2012
Spring Visitors Guide
Page 2 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Kids get hands on trucks By Wendy Burton
If you go WHAT: Touch-aTruck fundraiser for the Muskogee Public Library children’s department. WHEN: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28. WHERE: Love/Hatbox Airfield, turn south onto 40th Street from West Okmulgee Avenue and follow the road until it ends. COST: $2 per person. INFORMATION: (918) 682-6657.
Phoenix Staff Writer
There’s probably nothing that can light up a child’s eyes better than swirling lights, blaring sirens and gushing water hoses — except getting their hands on it all. The Muskogee Public Library and city of Muskogee are pairing up once again to bring Toucha-Truck to children during the annual Azalea Festival. The inaugural year turned out great, said library assistant Aubrey Bradley.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Quilters Guild has 100 members Continued from Page 1A
(See CHILDRENS, 18) Area children and their families get up an up-close experience with a helicopter, above, and a tractor-trailer, right, during the 2011 Touch-aTruck event, sponsored at Love/Hatb ox Airfield by the Muskogee Public Library and the city of Muskogee. Submitted photos
Muskogee Phoenix
any family that’s had fires and are without blankets,” Baker said. “We try to give some to the police and fire department for people when they go out on calls, as well.” Sue Tardiff, president of the Muskogee Area Quilters Guild, said the group is about 100 members strong. Tardiff said the event promises to be fun and interesting. “We are a group of quilters who meet on the second Thursday each month at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Muskogee,” Tardiff said.
The club welcomes quilters of all skill levels, she said. “I’ve only been quilting for five years, which is not much compared to most people in the club,” Tardiff said. “But they have things available for beginners and for those who want to learn.” The Guild will also have quilts on display at the Muskogee Public Library through the month of March — including the special quilt that will be drawn for during the show in April. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogee phoenix.com.
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‘This will give us more of a community feel’ Continued from Page 13
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will be honored as Citizen of the Arts. Ray said Bare Bones, which has been dubbed the “friendliest film festival in the world,” will launch earlier this year. The festival will coincide with Muskogee’s annual Azalea Parade and the chili cook-off. “This will give the folks who visit a chance to interact with
the community,” Ray said. “We are going to have a float in the parade, this will give us more of a community feel.” The 10-day festival, founded by Ray and her husband, Oscar Ray, will take place at several venues in and around downtown Muskogee. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogee phoenix.com.
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Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Phoenix Staff Writer
Health Care Directory
If you go WHAT: 26th annual “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 and 21. WHERE: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. COST: Admission $5. ETC.: More than 150 quilts will be displayed. Vendors will have displays, and lunch will be available, as well as door prizes and hourly demonstrations.
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Examples of area quilters’ art will be displayed April 20 and 21 at the “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
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Submitted photo
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The Azalea Festival in Muskogee held annually since April 1968 to celebrate the beauty of the azaleas blooming in Honor Heights Park. Art Johnson, landscape architect and director of Muskogee Parks and Recreation from 1949 to 1977, introduced azaleas to Honor Heights Park in the 1950s.
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efit the Guild. Chairwoman of this year’s event, Debbie Baker, said more than 600 people attended the 2011 show. “There are all kinds of quilts, folk art quilts, what we call piece quilts, appliqué, picture art quilts,” Baker said. “The quilt we’re holding the drawing for is just gorgeous.” Baker began quilting about 10 years ago and joined the Guild about the same time, she said. This is her third year as chairwoman of the spring show. The show will benefit the Guild’s activities, including its Reaching Out program, she said. “We donate quilts to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, to the motorcycle club that helps children when they’ve been abused, to Women In Safe Home, the Murrow Indian Children’s Home, and
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Quilting is a timehonored tradition which has created numerous family heirlooms through decades of popularity in America. Many love to quilt — creating warm and artistic pieces for posterity and to give to loved ones. For those who enjoy viewing quilts as an art form, or collect or want to begin quilting, the Muskogee Area Quilters Guild will hold its 26th annual “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show during Muskogee’s Azalea Festival. The show will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 and 21 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. Admission is $5, and refreshments will be sold by the Methodist Ladies Group to support missions. More than 150 quilts will be on display, and a boutique selling handmade pin cushions, aprons and other small items will be available. The group’s pièce de résistance, an appliqué quilt made by at least 15 members of the group, will be on display as well. A drawing will be held to win the quilt, featuring flower bouquets in a theme of blues and violets, and the proceeds will ben-
Muskogee Phoenix
Azaleas in Honor Heights
Warm, comfy art on display By Wendy Burton
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
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Page 4 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 21
Show reflects art, culture of tribes Continued from Page 14 all reflecting the cul-
ture and history of Museum, which sits the five tribes, said on the hill near the Museum Director entrance to Honor Mary Robinson. Heights Park, where “Every year I am thousands visit to amazed at the cretake in the beauty of ative talents of this blooming azaleas group of artists,” each spring. Robinson said. “It is The museum opens a beautiful show its Cultural Art with lots of texture Show beginning and color.” April 1 and holds the The museum is Art Under the Oaks open from 10 a.m. to festival on April 21 5 p.m. Monday and 22. through Friday and The art show, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during regular muse- Saturday. Admission um hours throughout is $3 for adults and the month, features $1.50 for students, textiles, pottery, bas- $2 for seniors 65 and ketry, gourds, knapover. ping and jewelry — The Art Under the
Phoenix file photo
Young people parade in historic fashions in an earlier Azalea Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.”
Fashion in vogue at Azalea Parade By Mike Carrels Phoenix Staff Writer
Those who attend the 2012 Azalea Parade will get several blasts from the past with the theme “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.” The parade is a traditional event for the annual Azalea Festival that began in 1967,
said Joel Everett, speIf you go cial projects coordinator with the city of WHAT: 2012 Muskogee finishing at the intersection Muskogee. Azalea Festival Parade. of Sixth and Denison. WHEN: 11 a.m. April 14. THEME: “Fashions & This year’s theme WHERE: From the interTrends Through the Years.” will celebrate not just section of Fifth and Denison ENTRY DEADLINE: 5 fashion, but other eras streets east to Second p.m. April 4. of the Azalea Festival Street, south to Broadway INFO: (918) 684-6302, as well, Everett said. and west to Sixth Street, Ext. 28. “Although the theme is fashion and trends, expand on the idea. It you don’t have to paint your mind goes when you hear fashion,” could be architecture, or decorate clothing; that’s kind of where Everett said. “You can fashion, music — any-
thing that changes, with kind of an emphasis on the more modern stuff, since the parade started in 1967.” Thousands from all over the country attend the Azalea Festival, and the parade serves as a kickoff to the day’s events. The parade winds
through Muskogee’s historic downtown area, passing the Muskogee Civic Center where parade watchers will be chowing down on barbecue and chili at the annual Chili Cook-off. Former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson and (See EDMONDSONS, 7)
Oaks Market and Festival will be held April 21 and 22 at the museum. The festival is free to the public and features everything from reenactors dressed in period clothing, demonstrating primitive tool making and basket weaving to storytellers and artisans marketing their wares. Historic re-enactors Mike Berryhill, Muscogee (Creek), and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, will demonstrate what life was like in the 1800s. Mary Edwards
Smith, a traditional river cane basket weaver, will demonstrate basket weaving and provide material for those who would like to try their hand at the traditional craft. Storyteller and author Greg Rodgers, Choctaw, will be featured both days and will share traditional tribal stories with the audience. The Cherokee Baptist Choir will perform in their native language at 1 p.m. Saturday, and, weather permitting, a gospel singing will be held at 2 p.m.
