2016 Azalea Festival Visitors ’ Guide
March 27, 2016
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Muskogee Phoenix
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Exchange Club gears up for cook-off By Mark Hughes Phoenix Staff Writer
Visitors to the 31st annual Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off in April had better come hungry, because they will face a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Attendees could have choices from up to 100 entries featuring not only chili, but barbecue, baked beans and an open category that could include anything from ribs, brisket or fish to goat, said Mark Maples, past president of the Muskogee Exchange Club. Judges for the chili cook-off are randomly picked off the street to Phoenix file photo ensure blind competition, he said. For the competitive chili Visitors will find plenty of chili and barbecue to sample during the 31st annual Chili and Barbecue Cook-off.
makers, the Chili Appreciation Society International will have their official judges present taste-testing the chili of CASI members. Winners will receive awards from CASI and from the Muskogee Exchange Club, Maples said. Monetary awards are presented to the top three finishers in four categories: chili, barbecue, best baked beans and open category. “Around 80 percent of prize money is donated back to the Exchange Club, and all money raised will be used to support local children’s charities,” Maples said. The Exchange Club “was founded to support children’s charities, that’s what we’re here for,” Maples said. Charities the club has (See CHILI, Page 5)
If you go
WHAT: Chili Cook-Off Kickoff Party. WHO: Charlie Redd & the Full Flava Kings, funk, soul, jazz. WHEN: 7 to 11 p.m. April 8. WHERE: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, 401 S. Third St. COST: $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets available at https://www.eventbrite. com/ and enter Muskogee chili cook off in search block.
• • •
WHAT: Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off. WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 9. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center, between 425 Boston St. COST: $10 per taster kit or two for $15. INFORMATION: www. exchangeclubmuskogee.org/chilicookoff. shtml, (918) 869-0733 or (918) 271-2421.
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
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Muskogee Phoenix
Museum celebrates 50-year anniversary By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
Native American artists have found a home atop Agency Hill for 50 years. Five Civilized Tribes Museum marks its golden anniversary April 16 at its Art Under the Oaks
Market and Festival. The festival will feature an original drama about the Dawes Commission, established to negotiate agreements with what was known as the Five Civilized Tribes — Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Chickasaw and
Seminole. There also will be music by the Cherokee National Youth Choir and a Cherokee adult choir, as well as Native American flutist, John Timothy, said Executive Director T. Sean Barney. The building is a piece of history, dating to 1875,
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Jerome Tiger’s sculpture, “The Stickballer,” has a permanent home at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The museum marks its 50th anniversary in April.
when it housed the Union Indian Agency. According to the museum’s website, the two-story building housed the superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes.
Through the decades, the building been a school and orphanage for Creek Freedmen, a residence, even a dance hall. The building fell into disrepair after World War II.
In 1951, the Da-Co-Tah Indian Club began its efforts to use the Union Agency Building to house a museum dedicated to (See MUSEUM, Page 5)
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Muskogee Phoenix
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Native art focus of Five Civilized Tribes shows By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
Spend a day — or spend a month — savoring Native art and culture at Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The museum, 1101 Honor Heights Drive, presents two celebrations of Art Under the Oaks: A Market and Festival on April 16 and a competitive show April 3-30. At least 29 vendors are expected at Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival, which starts at 10 a.m. April 16, Museum Executive Director Sean Barney said.
“Art Under the Oaks allows people to purchase traditional Five Tribes items directly from the artists,” Barney said. Tribes represented are Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole. This festival will be held under a tent, in case of rain, Barney said, adding that he expects more than 1,500 visitors. The museum’s 50th anniversary makes this year’s festival even grander. A dramatization of the Dawes Commission film will be presented at the Honor Heights Amphitheater.
“The play is done in Creek, but there will be TV screens showing translations,” Barney said. Native flute player John “Yafke” Timothy II will open the ceremony with traditional music. “I felt honored when they asked me to play the flute,” Timothy said. “My father, John Timothy, will offer an opening prayer in the Muscogee language.” The Cherokee Adult Baptist Choir and the Cherokee National Youth Choir also will perform. (See OAKS, Page 12)
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Five Civilized Tribes Museum Executive Director Sean Barney shows “Friendship,” a cane mat crafted by Muscogee (Creek) artist Mary Edwards Smith. Smith entered “Friendship” in the museum’s Art Under the Oaks Competitive Show and will demonstrate her techniques at Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival.
