developed “Stay Safe OK,” an internet-based system to provide real-time wildfire location and evacuation information. We also created the annual Ag Youth Council in 2019, which provides learning and educational opportunities to high school seniors. We have implemented new technology to better serve the public and agriculture producers and create greater government efficiency. All these accomplishments and more are certainly a credit to the quality of staff that works at ODAFF.
… causes she supports.
I am very passionate about youth leadership development, especially when that is tied to agriculture. I am a huge supporter of both the Oklahoma 4-H and FFA programs and the livestock show programs in the state. I have had the chance to work with and sit on boards for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, the Oklahoma FFA Foundation, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the Oklahoma Beef Council, the Tulsa State Fair Ringmasters, Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association and the Diamond Hats group. I am a trustee for the Oklahoma National Memorial Board and the Chair of the Conscience Committee. Through work opportunities I serve as the chair of Food Exports-Midwest and president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the OSU Rural Renewal Advisory Committee, and the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority. Any opportunity I get to support agriculture and youth in agriculture is time well spent.
… new programs and developments.
We are always looking to find new ways to promote agriculture and strengthen agriculture markets. We are working to build export opportunities in foreign markets for our Oklahoma agriculture products and expand value added processing of agriculture products in the state.
What many would call an underrated gem, Fait Maison – an upscale French restaurant in Edmond – is undoubtedly the stop for a special occasion.
Some may bristle at the concept of French fine dining – equating it to a stuffy atmosphere or unfriendly service. Not so! Fait Maison excels in superior service in a warm, comfortable and unrushed environment. (Not convinced? Check the glowing Google reviews!)
Many diners opt for the tasting menu, where the decisions are mostly made for you. The experience comes with five courses, plus wine pairings and a cheese course for additional fees. Begin with an amuse bouche consisting of white asparagus, mousseline sauce and caviar. For the second course, you’ll enjoy rigatoni “cocotte” with foie gras and lobster. Next is red mullet stuffed octopus, followed by roasted stuffed quail with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Save room for dessert – a caramelized frozen souffle awaits you.
If you prefer to go a la carte, first course highlights include the duck foie-gras and the diver scallop. Continue with French sea bass, Maine lobster, Rohan duckling or milk-fed veal. Desserts range from crepes to homemade ice cream and a Brandy Alexander with vanilla bean ice cream and Cognac. Fait Maison is also lauded for its extensive wine list; your server will be more than happy to suggest excellent pairings, no matter your budget.
If you’d like to visit Fait Maison, but prefer to go a more casual route, the patio is the place to be. With its own exclusive menu, Le Patio offers escargot, steak frites, Croque Madame sandwiches and a special dessert menu.
Outdoor activities abound at Tulsa’s Gathering Place. Photo courtesy Gathering Place
From outdoor attractions to museums, parks and everything in between, Oklahoma has plenty of free attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Save a few dollars and make lasting memories this summer.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Located in south-central Oklahoma along the Arbuckle Mountains, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area envelopes 10,000 acres of natural landscapes and wildlife.
10,000 acres of wildlife and outdoor entertainment await at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Photos courtesy NPS Photo
Megan Wilkins, park ranger and public affairs officer for the area, says that visiting is a great way to unplug from the busyness of city life.
“People need places like this to get away from their day-to-day lives and enjoy the fresh air and natural sounds,” she says.
The recreation area was once the Sulphur Springs Reservation, and drew travelers from far and wide for its fresh mineral water, which was believed to have medicinal properties. Running at a temperature of about 64 degrees in the warmer months, the creeks and lakes remain popular for swimming in the heat of the summer.
“Last year we had 2 million people visit the park – and about 70% of that is on the weekend,” says Wilkins. If you want to avoid the crowds, she recommends coming on a weekday.
Beyond swimming, the area offers 22 miles of hiking trails, bison pastures, lakes for fishing and boating, scenic overlooks and 400 campsites. Visitors can learn more about the indigenous wildlife and park history at the Travertine Nature Center. The recreation area also organizes ranger-led programs on select dates. To find out more about the park’s offerings, check out nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art houses over 20,000 works – which you can view for free. Photo courtesy FJJMA
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
See creations from world-famous artists, including Edgar Degas, Paul Gaugin and Vincent Van Gogh, at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman. Located on the University of Oklahoma campus, the museum has amassed a permanent collection of over 20,000 works.