Sunday on the south porch of the museum. Food offerings include a traditional Creek meal and Indian tacos. The Arts Under the Oaks Market and Festival is held with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council. All family entertainment is free and open to the public. Information: www.fivetribes.org or (918) 683-1701. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 6842926 or wburton@ muskogeephoenix. com.
If you go WHAT: Five Civilized Tribes Museum Art Under the Oaks Museum and Festival. Includes arts and crafts show, storytelling, live music and more. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 and 22. COST: Free. WHAT: Cultural Art Show at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. COST: Adults $3; Seniors 65 and over $2; Students $1.50; Children under 6 are free. INFORMATION: 683-1701 or www.fivetribes.org.
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2012 Spring Visitors Guide
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Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 19
‘Runners like to name obstacles’ Continued from Page 14
The run comes in three versions: A 15K for the hardcore runner, a 5K and a one-mile FunRun/Walk for those who want a lighter take on the festivities. The 15K will cover the entirety of the Centennial Trail. The starting line, Everett said, is in front of the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center. The run ends just north of Arrowhead Mall, where the awards ceremony will take place. “It’s pretty cool because there’s so much
going on that day,” Everett said. “It’s a pretty unusual run as far as that goes.” But before runners celebrate at the mall, they have to conquer “The Hill.” “There’s not a name for the hill yet, but I’d imagine there will be soon,” Everett said, referencing a steep incline near the end of the run. “Runners like to name obstacles like that. The Tulsa Marathon has one called the ‘Hill from Hell’ and the Boston Marathon has ‘Heartbreak Hill.’ I guess this one is our
own little ‘Heartbreak Hill.’” Everett said neighborhoods got into the event a year ago. “Last year while we were out marking trails, we would see people in the neighborhoods we were near asking us what was going on,” Everett said. “There was excitement in regards to that, some from people that didn’t know the run was happening, so we expect to get some more interest from that, too.” At 9.3 miles, the run is the longest in Muskogee, Everett said. The length helps attract
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runners from all over. “You might not get people from other states to come to a 5K — you can find 5Ks anywhere,” Everett said. “But a 15K is more substantial. By the day of the run, I expect we’ll have run-
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Muskogee Phoenix
ners for four or five states, anyway.” Registration is possible up until the day of the run, but a $5 late fee is applicable after April 4. “We’ll be going through neighborhoods
and crossing streets and going through town on the run,” Everett said. “It should be a pretty good time.” Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
Page 18 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
Childrens T-shirts will be available at event Continued from Page 2
“Oh the kids just loved it. They were climbing in and out of the vehicles,” she said. “And they really loved turning the ambulance siren on and off.” A Life Flight helicopter was a big hit too, she said — especially when it got a call and had to take off halfway through the event. “It was so exciting for the kids, watching it take off,” Bradley said. The event, a fundraiser for the children’s section of the library, fea-
tures fire trucks, police cars, airplanes, military trucks and more. Plus, the community members who drive the vehicles are in attendance to answer questions as the children honk horns, flip switches and pretend to be superheroes, too. The event has expanded this year, with new activities and a chance for children to help promote the event during the Azalea Parade. “We’re hoping to have more vehicles this year, and we are also going to
have a giant inflatable monster truck slide for kids to play on,” Bradley said. “People also asked last year about T-shirts, so we’re going to be selling kids T-shirts for $10 apiece.” To possibly get a seat on the parade float, children can attend the library’s Lego Builders group, which meets the first Thursday of every month. The children will be building Lego trucks during the April meeting, Bradley said. Children get a chance to ride by filling out col-
oring sheets in the children’s department of the library. Names will be drawn from all the participants in both activities. The $2 entry fee per person benefits the Muskogee Public Library children’s section, Bradley said. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Cook-Off Kick-off features Emerald City Continued from Page 9
tures Emerald City, a Dallas band that enterThis year’s cook-off tained at the 2009 also will offer new Cook-Off Kick-off, inflatable games for Smith said. The band’s kids. Also new are repertoire covers 50 inflatable “pay for play” years of popular music, games for bigger peoplus current hits and ple, Smith said. original songs, the “We also will have band’s website says. prizes to be given In 2011, the away,” he said. Exchange Club distribPrizes could include uted $25,000 in cookbig screen TVs and off proceeds to seven Xbox 360 games, he programs, including said. Kids’ Space, Court For a sneak peek of Appointed Special cook-off fun, come to Advocates and 4-H. the Cook-Off Kick-off Reach Cathy concert April 13 at Spaulding at (918) 684Muskogee Civic Center. 2928 or cspaulding@ This year’s concert fea- muskogeephoenix.com.
Activities in the area Continued from Page 16
BARE BONES INTERNATIONAL FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, April 13 to 22, downtown Muskogee. Information: www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org. BATFISH BOOT CAMP, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 14, Muskogee War Memorial Park. Five presenters, including author of “Leader of the Pack” Mark Allen, will attend. Allen will present an overview
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of the USS Batfish’s wartime exploits. After completing the seminar you will be qualified to conduct historical tours of the museum and submarine. Space is limited to 20 people. Cost: $20 per person, which includes lunch, a copy of “Leader of the Pack” and a submarine patch. Information: (918) 682-6295. PARTY IN THE PARK, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 21, Honor Heights Park. Wine tasting provided by nine Oklahoma wineries, food tasting provided by six Muskogee-area restaurants, live jazz and an art for show and sale by the Muskogee Art Guild Admission with souvenir glass: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets available at http://rotarypartyinthepark.org JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT’S BOWL-ARRGHTHON, 6 to 8 p.m. April 26, Green Country Lanes. Presented by OG&E, the
event will help provide Junior Achievement programs (financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness) to more than 2,000 Muskogee students. Sponsor, individual and team bowling available. Raise $100 per bowler. Information: Brian Jackson (918) 663-2156. AZALEA LINE DANCE JAMBOREE, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28, Hatbox Dance Building. Sign-in starts at 9 a.m. Open to the public. TOUCH A TRUCK, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29, LoveHatbox Field runway. Event is for children of all ages can. They can get in, get on, and honk the horn of all kinds of vehicles — not just trucks! Presented by Muskogee Public Library and the city of Muskogee, the cost is $2 per person, but no child under 12 will be turned away. Proceeds will benefit the Muskogee Public Library’s Children’s Department.
Information: (918) 682-6657.
Reunions MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1982 30th REUNION, June 29-30. Information: (918) 913-0008 or www.muskogeeclass of82.com. MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2002 10-year reunion, 7 p.m. May 12, Kilharen’s Lodge. Cost: $30 per person, pay with Paypal by April 20. Information: garrettlee_02@yahoo.com
Theater THE SOUND OF MUSIC, 8 p.m. April 13-14, 17 and 19-21 and 2 p.m. April 15 and 22, Muskogee Little Theatre. Tickets: $14 adults, $10 students available at SoundWorld, (918) 683-4901.
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 7
Edmondsons to serve as marshals Continued from Page 4
his wife Linda will serve as the parade’s grand marshals. Everett said both are involved in Leadership Oklahoma, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year. “Fashions & Trends Through the Years” also serves as the theme for the Azalea Banner Project. About 100 banners will line downtown Muskogee streets during the parade and will later be auctioned for a fundraiser. Everett said local artist Taylor Shipman designed the “Fashions & Trends Through the Years” logo. “We wanted to get something we could that would be decent to paint to as well as fun and easy to decorate to,” Everett said. “It’s different, but it’s pretty evocative of that era. We had a lot of ideas thrown around. People seem to be catching on pretty good.” Shipman, who works for the Cherokee Nation, will submit a banner for the third year. “There’s been a wide variety of interest,” Shipman said. “I thought maybe if we look for retro in the bottom of the banner, we’d get some pretty neat banners this year. “It will be neat seeing what everybody’s idea of retro fashion and trends is going to be this year on the banners and at the parade.” Reach Mike Carrels at (918) 684-2922 or mcarrels@muskogee phoenix.com.