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Chili
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
A visitor looks through the gifts at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum gift shop.
Museum Continued from Page 5
the Five Civilized Tribes. At the time, Native American artists had few places to show their work, Barney said. “They were not allowed to show in a white museum — or in a black museum,” he said. The museum was incorporated in 1955, but did not open until April 26, 1966. Since then, Five Civilized Tribes Museum has fostered the growth of Native American master artists, Barney said. A master artist is one who has won awards and makes a full-time living with art, Barney said. Master artists who have shown and grown at Five Tribes include sculptor Willard Stone, art educator Acee Blue Eagle and painters Joan Hill and Enoch Kelly Haney. Barney said the museum continues its mission “ensuring the success of the artists and the safe harbor of the history of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw and Seminole tribes.” He said he plans exhibits to showcase works from each tribe — Cher-
okee, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, Chickasaw and Choctaw. He said he also seeks to include more sculpture in the gallery. Upcoming exhibits will focus on Master Artists,
including one on Willard Stone in May and one on Jerome Tiger in August. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.
said Jim Blair, executive director of OMHOF. Entertainment will be provided by Charlie Redd & the Full Flava Kings playContinued from Page 2 ing funk, soul and jazz. supported in the past inDoors open at 6 p.m. clude: Court Appointed Advance tickets are Special Advocates, Bik$10 and $15 at the door. ers Against Child Abuse, Muskogee Education Foundation, MONARCH Inc. and Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service. Maples said the community benefits in different ways from the event. “We enjoy getting together and making something happen and seeing the benefit it has on our community,” Maples said. “We have a lot of pride thinking that we are the premier event of the year for the city of Muskogee.” The Chili Cook-Off Kickoff Party will be from 7 to 11 p.m. April 8 at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame at 401 S. Third St.,
March 27, 2016 — Page 5 Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite. com/ and enter Muskogee chili cook off in the search block. Reach Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or mhughes@muskogeephoenix.com.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Bare Bones Film Festival draws indie film fans By Mark Hughes Phoenix Staff Writer
Creators of Oklahoma’s longest running film festival call their involvement “a passion and addiction.” “We are doing what we love, and we can’t think of doing anything else — that’s why we don’t call it work,” said ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-creator of the Bare Bones Film Festival, along with her husband Oscar. Their interest in filmmaking peaked in 1995 when they were on set as extras and stand-ins for “The Tuskegee Airmen” movie filmed in Muskogee and Fort Smith, Ark. “We spent a lot of time with the director and writer and realized it
Phoenix file photo
Co-founder of the Bare Bones Film Festival ShIronbutterfly Ray, left, talks to Nancy Marie, right, who entered her film, “Encore Outlaws” in 2015.
wasn’t rocket science (to make a film),” Ray said. “Oscar is a writer, and he already had a film script ready, and I’m a manager, marketer and speaker and I mastered
reading and comprehension.” They soon created Darkwood Productions, now called Bare Bones Filmwork, where they began training film
actors. “We met Gloria Reibin from New York and convinced her to move to Muskogee where she taught us everything about producing a movie,” Ray said. Ray also credits two books for their success: “Feature Film Making at Used-Car Prices,” by Rick Schmidt, and “Rebel Without a Clue,” by Robert Rodriguez. “When we started our festival, I had Schmidt come to Muskogee and do some workshops,” she said. Since 1996, ShIronbutterfly and Oscar have been training people to be actors, directors, producers, cinematographers and marketers. “Our festival motto is
If you go
WHAT: Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival. WHEN: April 19-26. WHERE: Various locations in Muskogee. COST: Prices vary, see http://barebonesfilmfest00.tripod.com/id20. html. INFORMATION: (918) 616-1264 or www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org.