The university’s museum also presents traveling exhibitions. This summer, Artists X Artists: Photographing the Creative Spirit is on display through July 7. Featuring photographs of creative icons like Georgia O’Keeffe and Ralph Ellison, the exhibition explores how photographers portray other artists in their work.
Groups can arrange docent-led tours in advance of their visit by filling out a request form online. To learn more about tours and programming, go to ou.edu/fjjma.
Scandinavian runes, along with plenty of community events, can be found at Heavener Runestone Park in LeFlore County. Photos courtesy Oklahoma Tourism
Heavener Runestone
Think you can crack an inscription that has puzzled scholars for decades? Then the Heavener Runestone Park is just the place for you.
Located in Le Flore County, the Heavener Runestone is a large sandstone slab with carvings that have been identified as Scandinavian runes. Many theories exist about just who created the runestone, with the most popular speculations pointing to Vikings, who ventured the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers.
In addition to the mysterious rune, the Heavener Runestone Park features 55 acres of scenic walking trails, a playground, a seasonal waterfall and campsites. On June 15, the park hosts a BigFoot and UFO Watch Party, offering visitors an evening of campfire stories, whooping contests and local vendors.
To plan your visit, check out heavenerrunestonepark.com.
Robbers Cave
Robbers Cave State Park welcomes visitors for hiking, biking and plenty of indigenous wildlife spotting. Photo by Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism
Nestled in the foothills of the San Bois Mountains, Robbers Cave was a hotspot for outlaws like Belle Starr and Jesse James to hide from law enforcement. While admiring the beautiful scenery, hikers can follow a trail down to the cave where bandits used to take refuge.
“We have pretty thick timber and about 18 miles of hiking trails,” says Sterling Zearley, director of state parks, lodges and golf for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “It’s just a gorgeous area.”
The walking trails vary in difficulty, with the easiest leading to Robbers Cave. The park is a great spot for swimming and fishing too, with three different lakes and a bathhouse onsite.
Visitors can also expect to spot indigenous wildlife.
“We have some animals in the gift shop,” says Zearley. “There are deer, racoons and turkey out in the park. It’s not unusual to see a lot of wildlife in the area.”
In June 2023, Robbers Cave attracted over 80,000 visitors. Zearley encourages everybody to come back in the fall and spring to appreciate the changing foliage.
“We want people to come out and enjoy the parks and learn about the purpose they serve for protecting the environment and economic development,” he shares. “We want to keep these parks for years to come. They’re a very important part of the community and Oklahoma history.”
The Gathering Place
Opened in 2018, the Gathering Place is an award-winning park that acts as an inclusive community space for Tulsa. From skating areas to sensory gardens, the Gathering Place offers endless experiences for all to enjoy.
Visitors can participate in self-guided scavenger hunts, picnics on the Great Lawn, bird watching, and even kayaking in Peggy’s Pond. The park also houses Mark Dion’s Cabinet of Wonders, which features a range of postcards, ornaments and artifacts collected from around the world.
Throughout the year, the Gathering Place offers free educational and fitness programming, including yoga classes, children’s story times and guided tours. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, visitors can bring their dogs on leash for some playtime.
To discover what else the Gathering Place has to offer, visit gatheringplace.org.
Beaver's Bend State Park and Nature Center, Broken Bow. Photos courtesy Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation
Oklahoma’s state parks are packed with activities for families to enjoy, hikes to try, rivers and lakes to swim in and fish upon, and ample spaces for camping excursions.
Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
We’ve got 38 state parks, and they each reflect Oklahoma’s unique geographical regions, says Sterling Zearley, director of Oklahoma State Parks, Lodges and Golf.
Take, for example, the sand dunes in Little Sahara State Park, the mountains of Beavers Bend State Park and the caves of Alabaster Caverns and Robbers Cave state parks, he says.