Shriners are a perennial favorite at the parade.
Phoenix file photos
A Boy Scout calls cadence in the traditional campaign hat.
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Muskogee’s Downtown Antiques & Chic Boutiques District
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BINGO NIGHT, American Legion Post 15, 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. main session on Thursdays. DODGING FOR DISASTER ADULT DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT, 10 a.m. March 31, Muskogee High School gym. Cost: $60 per team of six. Proceeds benefit
the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. TASTE OF HOME COOKING SCHOOL SHOW, 6:30 p.m. April 5, Muskogee Civic Center. Tickets: $15 per person, or a group of 10 or more is $10 each. Culinary expert Jamie Dunn will demonstrate 10 new recipes to recreate at home. The first 500 paid customers will get a free gift bag. Information: (918) 684-6363.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
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2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Activities in the area Continued from Page 15 Theater. Cost: $5 per ticket, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. HERO CONCERT FEATURING THE MUSKOGEE COMMUNITY BAND, 7 p.m. May 15, Boulevard Christian Church. Concert is free, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. HANK WILLIAMS SR. ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE CONCERT, 7 p.m. June 13, Roxy Theater. Tickets are $1, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366.
Dances SQUARE DANCES, 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month, Hatbox Field. Sponsor: Muskogee Swingers Square Dance Club. Caller: Corbet Davidson. Information: (918) 478-4571. AMERICAN LEGION POST 15 DANCE, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays, 4021 W. Broadway. Cost: $6. This is a non-smoking event. LINE DANCING AT HATBOX, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, 640 S. 40th St. Cost: $2, beginner, intermediate and advanced line dances. All ages welcome. Information: (918) 683-3572. BEGINNERS LINE DANCING, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Kiwanis Senior Citizens Center, 119 Spaulding Blvd. Free to everyone. Information: (918) 683-3572. SENIOR CITIZENS DANCE, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Hatbox Dance Building, 540 S. 40th St., sponsored by Kiwanis Senior
Citizens Center. Cost is $2.50 per person. Potluck dinner is at 8:30 p.m. Music is provided by the Country Cookin Band. Types of dancing include: Two-steps, waltzes, rock and roll, square dancing, line dancing and others. Everyone 50 and older are welcome. Information: (918) 430-6236. BEGINNER’S LINE DANCE LESSONS, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Hatbox Dance Building, 540 S. 40th St. Free. Stay for dance-asyou-learn lessons from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $2 per person. No alcohol or smoking allowed. All ages welcome. Information: (918) 360-2709. LINE DANCING, 10 to 11:30 a.m. first, second, fourth Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. third Thursday, Kiwanis Senior Citizens Center, 119 Spaulding Blvd. Free. Information: (918) 683-3572 or (918) 684-6310. MUSKOGEE TWIRLERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB, 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Fridays, Hatbox Dance Hall. Larry Conner is the caller. Information: (918) 684-1718.
Events 28th ANNUAL MISS/MR. AZALEA PAGEANT, March 31, Roxy Theater. The pageant is held each year in conjunction with the Azalea Festival in Muskogee. The pageant is open to girls from birth to 18 years and boys birth to 3 years. Everyone who enters receives a trophy. Winners receive crowns, banners, and trophies and will be eligible to ride in the Azalea Parade. Deadline to have your picture included in the program book is March 1. For entry forms and more information, call Debbie Morgan at (918) 463-2693. AZALEA FESTIVAL, April
1-30, Honor Heights Park, take Honor Heights Drive past the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center to the park. Free, but donations accepted. 2012 MUSKOGEE AZALEA FESTIVAL PARADE, 11 a.m. April 14. From the intersection of Fifth and Denison streets east to Second Street, south to Broadway and west to Sixth Street, finishing at the intersection of Sixth and Denison. Theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.” Entry deadline is 5 p.m. April 4. Information: (918) 6846302, Ext. 28. CHILI COOK-OFF KICKOFF, April 13, doors open at 6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert, featuring featuring Emerald City, Muskogee Civic Center, $20 at the door. MUSKOGEE EXCHANGE CLUB CHILI AND BARBECUE COOK-OFF, April 14, immediately after the Azalea Festval Parade. Around 11:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Entertainment, rides, inflatable toys and games open all day, Muskogee Civic Center Market Square Festival Area, at Fifth and Boston Streets. Taster kits, $6 each. 2012 MUSKOGEE RUN, 8 a.m. April 14. Race begins near Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. Cost is $35 for the 15K, $25 for the 5K, $15 for the FunRun/Walk. Shirts included in the cost for the 15K and 5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walk participants are $18. INFORMATION: Joel Everett, (918) 684-6302, ext. 28 or go to www.muskogeerun.com. MOTORCYCLE DINNER RUN, 6:30 p.m. Fridays, weather permitting. Everyone is welcome to meet for a ride and have dinner. For the meeting location, call (918) 441-1352 or (918) 913-1690. (See ACTIVITIES, 18)
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 9
Chili cook-off big draw downtown By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
A person can work up a powerful appetite watching floats and cars go by at the annual Azalea Festival Parade. Let not your tummy be troubled. The Muskogee Exchange Club will seek to satisfy hungry visitors with all sorts of chili, hot links, barbecue, ribs and other treats. The 28th Annual Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-off is set for around 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the Market Square festival area, just west of the Muskogee Civic Center. “We start up each cook-off right after the parade ends,” said cook-off coordinator Robert Smith. The parade begins at 11 a.m. April 14 and proceeds through downtown Muskogee. Part of the parade marches right in front of the Civic Center, just the right spot to dash over for some hot eats and cold beverages. Each year, the cookoff draws between 10,000 and 20,000 hungry visitors, Smith said. “It’s our 28th year doing this for the local community,” Smith said. “We raise money to help fight child abuse and to help other programs. Plus, it’s the best food in Oklahoma.” People can buy a taster kit for $6. They take the plastic dish and eating utensil around to different booths. Cooks at the booths then dish out samples of their delica-
Phoenix file photos
Visitors to the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off visit Advanced Workzone’s tent for homemade baked beans.
cies. Officially, there will be contests for best chili through the Chili Appreciation Society International and best chicken, pork ribs, hot links, brisket and other foods through the International Barbecue Society. There also will be contests for the most crowd-pleasing dish and best booth. (See COOK-OFF, 18)
Jimmy “Roho” Rowan of Fort Gibson hawks his barbecue chicken and chili at the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off.
If you go WHAT: Chili Cook-off Kick-off featuring Emerald City. WHEN: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert, April 13. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center, Fourth and Boston streets. PRICE: $20 at the door. WHAT: Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off.
WHEN: Immediately after the Azalea Festival Parade. Around 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14. Entertainment, rides, inflatable toys and games open all day. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center Market Square Festival Area, at Fifth and Boston streets. COST: Taster kits, $6 each. INFORMATION: (918) 360-6006.