‘no frills, no waste, by any means necessary,” Ray said. “It’s like a mantra with our students — no frills, no waste, find ways to save money.” Ray says they’ve hatched a lot of eggs. “I’ve worked with people doing film in Oklahoma, so we get a lot of satisfaction and a lot of
disappointment,” she said. “They learn a little, but they think they’ve learned a lot, then they leave,” Ray said. “The difference is that we continue learning and they’ve stopped.” Their first Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival was in 2000 with 35 entries, Ray said. Last year, the festival garnered more than 200 films from across the U.S. and internationally. At first, the festival was three days in length, then grew to 11 days and has been cut back to six. This will be their 26th year conducting the festival and this year’s event will be April 19-26. The (See FILM, Page 13)
Park honors heroism of US veterans By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
Muskogee’s War Memorial Park honors more than a submarine. The park honors heroism of all veterans, all wars, said park director Brent Trout. “Everyone was capable of being a hero,” Trout said. “Really, all who served are heroes.” In April, the War Memorial Park will honor heroes who did not return from the Vietnam War. The Wall That Heals — Vietnam Memorial Wall will be displayed at the park April 6 to 10. The Wall is a traveling exhibit that tells the story of the war, Trout said. The Wall That Heals features exhibit features a 250-foot half-scale replica of the granite Vietnam War Memorial in Wash(See SUB, Page 14)
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
The U.S.S. Batfish boasts a new paint job. The submarine, which served in World War II and the Korean War, brings thousands of visitors to Muskogee War Memorial Park each year.
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Phoenix file photo
The Azalea Festival Parade draws hundreds of people to downtown Muskogee.
Musicals parade theme By Mark Hughes Phoenix Staff Writer
If you like music then you will appreciate this year’s theme for the Azalea Parade. Michelle Mason’s dance group, Lacey Jammers from Tulsa, has been participating in the parade since 1998. About 30 girls ranging from four to 13 years old are excited about dancing to the parade’s theme “The Magic of Musicals,” Mason said.
“We just love being in the Azalea Festival, we love the bystanders and everyone welcomes us like we’re part of the family,” she said. “The girls are excited.” Ron Morton, branch manager of Tulsa Teachers Credit Union which has been participating for seven years, said their float is ready to go. “The number one thing (about the festival) is that it’s a great community event for us to participate in,” Morton
said. “It shows pride for Muskogee and we want to be part of the community for a long time.” About 30 entries are expected for this year’s 49th annual Azalea Parade Festival, which begins at 9 a.m. on April 9, Joel Everett, parade coordinator, said. “Usually we’ll have about an hour-and-15minute parade but this year I expect it will be longer than that due to (See PARADE, Page 11)
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Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
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Muskogee Phoenix
Muskogee is regional shopping hub By Mark Hughes Phoenix Staff Writer
Muskogee is a shopper’s delight due to its cornucopia of variety and selection ranging from big items like mobile homes and cars to the smallest of exquisite jewelry. Antiquing and “junking” flourishes on South Main Street south of Broadway where you can purchase items “as is” or be creative and restore your purchased items. And if you want to step back in hardware time, stop by Hoopes Hardware, 108 S. Main St., just blocks from the mall. At Hoopes, you can purchase cast iron cookware, Radio Flyer wagons for children or for the collector, pick up some cooking and canning supplies or even have a key made. Just blocks north from Hoopes is Arrowhead Mall. The mall features
opportunities to dine, go to a movie, shop for local clothing at Buckle and other name brand stores such as Dillard’s and JCPenney, find jewelry at Zales, shoes at Famous Footwear, Payless and Foot Locker, nutrition at General Nutrition Center and indoor miniature golf at Starlight Golf, among others. And while you’re downtown, stop by the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce, 310 W. Broadway, and pick up some “Real Okie” T-shirts and trinkets. East on Shawnee Bypass is Curt’s Shopping Center featuring Hasting’s Book Store, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Hobby Lobby, Hancock Fabrics, Southern Bling, Big Lots, Health Biz and Dollar General. And if you’re in the mood to replace old furniture you’ll find Coo-
Staff photo by Mark Hughes
Shoppers will find an array of “old time” items at Hoopes Hardware, 108 S. Main St. They can pick up cast iron cookware, Radio Flyer wagons for children or for the collector, cooking and canning supplies or even have a key made.
per’s Furniture, Allen Furniture and Furniture Factory Outlet on West Shawnee Bypass. And near the east end is Bob Loftis Furniture.