“It’s a good way for people to enjoy Oklahoma and the unique activities we have,” Zearley says about visiting the state’s parks. Officials say camping is always a popular activity – whether it’s in a tent, RV, cabins or lodges.
Spring, summer and fall tend to be prime seasons for camping, says Rebecca Forbes, park manager with Greenleaf, Cherokee Landing and Tenkiller state parks.
Forbes recommends that visitors first determine what they want to do in a park, whether it’s camping, hiking, boating, kayaking or fishing, to better gauge where they should go. She also recommends that people make reservations early by visitingtravelok.com, the state’s travel and tourism site.
Forbes says she enjoys meeting visitors to the park and watching the fun they have while camping or exploring.
“I think people are wanting to get away from the day-to-day grind and just come out and enjoy nature and relax and unwind,” she says.
Shannon Nix, an avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast and Norman resident, is a fan of visiting the state’s parks. She counts Robbers Cave as a favorite and has led a women’s retreat to the location. Nix also founded the Women’s Hiking Crew & Adventures group on Facebook. The group plans monthly hikes and a spring and fall retreat each year for women 18 and up.
Nix says exploring Oklahoma’s parks is exciting, as “each has its own special gems.” She encourages residents to add Oklahoma’s state parks to their destination list.
“There’s so muc h to do,” she says. “If they try one, I think they’ll be hooked.”
Tips for Happy Camping
New to camping? Nix offers tips for a successful trip.
Research the park. Decide what type of camping you want to do beforehand, such as primitive camping, camping with electricity, ‘glamping,’ or residing in a cabin or lodge.
Create a checklist. Figure out the gear you’ll need and ensure it’s functional before you leave the house.
Keep your campsite safe and clean. Don’t leave food out, which can attract animals. Also, leave no trace. “Everything you bring in, take out with you or dispose of it in the trash,” says Nix.
Don’t delay unpacking. Unpack as soon as you return home, and check your tent to make sure it’s dry before storing it.
Wildlife Awareness
Outdoor adventures may bring you close to wildlife. Smokey Solis with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation offers these tips.
Give animals their space. “It is always best to leave wildlife alone. Yes, they are cute little creatures, but typically humans interacting with wildlife does more harm than good,” he says.
Always secure your food and trash. Solis says bears and raccoons are especially curious about these items, so “make sure you have trash bags or something secure to put your trash in.”
Watch out for ticks. “Pants and long sleeves are a good start,” says Solis. “You want to limit any chance that a tick can make contact with your skin. If you do get bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible.”
Study the repellants you’re using. Solis says insect repellents that contain DEET can be applied to clothes and skin, while repellents containing Permethrin should only be applied to clothes and allowed to fully dry before use.
Route 66 Road Fest, June 22-23 at Tulsa’s Expo Square, welcomes Mother Road enthusiasts from around the globe. Photos courtesy Route 66 Road Fest
Route 66 – often dubbed the Mother Road or America’s Main Street – was one of the original highways created in the United States. Established on Nov. 11, 1926, the road has become one of the country’s most famous, as it originally ran through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The freeway was officially removed from the United States Highway System in 1985 due to its replacement by segments of the Interstate Highway System. However, there’s an event happening right here in Oklahoma that celebrates and commemorates the history and cultural significance of Route 66.
The Route 66 Road Fest, running June 22-23 at Tulsa’s Expo Square, offers guests just about everything there is to know about the Mother Road. There are plenty of activities and sights to behold this year, just as they have been in years past – plus a few new things to get excited about, too.
“We will still have the historical exhibits, car shows and vendors from across the country, but this year we’ve added a couple of new things to the activities area that we think people will really like,” says Wade Bray, the producer and curator of the event. “We also updated something in The Journey,” he says.
The Journey, an interactive and educational exhibit, looks back through Route 66’s long history, complete with photos, music, artifacts and fun facts for the entire family. It covers all the sights and sounds of America’s Main Street from its beginnings in the 1920s right up to today.