Page 10 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Renaissance Festival opens April 28 By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Every Saturday and Sunday, beginning April 28 and ending on Memorial Day, visitors can play with pirates, knights, sorcerers and fair maidens at the 17th annual Renaissance Festival. This year’s festival has some surprises in store for visitors — The Castle has been raided by pirates — so slap on a pirate’s hat and blend in, “lest ye fin’ yerselves in walkin’ t’ plank.” Actually, the annual Renaissance Festival isn’t all about pirates. However, this year’s celebration does feature a pirate weekend May 5 and 6, which includes a new ship and a “Pirate Feaste” for all “ye landlubbers” to enjoy. Additionally, “The Cave” opens this year, providing a cool, shady place to listen to musical acts and enjoy refreshments on the far end of The Castle grounds. Also new this year — expanded seating for the living chess game and belly dancer arena, a new children’s amphitheater for storytelling, and several new shows and musical acts. “We’re really excited about the new little amphitheater for storytelling. Everyone is excited and just lining up to tell stories, myself included,” Castle Owner Jeff Hiller said. The children’s area is filled with magical activities for the youngsters — a walk-
through dragon, giant tree stump for climbing, a gypsy caravan, and much more familyfriendly activities and fairytale characters throughout for the children to interact with. One of the new acts is the “Cast in Bronze” carillon bells man — the only musical act in the world featuring a four-ton instrument called a carillon. “Oh it’s huge, very theatrical,” Hiller said. “It will be in the jousting area. We’re very excited about this act.” Celtic weekend will be April 20 and 21, which includes the traditional Ceilioh (pronounced “Ka-lee”), a 21-and-over-only Scottish party featuring live music from world-class performers. Shows throughout the festival include “Noble Cause,” worldrenowned knights who will bring jousting alive for visitors in the jousting arena, The Tribal Circus Show, The Magic of Van Zee, The Jester Rejects and many more. For those who wonder why there’s an Oklahoma Renaissance Festival — where knights in shining armor and pirates never explored — Hiller and his son Matt Hiller talked about how it all came to fruition. “I had the idea first in college in Indiana. Basically, every four years they had a festival,” Jeff said. “Then, I went to one in California about 35 years ago. It was wonderful, we had such a
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 15
Activities in area Continued from Page 11 of Wagoner off Oklahoma 51. No cover charge. Information: 485-1810 or www.thecanebrake.com. OKAY GOSPEL SINGING, 6 p.m., first Saturday of each month, Okay Community Center. Singers/musicians are Anew Direction. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Donations welcome. Information: (918) 360-1968. SATURDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT, 7 p.m., third Saturday, The Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5, adults, and free, children 12 and under. It is open to the public. Information: (918) 807-1278. HERO SPOTLIGHT CONCERT, 7 p.m. April 28, Roxy (See ACTIVITIES, 16)
Submitted
wonderful day.” Matt said he remembered the trip, too. “To me it seemed like a family-fun thing to do, as I remember it,” he said, smiling at his dad. But the biggest impetus for the family to build the Castle of Muskogee and begin holding Renaissance Festivals 17 years ago was the end of the Boarshead Feast at Northeastern State University. “I don’t know why they stopped doing it, but we loved it,” Jeff said. “Our first festival was really a fair — only two days, but it’s just grown and grown since then.” Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.
Above: Jugglers, musicians, fairies, acrobats and dancers stroll through Castleton at the annual Renaissance Festival. Visitors to the festival, in costume or out, can step back in time and explore Renaissance England at The Castle of Muskogee every weekend beginning April 28 through Memorial Day. Left: Capt’n Pinky LaClore, the pink pirate, poses for a picture next to a former crewmember at the Castle of Muskogee. New this year is Pirate Feaste and a new ship and stage modeled from the English “Mary Rose.” Phoenix file photo
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Page 14 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Second Muskogee Run may draw 1,000 entrants Run offers 5K, 15K races and 1 mile fun run Phoenix Staff Writer
Submitted photo
Mike Berryhill, Creek, and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, talk about a deer hide. Primitive tool making, Native American art and crafts, music and live storytelling are offered April 21 and 22 at the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival on the grounds of the Five Civilized Tribe Museum.
Art Under the Oaks highlights Native talent By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Learn the art of primitive tool making, browse through Native American art and crafts for sale, enjoy live music and storytelling — all in one place April 21 and 22.
The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is holding its annual Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival during Muskogee’s Azalea Festival. Art Under the Oaks is a market and festival that highlights the culture and history of the Five
Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma — Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Chickasaw and Seminole. The festival is held annually at Muskogee’s Five Civilized Tribe (See SHOW, 21)
Phoenix file photo
Jason Tilton of Oklahoma City leads Tahlequah’s Chad McCarter, Katie Kramer of Oklahoma City and a host of other runners at Broadway and Second streets during the 2011 Muskogee Run. Tilton won the 15K race.
better. “It’s not the same people that come to the parade or the cook-off,” Everett said. “The majority of them will be different folks. We’ve got the run starting at 8 a.m., which means you can come for the run, stay for the parade and then go eat. Everybody wins. In fact, the runners can even be in the parade if they want to.” (See RUNNERS, 19)
If you go WHAT: 2012 Muskogee Run. WHERE: Race begins near Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. WHEN: 8 a.m. April 14. ADMISSION: $35 for the 15K, $25 for the 5K, $15 for the FunRun/Walk. Shirts included in the cost for the 15K and 5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walk participants are $18. INFORMATION: Joel Everett, (918) 684-6302, ext. 28 or go to www.muskogeerun.com.
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 11
Activities in the area Arts 26TH ANNUAL “NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S QUILT” SHOW, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20-21, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. Admission if $5. More than 150 quilts will be displayed. Vendors will have displays, and lunch will be available, as well as door prizes and hourly demonstrations. FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES MUSEUM ART UNDER THE OAKS MUSEUM AND FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-22. Includes arts and crafts show, storytelling, live music and more. Free. Information: 683-1701 or www.fivetribes.org. CULTURAL ART SHOW,
By Dylan Goforth Are you a calorie counter? If so, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news — if this qualifies — is the April 14 Chili Cook-Off will provide you with ample opportunity to gorge yourself with all the delicious food you can imagine. The good news is you can burn those calories off ahead of time. The Muskogee Run is in its second year, and Joel Everett, special projects coordinator with the city of Muskogee, said after last year’s inaugural success, they expect this year to be even better. “Last year we had about 650 people register and run,” Everett said. “This year we’re thinking we might get around 1,000 people.” Everett said he expects positive word of mouth in regards to last year’s run to help boost this year’s numbers. Because the run attracts a different crowd than the cook-off does, he said the more people they attract, the
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Five Civilized Tribes Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. Adults $3; Seniors 65 and over $2; Students $1.50; Children under 6 are free.
AUCTION, 6:30 p.m. May 5, Muskogee Country Club. The cost is $35 per person and will include dinner and one adult beverage. All proceeds will benefit Kids’ Space. Information: (918) 682-4204.
Benefits
Concerts
FORE-CHAR-I-TEE GOLF TOURNAMENT, May 4, Muskogee Country Club. Banner auction also will be held. Lunch starts at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the tournament are distributed as scholarships to local high school graduates. Information: serviceleagueofmuskogee@gmail.com. CELEBRITY SERVICES
ROXY TRIBUTE SHOWS, 7 p.m. The Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave., third Friday of the month. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased at the Muskogee Civic Center, Sweet and Sassy, John Michael Music Store and Rustic Elegance. Information: (918) 684-6363. JAM SESSIONS, 6 p.m. Sundays, Down Home Blues
Club, 701 D.C. Minner St., Rentiesville. Information: (918) 855-0978.