If you need just about anything, Wal-Mart is the big dog on west Shawnee Bypass. Adjacent to WalMart you can find Best Buy, Rue 21, Ross Dress
For Less, The Shoe Dept., Petco, EasyHome, Dollar Tree and others. And right across the street is Three Rivers Plaza featuring Dick’s Sporting
Goods, TJ Maxx and Ulta Beauty store. And if a healthy snack is to your liking, be sure and stop at Arnold’s Fruit Co. on west Shawnee Bypass and pick up some seasonal vegetables and fruit grown in the area along with items from neighboring states. Travel on West Shawnee Bypass and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to purchase a new or used car or truck just as you would on North Main Street. West Shawnee Bypass ends at North 32nd Street, and if you turn right, you’ll find opportunities to buy a new mobile home or eat at the Amish Restaurant and Country Store on North 32nd Street, where you can purchase homemade jellies and jams. Reach Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or mhughes@muskogeephoenix.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Arts
ART AND FUN, 6 p.m. the second Monday each month, Muskogee Art Guild, 315 Court St. Classes offer a new topic in a relaxed environment. The classes are priced at only $10 and are designed to provide an introduction to various
media. Check with the Guild for information on supplies you will need. Schedule: April 11, Pastel Painting with Linda Callaway; May 9, Watercolor painting with Barbara Moore; July 11, Figure Drawing; Aug. 8, Pallet Knife Painting with Carolyn Cooper; Sept. 12, Glazing with Acrylic Paint with Patti Clinton; Oct. 10, Glass Etch-
ing with Polly Moore; Nov. 14, Scratchboard with Polly Moore. Information: Polly Moore, (918) 453-3244 or info@muskogeeartguild.org. FINE ARTS GALLERY, Muskogee Art Guild, 315 Court St. Framed works are for sale and the building is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The work
is changed out every two months. Member-created jewelry and sculpture is displayed.
Concerts
AIR FORCE MUSICIANS, 7 p.m. March 30, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Come and enjoy the U.S. Air Force
Musicians perform live. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The band features 18 talented musicians. They have kept the 1940’s Glenn Miller Army Air Corps at the center of its musical focus. The performance is family-friendly and open to the public, free of charge. Information: (918) 615-9475. CARRIE UNDER-
WOOD, April 27, BOk Center. Tickets are available at the BOk Center, all ticket outlets and at www.BOkcenter.com or by calling (866) 726-5287. G FEST, June 1618, Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. Artists: Merle (See CALENDAR, Page 13)
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Muskogee Phoenix
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
G Fest preparations are progressing By Harrison Grimwood Phoenix Staff Writer
A Muskogee music festival is set to be the crescendo that leads the city out of spring and into summer. G Fest 2016 is set to populate the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex with countless people and music acts. For the inauguration of this event, Merle Haggard, The Avett Brothers, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, and Turnpike Troubadours have been booked. Between June 16 and 18, four stages will be populated by more than 80 music acts, including Marty Stuart, The Swon Brothers, Robert Randolf & The Family Band, and Aubrie Sellers. “It will be the biggest music event in Musk-
If you go
WHAT: G Fest ADDRESS: Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. HOURS: June 16-18. WEBSITE: gfestmuskogee.com. EMAIL: okmusic@ omhof.com. TELEPHONE: (918) 687-0800.
ogee ever,” said Jim Blair, executive director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. G Fest has been growing for sometime now with joint support from the City of Muskogee Foundation and the city of Muskogee. The city is wrapping up new roads into the sports complex, additional electrical work, recreational vehicle hookups, landscaping and fencing in preparation for the festival.