Other attractions include a pinewood derby, miniature golf, Hot Wheels races, interactive art, a virtual reality arena and even some wandering dinosaurs. There will also be a car show with photo opportunities with special guest Richard Rawlings – star of the reality TV show Fast N’ Loud.
Bray says that enthusiasts often make repeat yearly visits, so he tries to have different exhibits when possible.
“We strive to add new elements each year so that our returning visitors have something fresh to see and do,” he says. “One of the really fun things to put together each year is the Presentations Stage lineup. This is where we have conversations with Route 66 authors, experts and online personalities, covering a wide range of subjects from the history of the Route to the Centennial preparations to UFOs and haunted places along the Mother Road.”
Previous guests have included authors Michael Wallis (Route 66: The Mother Road) and Candacy Taylor (Overground Railroad), as well as author/historian Bob Blackburn (Oklahoma City: Film Row). As of this writing, the 2024 schedule has not yet been released, but will be updated on the website – route66roadfest.com – when it’s finalized.
Preparing for the Centennial
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of Route 66, and enthusiasts are planning to celebrate accordingly.
“Centennial preparations are underway across the country, and each of the eight states the Route passes through have commissions working on their respective celebration plans,” says Bray. “As for the Road Fest – 2026 will have a special feel and extras not seen at previous events.”
A century’s worth of history and festivity will soon come to pass, and Bray couldn’t be more excited.
“The Mother Road is such a unique piece of America’s history and it deserves a special celebration,” he says.
FlyTulsa offers everything from sky tours to East egg drops, outdoor festivals and gender reveals. Photo courtesy FlyTulsa
Oklahoma’s legendary sunsets are a spectacle, painting the horizon with hues of gold, purple and crimson that linger in the memory. Now picture yourself witnessing this natural wonder from the unique vantage point of a helicopter cockpit, where the vast expanse of Oklahoma sky becomes your canvas.
SkyTours Hochatown and FlyTulsa Helicopters are just the ticket to see the colors of the sun like never before – along with other stunning views.
SkyTours operates a Robinson R44 helicopter equipped with advanced safety features to ensure a secure and thrilling adventure, says manager Colby Dye.
“Our streamlined process begins with a comprehensive safety briefing led by experienced staff members,” he says. “Guests are provided with headphones for clear communication and the opportunity to ask questions during their flight.”
At SkyTours Hochatown, flight times range from 3-minute adventures to 30-minute journeys, all at reasonable prices. Photo courtesy SkyTours
Nestled in southeast Oklahoma, Hochatown boasts stunning natural vistas, including Broken Bow Lake, the Mountain Fork River and Beavers Bend State Park.
“These scenic locations offer a plethora of activities, from helicopter tours to zip-lining and fishing excursions,” says Dye. “We offer a range of flight options, starting from a 3-minute adventure priced at $45 per person to a 30-minute journey beginning at $299 per person. Our commitment to affordability and inclusivity ensures that everyone can share in the joy of aviation.”
But the experience doesn’t end when the flight touches down.
“After an exhilarating flight, guests have the opportunity to leave their mark on our hangar walls, commemorating their unforgettable experience alongside fellow adventurers,” says Dye.
At FlyTulsa Helicopters, you’ll experience something similar; the pilots also fly Robinson R44 helicopters, which have capacity for three passengers and the pilot, says Becky Woodward, the company’s location manager.
“Everyone gets a large window, so it’s great for tours, and we can take the doors off if we want,” she says. “We do everything from flight training to the perfect date night flight. We also do Easter egg drops, corporate events, outdoor festivals, gender reveals. You name it, we can probably do it.”
Woodward mentions that the company wants to make flying as accessible as possible to Oklahomans.
“Passengers of all ages and abilities can fly with us,” she says. “We have flown two-day old twins and a 101 year old grandma on a trip.”
She mentions that passengers do not need to bring anything special for a flight, except a phone for photos. The team will always ensure you have ample opportunities to get the perfect shot.