MUSIC AT THE CANEBRAKE, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, The
Canebrake, four miles east (See ACTIVITIES, 15)
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 13
Festival turns Muskogee into independent film Mecca By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Independent filmmakers and movie buffs from around the world will converge upon Muskogee in April when the curtains rise on the 13th annual Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival. The grassroots cultural festival has grown increasingly popular since it debuted in 1999, screening more than 3,000 movies since its inception. Organizers say the quality of the films submitted for consideration continues to improve. “The weeding process is tremendous — just because a film isn’t accepted doesn’t mean it isn’t good,” ShIronbutterfly Ray said about this year’s entries. “In the old days some of them would be just awful, but we are having to weed out some films just by a few points.” Ray said filmmakers submitted some 500 films for consideration, all of them viewed in their entirety. About 150 of those entries will make the final cut and be shown during the 2012 festival. Bare Bones is dedicated to screening feature motion picture projects that have budgets totaling less than a million dollars. The festival’s “philosophy is to promote and support the efforts of the small-budget filmmakers, screenwriters and producers.” Moviemaker Magazine named Bare Bones among its “25
Staff photo by D.E. Smoot
ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-founder of Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, prepares for the 13th annual event at her Darkwood Film Arts Institute office.
Festivals worth the entry fee” in 2010. A year earlier Bare Bones was cited as one of the top 20 festivals for new and emerging filmmakers. In addition to the 150 films that will be shown, Ray said this year’s festival will feature a number of speakers, some “hot
actors” festival-goers will recognize, music throughout the week, and tributes to honorees. “These are the real people who have done it — wrote, shot, edited it and everything,” Ray said. “The audience can ask them questions, and they will know a little bit
— or a lot since they have done it all — about everything.” While the festival is not “celebrity driven,” Ray said festivalgoers will recognize some of the actors who plan to attend. In addition, two northeast Oklahomans will receive festival honors.
Tulsa-based musician and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductee Rocky Frisco will be recognized for his work on a documentary exploring Red Dirt music, a genre that grew from of the Stillwater scene. Jerry Whitlock (See THIS, 23)
If you go WHAT: Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival. WHEN: April 13-22. WHERE: Downtown Muskogee. INFORMATION: (918) 616-1264; www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 13
Festival turns Muskogee into independent film Mecca By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Independent filmmakers and movie buffs from around the world will converge upon Muskogee in April when the curtains rise on the 13th annual Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival. The grassroots cultural festival has grown increasingly popular since it debuted in 1999, screening more than 3,000 movies since its inception. Organizers say the quality of the films submitted for consideration continues to improve. “The weeding process is tremendous — just because a film isn’t accepted doesn’t mean it isn’t good,” ShIronbutterfly Ray said about this year’s entries. “In the old days some of them would be just awful, but we are having to weed out some films just by a few points.” Ray said filmmakers submitted some 500 films for consideration, all of them viewed in their entirety. About 150 of those entries will make the final cut and be shown during the 2012 festival. Bare Bones is dedicated to screening feature motion picture projects that have budgets totaling less than a million dollars. The festival’s “philosophy is to promote and support the efforts of the small-budget filmmakers, screenwriters and producers.” Moviemaker Magazine named Bare Bones among its “25
Staff photo by D.E. Smoot
ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-founder of Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, prepares for the 13th annual event at her Darkwood Film Arts Institute office.
Festivals worth the entry fee” in 2010. A year earlier Bare Bones was cited as one of the top 20 festivals for new and emerging filmmakers. In addition to the 150 films that will be shown, Ray said this year’s festival will feature a number of speakers, some “hot
actors” festival-goers will recognize, music throughout the week, and tributes to honorees. “These are the real people who have done it — wrote, shot, edited it and everything,” Ray said. “The audience can ask them questions, and they will know a little bit
— or a lot since they have done it all — about everything.” While the festival is not “celebrity driven,” Ray said festivalgoers will recognize some of the actors who plan to attend. In addition, two northeast Oklahomans will receive festival honors.
Tulsa-based musician and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductee Rocky Frisco will be recognized for his work on a documentary exploring Red Dirt music, a genre that grew from of the Stillwater scene. Jerry Whitlock (See THIS, 23)
If you go WHAT: Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival. WHEN: April 13-22. WHERE: Downtown Muskogee. INFORMATION: (918) 616-1264; www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org.
Page 14 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Second Muskogee Run may draw 1,000 entrants Run offers 5K, 15K races and 1 mile fun run Phoenix Staff Writer
Submitted photo
Mike Berryhill, Creek, and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, talk about a deer hide. Primitive tool making, Native American art and crafts, music and live storytelling are offered April 21 and 22 at the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival on the grounds of the Five Civilized Tribe Museum.
Art Under the Oaks highlights Native talent By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Learn the art of primitive tool making, browse through Native American art and crafts for sale, enjoy live music and storytelling — all in one place April 21 and 22.
The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is holding its annual Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival during Muskogee’s Azalea Festival. Art Under the Oaks is a market and festival that highlights the culture and history of the Five
Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma — Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Chickasaw and Seminole. The festival is held annually at Muskogee’s Five Civilized Tribe (See SHOW, 21)
Phoenix file photo
Jason Tilton of Oklahoma City leads Tahlequah’s Chad McCarter, Katie Kramer of Oklahoma City and a host of other runners at Broadway and Second streets during the 2011 Muskogee Run. Tilton won the 15K race.
better. “It’s not the same people that come to the parade or the cook-off,” Everett said. “The majority of them will be different folks. We’ve got the run starting at 8 a.m., which means you can come for the run, stay for the parade and then go eat. Everybody wins. In fact, the runners can even be in the parade if they want to.” (See RUNNERS, 19)
If you go WHAT: 2012 Muskogee Run. WHERE: Race begins near Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. WHEN: 8 a.m. April 14. ADMISSION: $35 for the 15K, $25 for the 5K, $15 for the FunRun/Walk. Shirts included in the cost for the 15K and 5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walk participants are $18. INFORMATION: Joel Everett, (918) 684-6302, ext. 28 or go to www.muskogeerun.com.
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 11
Activities in the area Arts 26TH ANNUAL “NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S QUILT” SHOW, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20-21, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. Admission if $5. More than 150 quilts will be displayed. Vendors will have displays, and lunch will be available, as well as door prizes and hourly demonstrations. FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES MUSEUM ART UNDER THE OAKS MUSEUM AND FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-22. Includes arts and crafts show, storytelling, live music and more. Free. Information: 683-1701 or www.fivetribes.org. CULTURAL ART SHOW,
By Dylan Goforth Are you a calorie counter? If so, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news — if this qualifies — is the April 14 Chili Cook-Off will provide you with ample opportunity to gorge yourself with all the delicious food you can imagine. The good news is you can burn those calories off ahead of time. The Muskogee Run is in its second year, and Joel Everett, special projects coordinator with the city of Muskogee, said after last year’s inaugural success, they expect this year to be even better. “Last year we had about 650 people register and run,” Everett said. “This year we’re thinking we might get around 1,000 people.” Everett said he expects positive word of mouth in regards to last year’s run to help boost this year’s numbers. Because the run attracts a different crowd than the cook-off does, he said the more people they attract, the
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Five Civilized Tribes Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. Adults $3; Seniors 65 and over $2; Students $1.50; Children under 6 are free.
AUCTION, 6:30 p.m. May 5, Muskogee Country Club. The cost is $35 per person and will include dinner and one adult beverage. All proceeds will benefit Kids’ Space. Information: (918) 682-4204.