“The key to any kind of music festival is to create an experience,” Blair said. “And that’s what we’re doing.” Camping will be available for those in need of rest. Vendors — of food and crafts — will populate the area. Inflatable playgrounds will be erected to withstand the masses, not just children. For those who want to escape the heat, a water park is conveniently located right in the sports complex. Sue Harris, volunteer coordinator for G Fest, said she is looking for volunteers to help staff the event throughout its run, presenting an opportunity for the perks of volunteering. Volunteers would work (See G FEST, Page 12)
Submitted photo
The Avett Brothers are among the artists who will perform during the first G Fest, an eclectic festival scheduled June 16 through June 18 at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex.
Tastes from around the world can be experienced in Muskogee By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
When those hunger pangs start hitting, Muskogee has all sorts of places to help strike back. Paul and Anna have you covered for breakfast and home cooking. Paul’s Diner, 3240 S. Country Club Road, draws people in with big biscuits and catfish. “And all made from scratch,” owner Stella Springer said. She said the biggest draws include the Trashcan, a mixture of nearly every breakfast item in the place. She said the Trashcan size can go from two eggs to 12. Anna’s Coffee Cup, in the retro Lakeland Plaza shopping center, offers “amazing omelets,” said Tonya Alvarez, a supervisor at the restaurant. She
said people comment on how much food they get for the price. “They get a biscuit and gravy, and say ‘Oh my god, I ordered a small.’ And we say, ‘That is a small,’” Alvarez said. Looking for some great Gee ‘cue? Muskogee brims with local barbecue spots, including Mahylon’s, My Place West, Runt’s, My Place, Smokehouse Bob’s and Cowboy’s. My Place Bar-B-Q, 2021 Gibson St., has served rib-tickling ribs and sliced beef since 1927. “I moved here from Texas, and this is my favorite place,” said Robert Hightower. “Every opportunity I get, I eat here.” Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding The recent Dallas transplant said he especially likes the “soft Lee Arden and her 8-year-old grandson Quinn Bettis share nachos and tender” ribs. at Chavas, one of a variety of Mexican restaurants in Muskogee. Cowboys Bar-B-Q and Grill, hamburgers are big sellers,” mulgee Ave., specializes in 401 York St., goes beyond. “Besides barbecue, we have said owner David Vanderford. beans, sliced beef and ribs. baked potatoes, salad. Our My Place West, 4332 W. OkTour Mexico with the variety
of Mexican food restaurants. Jerry Oliver of Wichita, Kan., said Chavas, 710 S. 32nd St., offers “excellent Mexican.” “I wouldn’t eat Mexican any place else — no place at all,” Oliver said. “The food is very authentic, and the people are wonderful.” Rather go to Asia? Lin Cuisine, 605 S. 32nd St., offers Chinese, Thai, even some Vietnamese dishes and appetizers. Sakura, in River City Plaza, offers Japanese food served at the hibachi or at the table. China King offers a broad buffet. Muskogee’s fine dining options include downtown’s Miss Addie’s Cafe and Pub, 821 W. Broadway. Owner Toby Feickert said Addie’s wine list features 50 bottles. “We have some traditional (See FOOD, Page 14)
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
March 27, 2016 — Page 11
Parade Continued from Page 7
the elections,” Everett said. In the 27 years that Everett has coordinated this event, the parade has never experienced rain. “The parade has never been rained out since I’ve been here,” Everett said. “Gosh, I shouldn’t have said that but it will be a rain or shine kind of deal.” “In the past, we might have had to delay it for safety reasons like a lightning situation,” he said. “If this weather continues like this we’ll be at 90 degrees,” he said. At the conclusion of the parade he encouraged attendees to visit the park to see the azaleas. The announcing stand will be between 4th and 5th Streets on W. Okmulgee Ave. in front of the Civic Center, he said. The starting point will be at 7th Street and W. Okmulgee Avenue then down to 2nd Street and W. Okmulgee then go north to W. Broadway to 2nd Street then to 6th Street. Reach Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or mhughes@muskogeephoenix.com.