“The Metro Tour is one of our most popular 24-mile flights,” says Woodward. “It takes you north along the Arkansas River and into downtown Tulsa. After a loop through downtown, you’ll travel south and get excellent views including the Gathering Place, Oral Roberts University, the River Spirit Casino and the Aquarium.”
Passenger Safety Tips
Remove any loose items from your person and pockets before boarding the helicopter.
Never approach a helicopter without a pilot’s permission to do so – especially if the engine and rotors are on.
Approach and exit the helicopter from the front or side, never outside of the pilot’s line of vision.
Keep your seatbelt firmly fastened at all times.
Do not open helicopter doors unless instructed to do so by your pilot.
WildCare Oklahoma rehabilitates injured, ill and orphaned wildlife before releasing it back into the wild. Photos courtesy WildCare Oklahoma
Providing medical and rehabilitative care to wildlife, one nonprofit organization works to return these animals back to their natural habitats. WildCare Oklahoma, located in Noble, is one of the ten largest wildlife rehabilitation and conservation organizations in the country, and is among the few with a wildlife hospital in the midwestern United States.
Last year, the organization cared for 7,374 animal patients representing 215 distinct species, and nearly all were negatively impacted due to some sort of human interaction – such as displaced habitats, car collisions, domestic animal attacks, or injuries from utility lines or barbed wire.
“WildCare is a unique organization in the state of Oklahoma,” says Inger Giuffrida, WildCare’s executive director. “We are the only center with a wildlife hospital in the state, and we are open 365 days a year. In addition to the medical and rehabilitative care of injured, ill and orphaned wildlife from throughout the state of Oklahoma, we help people humanely resolve conflicts they are having with wildlife, provide in-person education for thousands of Oklahomans every year, and serve as the voice for the intrinsic value of wildlife and the places they live.”
WildCare Oklahoma rehabilitates injured, ill and orphaned wildlife before releasing it back into the wild. Photos courtesy WildCare Oklahoma
Last year, WildCare answered 18,000 calls addressing a wide range of animal-related questions, concerns and conflicts, says Giuffrida. The public is often unaware that Oklahoma is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the nation. And with myriad unique regions like prairies, cross timbers and mesas, there comes a wide array of plants and wildlife. WildCare emphasizes education to share its appreciation for natural wonders.
“WildCare’s active leadership in conservation education has an impact far beyond our direct care for wildlife in the state,” says Kyle Abbott, DVM, WildCare’s medical director. “As a wildlife rehabilitation center, we incorporate findings from research and best practices from the field of wildlife medicine to provide the best possible care given our infrastructure and resource constraints.”
Animals affected by human activity that receive care from WildCare Oklahoma include amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds including raptors, waterbirds and songbirds.
“WildCare’s impact extends throughout and beyond the state, particularly with our care of migratory birds,” says Elise Gundlach, certified wildlife rehabilitator and WildCare operations director. “Every spring and fall, millions of birds transect our state through the central flyway. Sadly, many of these birds get hurt during this journey. Luckily, caring Oklahomans get those birds that need help to WildCare for help.”
The nonprofit provides wildlife rehabilitation with its hospital, and animals are only kept until they are well, healed or fully developed, then released. Wildlife rehabilitation centers like WildCare should not be confused with for-profit wildlife collections open to the public (many depicted in the Netflix documentary Tiger King). It is also not an animal sanctuary where visitors interact with animals spending their lives in captivity.
“Our goal is to heal wildlife or help them develop from orphaned infants or juveniles to adults that can survive in the wild, and then we give them that second chance in the wild they deserve by releasing to appropriate habitats throughout the state – in many cases back to the area from which they originally came,” says Giuffrida.
To achieve this, WildCare does not permit visitors to the center – except during its annual baby shower, the one time a year a limited number of guests can see the work of WildCare from behind the scenes.
WildCare’s wildlife rehabilitators and veterinary team also minimize interaction with animals. Why?
“To keep them wild,” says Giuffrida. “One of wildlife’s best defenses is to steer clear of humans once released to the wild.”
WildCare does not receive any federal, state, county or municipal funds and instead depends on donations from people that care about wildlife and its future in the state. Learn more at wildcareoklahoma.org.