Benefits
Concerts
FORE-CHAR-I-TEE GOLF TOURNAMENT, May 4, Muskogee Country Club. Banner auction also will be held. Lunch starts at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the tournament are distributed as scholarships to local high school graduates. Information: serviceleagueofmuskogee@gmail.com. CELEBRITY SERVICES
ROXY TRIBUTE SHOWS, 7 p.m. The Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave., third Friday of the month. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased at the Muskogee Civic Center, Sweet and Sassy, John Michael Music Store and Rustic Elegance. Information: (918) 684-6363. JAM SESSIONS, 6 p.m. Sundays, Down Home Blues
Club, 701 D.C. Minner St., Rentiesville. Information: (918) 855-0978.
MUSIC AT THE CANEBRAKE, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, The
Canebrake, four miles east (See ACTIVITIES, 15)
Page 10 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Renaissance Festival opens April 28 By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Every Saturday and Sunday, beginning April 28 and ending on Memorial Day, visitors can play with pirates, knights, sorcerers and fair maidens at the 17th annual Renaissance Festival. This year’s festival has some surprises in store for visitors — The Castle has been raided by pirates — so slap on a pirate’s hat and blend in, “lest ye fin’ yerselves in walkin’ t’ plank.” Actually, the annual Renaissance Festival isn’t all about pirates. However, this year’s celebration does feature a pirate weekend May 5 and 6, which includes a new ship and a “Pirate Feaste” for all “ye landlubbers” to enjoy. Additionally, “The Cave” opens this year, providing a cool, shady place to listen to musical acts and enjoy refreshments on the far end of The Castle grounds. Also new this year — expanded seating for the living chess game and belly dancer arena, a new children’s amphitheater for storytelling, and several new shows and musical acts. “We’re really excited about the new little amphitheater for storytelling. Everyone is excited and just lining up to tell stories, myself included,” Castle Owner Jeff Hiller said. The children’s area is filled with magical activities for the youngsters — a walk-
through dragon, giant tree stump for climbing, a gypsy caravan, and much more familyfriendly activities and fairytale characters throughout for the children to interact with. One of the new acts is the “Cast in Bronze” carillon bells man — the only musical act in the world featuring a four-ton instrument called a carillon. “Oh it’s huge, very theatrical,” Hiller said. “It will be in the jousting area. We’re very excited about this act.” Celtic weekend will be April 20 and 21, which includes the traditional Ceilioh (pronounced “Ka-lee”), a 21-and-over-only Scottish party featuring live music from world-class performers. Shows throughout the festival include “Noble Cause,” worldrenowned knights who will bring jousting alive for visitors in the jousting arena, The Tribal Circus Show, The Magic of Van Zee, The Jester Rejects and many more. For those who wonder why there’s an Oklahoma Renaissance Festival — where knights in shining armor and pirates never explored — Hiller and his son Matt Hiller talked about how it all came to fruition. “I had the idea first in college in Indiana. Basically, every four years they had a festival,” Jeff said. “Then, I went to one in California about 35 years ago. It was wonderful, we had such a
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 15
Activities in area Continued from Page 11 of Wagoner off Oklahoma 51. No cover charge. Information: 485-1810 or www.thecanebrake.com. OKAY GOSPEL SINGING, 6 p.m., first Saturday of each month, Okay Community Center. Singers/musicians are Anew Direction. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Donations welcome. Information: (918) 360-1968. SATURDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT, 7 p.m., third Saturday, The Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5, adults, and free, children 12 and under. It is open to the public. Information: (918) 807-1278. HERO SPOTLIGHT CONCERT, 7 p.m. April 28, Roxy (See ACTIVITIES, 16)
Submitted
wonderful day.” Matt said he remembered the trip, too. “To me it seemed like a family-fun thing to do, as I remember it,” he said, smiling at his dad. But the biggest impetus for the family to build the Castle of Muskogee and begin holding Renaissance Festivals 17 years ago was the end of the Boarshead Feast at Northeastern State University. “I don’t know why they stopped doing it, but we loved it,” Jeff said. “Our first festival was really a fair — only two days, but it’s just grown and grown since then.” Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.
Above: Jugglers, musicians, fairies, acrobats and dancers stroll through Castleton at the annual Renaissance Festival. Visitors to the festival, in costume or out, can step back in time and explore Renaissance England at The Castle of Muskogee every weekend beginning April 28 through Memorial Day. Left: Capt’n Pinky LaClore, the pink pirate, poses for a picture next to a former crewmember at the Castle of Muskogee. New this year is Pirate Feaste and a new ship and stage modeled from the English “Mary Rose.” Phoenix file photo
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2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Activities in the area Continued from Page 15 Theater. Cost: $5 per ticket, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. HERO CONCERT FEATURING THE MUSKOGEE COMMUNITY BAND, 7 p.m. May 15, Boulevard Christian Church. Concert is free, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. HANK WILLIAMS SR. ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE CONCERT, 7 p.m. June 13, Roxy Theater. Tickets are $1, with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds benefit the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366.
Dances SQUARE DANCES, 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month, Hatbox Field. Sponsor: Muskogee Swingers Square Dance Club. Caller: Corbet Davidson. Information: (918) 478-4571. AMERICAN LEGION POST 15 DANCE, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays, 4021 W. Broadway. Cost: $6. This is a non-smoking event. LINE DANCING AT HATBOX, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, 640 S. 40th St. Cost: $2, beginner, intermediate and advanced line dances. All ages welcome. Information: (918) 683-3572. BEGINNERS LINE DANCING, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Kiwanis Senior Citizens Center, 119 Spaulding Blvd. Free to everyone. Information: (918) 683-3572. SENIOR CITIZENS DANCE, 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Hatbox Dance Building, 540 S. 40th St., sponsored by Kiwanis Senior
Citizens Center. Cost is $2.50 per person. Potluck dinner is at 8:30 p.m. Music is provided by the Country Cookin Band. Types of dancing include: Two-steps, waltzes, rock and roll, square dancing, line dancing and others. Everyone 50 and older are welcome. Information: (918) 430-6236. BEGINNER’S LINE DANCE LESSONS, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Hatbox Dance Building, 540 S. 40th St. Free. Stay for dance-asyou-learn lessons from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $2 per person. No alcohol or smoking allowed. All ages welcome. Information: (918) 360-2709. LINE DANCING, 10 to 11:30 a.m. first, second, fourth Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. third Thursday, Kiwanis Senior Citizens Center, 119 Spaulding Blvd. Free. Information: (918) 683-3572 or (918) 684-6310. MUSKOGEE TWIRLERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB, 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Fridays, Hatbox Dance Hall. Larry Conner is the caller. Information: (918) 684-1718.