If you go
WHAT: Muskogee’s 49th annual Azalea Parade Festival WHEN: 9 a.m. on April 9. WHERE: Starting point is Seventh Street and West Okmulgee Avenue, then down to Second Street and West Okmulgee, then go north to West Broadway to Second Street, then to Sixth Street. INFORMATION: (918) 684-6302.
Phoenix file photo
Hi Bi the Clown (Dick Morris) entertains a parade watcher.
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Oaks Continued from Page 4
The festival also features Native craft demonstrations. Noel T. Grayson will set up his 1800s hunting camp. Muscogee (Creek) artist Mary Edwards Smith will demonstrate basket-weaving techniques throughout the day. Visitors also can make their own baskets. One of Smith’s woven works, “Friendship,” is part of the Art Under the Oaks Competitive Show. Barney said entries he has received so far indicate this year’s competition will be bigger than last year’s show. Last year’s show, which attracted 110 entries. Pieces include painting, sculpture, basketry, beadwork, textiles, gourds, knapping and jewelry, he said. “Artists compete in traditional and contemporary media,” Barney said. This will be the fourth
If you go
WHAT: Art Under the Oaks Competitive Show. WHEN: April 3-30. WHERE: Five Civilized Tribes Museum, 1101 Honor Heights Drive. INFORMATION: (918) 683-1701.
• • •
WHAT: Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival. WHEN: 10 a.m. April 16. WHERE: Five Civilized Tribes Museum, 1101 Honor Heights Drive. INFORMATION: (918) 683-1701.
year the competitive show has been separate from the festival. Before 2013, they were held the same weekend. Timothy said the festival has been one of the highlights of the year. “The artists become close friends and family,” he said. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.
G Fest Continued from Page 10
as ushers, gate workers, perimeter watchers, oversee vendors or any number of other tasks. Volunteers would work a four-hour shift on a day or days they offer to work. For those four hours, they will get free admission for that day, Harris said. In addition to that, Blair said volunteers will receive a free T-shirt. “The lineup of music is phenomenal,” Harris said. “There will be people from all over who’ve never been to Oklahoma, let alone Muskogee, here for the first time.” Volunteer applications are available online at
Submitted photo
Merle Haggard is one of the performers schedule to appear at G Fest
the G Fest website. Reach Harrison Grimwood at (918) 684-2926 or harrison.grimwood@ muskogeephoenix.com.
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide March 27, 2016 — Page 13
Film Continued from Page 6
Rays held two festivals a year for several years. Their film festival is important to film development in the state, Ray said. “People who come to our festival come from around the world, the east and west coasts and have a passion for film,” she said. “They leave here saying they’ve learned more here than where they’ve come from such as New York City and Los Angeles.” Some of their previous students go on to film school or teach film making, Ray said. “Mostly, they go on to jobs in the industry, and for some people that’s their dreams,” she said. “But most of our independent filmmakers just start working on their next project.” The Rays want to positively impact the lives of young people. “Our prime directive is
Calendar Continued from Page 9 Haggard, The Avett Brothers, Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Swon Brothers, John Fullbright, Paul Thorn Band, Uncle Lucius, Marty Stuart, Byron Berline Band, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Quebe Sisters and Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Aubrie Sellers, Ricochet, Full Flava Kings, Paul Benjaman Band with Don White, Nicnos, The Cherokee Maidens, KALo, Darell Christopher & The Ingredients, The Bonham Brothers, The Red Dirt Rangers, Mountain Smoke, Hosty Duo, Desi & Cody, Carter Sampson, Brujo Roots, BC and The Big Rig, Jana Jae
do all the good you can to as many people as you can for as long as you can,” Ray said. Ray teaches cinema at Rogers State University and teaches filmmaking, acting and editing during the summer at Tulsa Community College. She is working on creating an online screenwriting class for Bacone College’s fall semester. In 2005, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry awarded a special recognition to ShIronbutterly and Oscar that “put us on the map and let people know what we were doing,” she said. They also received the Golden Halo Achievement Award in 2010 from the Southern California Motion Picture Council. Other recognition includes receiving the keys to the city of Muskogee and having PBS.org list Bare Bones Festival as one of the top 10 documentary festivals to attend. Reach Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or mhughes@muskogeephoenix.com.