Events 28th ANNUAL MISS/MR. AZALEA PAGEANT, March 31, Roxy Theater. The pageant is held each year in conjunction with the Azalea Festival in Muskogee. The pageant is open to girls from birth to 18 years and boys birth to 3 years. Everyone who enters receives a trophy. Winners receive crowns, banners, and trophies and will be eligible to ride in the Azalea Parade. Deadline to have your picture included in the program book is March 1. For entry forms and more information, call Debbie Morgan at (918) 463-2693. AZALEA FESTIVAL, April
1-30, Honor Heights Park, take Honor Heights Drive past the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center to the park. Free, but donations accepted. 2012 MUSKOGEE AZALEA FESTIVAL PARADE, 11 a.m. April 14. From the intersection of Fifth and Denison streets east to Second Street, south to Broadway and west to Sixth Street, finishing at the intersection of Sixth and Denison. Theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.” Entry deadline is 5 p.m. April 4. Information: (918) 6846302, Ext. 28. CHILI COOK-OFF KICKOFF, April 13, doors open at 6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert, featuring featuring Emerald City, Muskogee Civic Center, $20 at the door. MUSKOGEE EXCHANGE CLUB CHILI AND BARBECUE COOK-OFF, April 14, immediately after the Azalea Festval Parade. Around 11:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Entertainment, rides, inflatable toys and games open all day, Muskogee Civic Center Market Square Festival Area, at Fifth and Boston Streets. Taster kits, $6 each. 2012 MUSKOGEE RUN, 8 a.m. April 14. Race begins near Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. Cost is $35 for the 15K, $25 for the 5K, $15 for the FunRun/Walk. Shirts included in the cost for the 15K and 5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walk participants are $18. INFORMATION: Joel Everett, (918) 684-6302, ext. 28 or go to www.muskogeerun.com. MOTORCYCLE DINNER RUN, 6:30 p.m. Fridays, weather permitting. Everyone is welcome to meet for a ride and have dinner. For the meeting location, call (918) 441-1352 or (918) 913-1690. (See ACTIVITIES, 18)
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 9
Chili cook-off big draw downtown By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
A person can work up a powerful appetite watching floats and cars go by at the annual Azalea Festival Parade. Let not your tummy be troubled. The Muskogee Exchange Club will seek to satisfy hungry visitors with all sorts of chili, hot links, barbecue, ribs and other treats. The 28th Annual Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-off is set for around 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the Market Square festival area, just west of the Muskogee Civic Center. “We start up each cook-off right after the parade ends,” said cook-off coordinator Robert Smith. The parade begins at 11 a.m. April 14 and proceeds through downtown Muskogee. Part of the parade marches right in front of the Civic Center, just the right spot to dash over for some hot eats and cold beverages. Each year, the cookoff draws between 10,000 and 20,000 hungry visitors, Smith said. “It’s our 28th year doing this for the local community,” Smith said. “We raise money to help fight child abuse and to help other programs. Plus, it’s the best food in Oklahoma.” People can buy a taster kit for $6. They take the plastic dish and eating utensil around to different booths. Cooks at the booths then dish out samples of their delica-
Phoenix file photos
Visitors to the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off visit Advanced Workzone’s tent for homemade baked beans.
cies. Officially, there will be contests for best chili through the Chili Appreciation Society International and best chicken, pork ribs, hot links, brisket and other foods through the International Barbecue Society. There also will be contests for the most crowd-pleasing dish and best booth. (See COOK-OFF, 18)
Jimmy “Roho” Rowan of Fort Gibson hawks his barbecue chicken and chili at the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off.
If you go WHAT: Chili Cook-off Kick-off featuring Emerald City. WHEN: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert, April 13. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center, Fourth and Boston streets. PRICE: $20 at the door. WHAT: Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off.
WHEN: Immediately after the Azalea Festival Parade. Around 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14. Entertainment, rides, inflatable toys and games open all day. WHERE: Muskogee Civic Center Market Square Festival Area, at Fifth and Boston streets. COST: Taster kits, $6 each. INFORMATION: (918) 360-6006.
Page 18 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
Childrens T-shirts will be available at event Continued from Page 2
“Oh the kids just loved it. They were climbing in and out of the vehicles,” she said. “And they really loved turning the ambulance siren on and off.” A Life Flight helicopter was a big hit too, she said — especially when it got a call and had to take off halfway through the event. “It was so exciting for the kids, watching it take off,” Bradley said. The event, a fundraiser for the children’s section of the library, fea-
tures fire trucks, police cars, airplanes, military trucks and more. Plus, the community members who drive the vehicles are in attendance to answer questions as the children honk horns, flip switches and pretend to be superheroes, too. The event has expanded this year, with new activities and a chance for children to help promote the event during the Azalea Parade. “We’re hoping to have more vehicles this year, and we are also going to
have a giant inflatable monster truck slide for kids to play on,” Bradley said. “People also asked last year about T-shirts, so we’re going to be selling kids T-shirts for $10 apiece.” To possibly get a seat on the parade float, children can attend the library’s Lego Builders group, which meets the first Thursday of every month. The children will be building Lego trucks during the April meeting, Bradley said. Children get a chance to ride by filling out col-
oring sheets in the children’s department of the library. Names will be drawn from all the participants in both activities. The $2 entry fee per person benefits the Muskogee Public Library children’s section, Bradley said. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Cook-Off Kick-off features Emerald City Continued from Page 9
tures Emerald City, a Dallas band that enterThis year’s cook-off tained at the 2009 also will offer new Cook-Off Kick-off, inflatable games for Smith said. The band’s kids. Also new are repertoire covers 50 inflatable “pay for play” years of popular music, games for bigger peoplus current hits and ple, Smith said. original songs, the “We also will have band’s website says. prizes to be given In 2011, the away,” he said. Exchange Club distribPrizes could include uted $25,000 in cookbig screen TVs and off proceeds to seven Xbox 360 games, he programs, including said. Kids’ Space, Court For a sneak peek of Appointed Special cook-off fun, come to Advocates and 4-H. the Cook-Off Kick-off Reach Cathy concert April 13 at Spaulding at (918) 684Muskogee Civic Center. 2928 or cspaulding@ This year’s concert fea- muskogeephoenix.com.
Activities in the area Continued from Page 16
BARE BONES INTERNATIONAL FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, April 13 to 22, downtown Muskogee. Information: www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org. BATFISH BOOT CAMP, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 14, Muskogee War Memorial Park. Five presenters, including author of “Leader of the Pack” Mark Allen, will attend. Allen will present an overview
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of the USS Batfish’s wartime exploits. After completing the seminar you will be qualified to conduct historical tours of the museum and submarine. Space is limited to 20 people. Cost: $20 per person, which includes lunch, a copy of “Leader of the Pack” and a submarine patch. Information: (918) 682-6295. PARTY IN THE PARK, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 21, Honor Heights Park. Wine tasting provided by nine Oklahoma wineries, food tasting provided by six Muskogee-area restaurants, live jazz and an art for show and sale by the Muskogee Art Guild Admission with souvenir glass: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets available at http://rotarypartyinthepark.org JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT’S BOWL-ARRGHTHON, 6 to 8 p.m. April 26, Green Country Lanes. Presented by OG&E, the
event will help provide Junior Achievement programs (financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness) to more than 2,000 Muskogee students. Sponsor, individual and team bowling available. Raise $100 per bowler. Information: Brian Jackson (918) 663-2156. AZALEA LINE DANCE JAMBOREE, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28, Hatbox Dance Building. Sign-in starts at 9 a.m. Open to the public. TOUCH A TRUCK, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29, LoveHatbox Field runway. Event is for children of all ages can. They can get in, get on, and honk the horn of all kinds of vehicles — not just trucks! Presented by Muskogee Public Library and the city of Muskogee, the cost is $2 per person, but no child under 12 will be turned away. Proceeds will benefit the Muskogee Public Library’s Children’s Department.
Information: (918) 682-6657.
Reunions MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1982 30th REUNION, June 29-30. Information: (918) 913-0008 or www.muskogeeclass of82.com. MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2002 10-year reunion, 7 p.m. May 12, Kilharen’s Lodge. Cost: $30 per person, pay with Paypal by April 20. Information: garrettlee_02@yahoo.com
Theater THE SOUND OF MUSIC, 8 p.m. April 13-14, 17 and 19-21 and 2 p.m. April 15 and 22, Muskogee Little Theatre. Tickets: $14 adults, $10 students available at SoundWorld, (918) 683-4901.