and Head for the Hills. Cost: General admission, $89; VIP reserved seating/VIP party pit tickets, $299. Primitive camping is available starting at $80. RV camping starts at $325. Information/Tickets: gfestmuskogee.com. JAM SESSIONS, 6 p.m. Sundays, Down Home Blues Club, 701 D.C. Minner St., Rentiesville. Information: (918) 855-0978. MUSIC AT OKLAHOMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME, 7 p.m., Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Cost: $5 to $10. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. “Live at The Frisco Depot” is at 7 p.m. every Thursday featuring local, regional, and national music acts. Information: (918) 6870800. (See CALENDAR, Page 15)
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Sub Continued from Page 6
ington, D.C. The wall features the names of 58,000 veterans who died during the war. “It’s the perfect way to honor guys who did not make it back,” Trout said. The exhibit also will feature a mobile education trailer, featuring photos of many named on the wall, as well as letters and memorabilia left at the wall. War Memorial Park is best known as home of the U.S.S. Batfish, the Navy submarine whose crew sank more than 15 Japanese vessels during World War II. Visitors can go into the Batfish to see what work and life was like on the submarine. Trout said he is working to incorporate background noise to show how the submarine sounded during World War II. Just west of the Batfish is the mast of the USS Oklahoma, one of the battleships hit in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The park’s Walk of Honor pays tribute to veterans with bricks etched with names of servicemen and servicewomen. Statues representing different armed forces salute a Statue of Liberty. The War Memorial Park’s museum features a variety of wartime artifacts. Many of the artifacts come from the Batfish. Others show what
Food Continued from Page 10
stuff and some trendy stuff,” he said. Miss Addie’s often updates its menu, Feickert said. Fish dishes featuring trout, salmon, grouper
If you go
WHAT: Muskogee War Memorial Park ADDRESS: 3500 Batfish Road. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. PHONE: (918) 6826294. WEBSITE: warmemorialpark.org.
• • •
WHAT: The Wall that Heals — Vietnam Memorial Wall. WHEN: 5 p.m. April 6 to 5 p.m. April 10. WHERE: Muskogee War Memorial Park, 3500 Batfish Road. PHONE: (918) 6826294.
life on the homefront was like during various wars. Trout said one of his favorite displays is a helmet and Bible belonging to a Sgt. Benedict, D-Day veteran from Oklahoma. The helmet shows a bullet hole where Benedict was shot, but survived. “We want to focus on all branches and all wars,” Trout said. The museum displays a soldier’s knife from the Spanish-American war which has “mi amigo” (Spanish for “my friend”) etched on one side, Trout said. He said he is working to set up an interactive display on military communication, such as Morse code and field phones. He said he hopes to have the display ready by summer. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.
or mahi-mahi continue to be popular, he said. Some Muskogee eateries got so popular, they expanded. Charlie’s Chicken and Chet’s Dairy Freeze started here. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.
Muskogee Visitors’ Guide
March 27, 2016 — Page 15
Muskogee Phoenix
Parks, trails can be found around city By Harrison Grimwood Phoenix Staff Writer
Muskogee’s parks, nature trails and multi-use trails are natural draws for the annual Azalea Festival, city officials said. H o w e v e r, Honor Heights Park is the central hub of activity. “Springtime is Honor Heights Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson. “There are so many different things in bloom; It’s just a chance to see how pretty the park is.” Honor Heights Park is home to many azalea beds, an arboretum, trails, nature walks, a lake and a butterfly papilion. Darla Bennett, a local cyclist who also was Miss Personality and
Miss Amity in the 1983 Azalea Festival children’s pageant, put Honor Heights Park near the top of her list. “It’s fun to go on the trails and through the arboretum,” Bennett said. “All the trees are labeled.” If not in the park, then Bennett recommends the Centennial Trail as a chance to walk through and around the city while escaping throngs of people in town for the Azalea Festival. However, one of the most recent additions to Muskogee’s parks and recreation is the bark park. Wilkerson said it is a “special place (for visitors) to bring their dog.” Reach Harrison GrimPhoenix file photo wood at (918) 684-2926 or harrison.grimwood@ Daniel Edwards, 3, feeds geese and ducks after he tired of fishing at Honor Heights Park pond during the annual Fishing Derby. muskogeephoenix.com.
BARK PARK: South Main Street and Kalamazoo Avenue. BECKMAN PARK: North 16th Street and West Broadway. BILL POOL PARK: Gawf Lane and Foltz Lane. CIVITAN PARK: 3301 Gibson St. DOUGLAS-MAXEY PARK: South Sixth Street and West Southside Boulevard. ELLIOTT PARK: Altamont Street and Tower Hill Boulevard.
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Events
32nd ANNUAL AZALEA PAGEANT, March 26, Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave. The pageant is open to girls from birth to 18-years. Everyone that enters will re-
GULICK PARK: South Seventh Street and Elgin Street. HONOR HEIGHTS PARK: Honor Heights Drive. LOVE-HATBOX SPORTS COMPLEX: 34th Street and Arline Street. KING PARK: Gibson Street and East Side Boulevard. LANGSTON PARK: Euclid Street and Sandlow Street. OPTIMIST PARK: South F Street and Independence Street.
ceive a trophy. Winners are eligible to ride in the Azalea Parade. Information: Pageant Director, Debbie Morgan, (918) 360-6886. 33rd ANNUAL QUICHE AND SALAD LUNCHEON, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28, St. Joseph Parish Hall. Cost of the meal is $7 which includes quiche, multiple salads and a drink. There will be baked goods available for sale. Information: Mary Upchurch, (918) 478-9520 or
Muskogee parks
PALMER PARK: Honor Heights Drive and Denison Street. ROBISON PARK: Augusta Street and Gulick Street. ROONEY PARK: 2300 Military Blvd. ROTARY PARK: South 24th Street and Elgin Street. SPAULDING PARK: East Okmulgee Avenue and Eastside Boulevard.
Source: www.muskogeeonline.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/parks.php
mfupchurch@yahoo.com. A TASTE FOR WINE AND MURDER - MURDER MYSTERY DINNER, 7 p.m. April 18, Muskogee Public Library, 801 W. Okmulgee Ave. It’s a tour of California Wine Country with its vineyards and wineries. The wine-tasting festival was in full swing when the body of vineyard owner, Barry Underwood, is found hidden beneath his wine cellar. Barry has been missing for
Trails CENTENNIAL TRAIL: An 8.7-mile trail that forms a semicircle around much of the city. STEM BEACH TRAIL: A 1.2-mile concrete trail that encircles Honor Heights Park’s largest lake. HENRY BRESSER NATURE TRAIL: A quarter-mile wooded trail in Honor Heights Park. SPAULDING TRAIL: A third-
six years but with the discovery of his body comes new clues to solve the mystery. It’s a vintage murder! The suspects have gathered and it is up to you to solve the mystery. An evening of food, fun and mystery. Several different appetizers and finger foods will be served as well as dessert and drinks. Tickets are $10 with limited seating and can be purchased at Muskogee Public Library. All proceeds will go toward
of-a mile trail that meanders through Spaulding Park. CIVITAN TRAIL: An approximately one-mile trail that wanders through Civitan Park. AUDUBON TRAIL: A half-mile trail in Honor Heights Park dedicated to bird watching. ROBISON PARK TRAIL: A one-mile figure-eight trail in Robison Park.
Source: www.muskogeeonline.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/trails.php
funding the Adult Summer Program. Information: (918) 682-6657. MUSKOGEE AREA QUILTERS GUILD 31st ANNUAL QUILT SHOW “QUILTS FOR TEA TIME,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7-8, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. Admission is $5. There will be quilts, vendors, boutique (with gift items), demonstrations, prizes, raffle and lunch provided
by the St. Paul UMW. Information: Debbie Baker, (918) 869-1721 or dbaker1960@ att.net. THE PAPILION IN HONOR HEIGHTS PARK, Teaching garden and Georgia-Pacific Butterfly House is open daily, weather permitting. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children/seniors/ military personnel.