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 7
Edmondsons to serve as marshals Continued from Page 4
his wife Linda will serve as the parade’s grand marshals. Everett said both are involved in Leadership Oklahoma, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year. “Fashions & Trends Through the Years” also serves as the theme for the Azalea Banner Project. About 100 banners will line downtown Muskogee streets during the parade and will later be auctioned for a fundraiser. Everett said local artist Taylor Shipman designed the “Fashions & Trends Through the Years” logo. “We wanted to get something we could that would be decent to paint to as well as fun and easy to decorate to,” Everett said. “It’s different, but it’s pretty evocative of that era. We had a lot of ideas thrown around. People seem to be catching on pretty good.” Shipman, who works for the Cherokee Nation, will submit a banner for the third year. “There’s been a wide variety of interest,” Shipman said. “I thought maybe if we look for retro in the bottom of the banner, we’d get some pretty neat banners this year. “It will be neat seeing what everybody’s idea of retro fashion and trends is going to be this year on the banners and at the parade.” Reach Mike Carrels at (918) 684-2922 or mcarrels@muskogee phoenix.com.
Shriners are a perennial favorite at the parade.
Phoenix file photos
A Boy Scout calls cadence in the traditional campaign hat.
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BINGO NIGHT, American Legion Post 15, 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. main session on Thursdays. DODGING FOR DISASTER ADULT DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT, 10 a.m. March 31, Muskogee High School gym. Cost: $60 per team of six. Proceeds benefit
the Muskogee Red Cross. Information: (918) 682-1366. TASTE OF HOME COOKING SCHOOL SHOW, 6:30 p.m. April 5, Muskogee Civic Center. Tickets: $15 per person, or a group of 10 or more is $10 each. Culinary expert Jamie Dunn will demonstrate 10 new recipes to recreate at home. The first 500 paid customers will get a free gift bag. Information: (918) 684-6363.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
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Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 19
‘Runners like to name obstacles’ Continued from Page 14
The run comes in three versions: A 15K for the hardcore runner, a 5K and a one-mile FunRun/Walk for those who want a lighter take on the festivities. The 15K will cover the entirety of the Centennial Trail. The starting line, Everett said, is in front of the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center. The run ends just north of Arrowhead Mall, where the awards ceremony will take place. “It’s pretty cool because there’s so much
going on that day,” Everett said. “It’s a pretty unusual run as far as that goes.” But before runners celebrate at the mall, they have to conquer “The Hill.” “There’s not a name for the hill yet, but I’d imagine there will be soon,” Everett said, referencing a steep incline near the end of the run. “Runners like to name obstacles like that. The Tulsa Marathon has one called the ‘Hill from Hell’ and the Boston Marathon has ‘Heartbreak Hill.’ I guess this one is our
own little ‘Heartbreak Hill.’” Everett said neighborhoods got into the event a year ago. “Last year while we were out marking trails, we would see people in the neighborhoods we were near asking us what was going on,” Everett said. “There was excitement in regards to that, some from people that didn’t know the run was happening, so we expect to get some more interest from that, too.” At 9.3 miles, the run is the longest in Muskogee, Everett said. The length helps attract
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ners for four or five states, anyway.” Registration is possible up until the day of the run, but a $5 late fee is applicable after April 4. “We’ll be going through neighborhoods
and crossing streets and going through town on the run,” Everett said. “It should be a pretty good time.” Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 21
Show reflects art, culture of tribes Continued from Page 14 all reflecting the cul-
ture and history of Museum, which sits the five tribes, said on the hill near the Museum Director entrance to Honor Mary Robinson. Heights Park, where “Every year I am thousands visit to amazed at the cretake in the beauty of ative talents of this blooming azaleas group of artists,” each spring. Robinson said. “It is The museum opens a beautiful show its Cultural Art with lots of texture Show beginning and color.” April 1 and holds the The museum is Art Under the Oaks open from 10 a.m. to festival on April 21 5 p.m. Monday and 22. through Friday and The art show, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during regular muse- Saturday. Admission um hours throughout is $3 for adults and the month, features $1.50 for students, textiles, pottery, bas- $2 for seniors 65 and ketry, gourds, knapover. ping and jewelry — The Art Under the
Phoenix file photo
Young people parade in historic fashions in an earlier Azalea Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.”
Fashion in vogue at Azalea Parade By Mike Carrels Phoenix Staff Writer
Those who attend the 2012 Azalea Parade will get several blasts from the past with the theme “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.” The parade is a traditional event for the annual Azalea Festival that began in 1967,
said Joel Everett, speIf you go cial projects coordinator with the city of WHAT: 2012 Muskogee finishing at the intersection Muskogee. Azalea Festival Parade. of Sixth and Denison. WHEN: 11 a.m. April 14. THEME: “Fashions & This year’s theme WHERE: From the interTrends Through the Years.” will celebrate not just section of Fifth and Denison ENTRY DEADLINE: 5 fashion, but other eras streets east to Second p.m. April 4. of the Azalea Festival Street, south to Broadway INFO: (918) 684-6302, as well, Everett said. and west to Sixth Street, Ext. 28. “Although the theme is fashion and trends, expand on the idea. It you don’t have to paint your mind goes when you hear fashion,” could be architecture, or decorate clothing; that’s kind of where Everett said. “You can fashion, music — any-
thing that changes, with kind of an emphasis on the more modern stuff, since the parade started in 1967.” Thousands from all over the country attend the Azalea Festival, and the parade serves as a kickoff to the day’s events. The parade winds
through Muskogee’s historic downtown area, passing the Muskogee Civic Center where parade watchers will be chowing down on barbecue and chili at the annual Chili Cook-off. Former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson and (See EDMONDSONS, 7)
Oaks Market and Festival will be held April 21 and 22 at the museum. The festival is free to the public and features everything from reenactors dressed in period clothing, demonstrating primitive tool making and basket weaving to storytellers and artisans marketing their wares. Historic re-enactors Mike Berryhill, Muscogee (Creek), and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, will demonstrate what life was like in the 1800s. Mary Edwards
Smith, a traditional river cane basket weaver, will demonstrate basket weaving and provide material for those who would like to try their hand at the traditional craft. Storyteller and author Greg Rodgers, Choctaw, will be featured both days and will share traditional tribal stories with the audience. The Cherokee Baptist Choir will perform in their native language at 1 p.m. Saturday, and, weather permitting, a gospel singing will be held at 2 p.m.
Sunday on the south porch of the museum. Food offerings include a traditional Creek meal and Indian tacos. The Arts Under the Oaks Market and Festival is held with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council. All family entertainment is free and open to the public. Information: www.fivetribes.org or (918) 683-1701. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 6842926 or wburton@ muskogeephoenix. com.
If you go WHAT: Five Civilized Tribes Museum Art Under the Oaks Museum and Festival. Includes arts and crafts show, storytelling, live music and more. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 and 22. COST: Free. WHAT: Cultural Art Show at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. COST: Adults $3; Seniors 65 and over $2; Students $1.50; Children under 6 are free. INFORMATION: 683-1701 or www.fivetribes.org.
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Phoenix Staff Writer
Health Care Directory
If you go WHAT: 26th annual “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 and 21. WHERE: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. COST: Admission $5. ETC.: More than 150 quilts will be displayed. Vendors will have displays, and lunch will be available, as well as door prizes and hourly demonstrations.
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Examples of area quilters’ art will be displayed April 20 and 21 at the “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
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Televisions • Lap Top PC’s Desk Top PC’s • Printers DVD Players • Surround Sound’s All Kinds Of Electronics Groceries • Toys • Apparel Domestics • Hardware • Candy Furniture • Mattress • Pop Building Material And More
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4717 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401 918-683-2914
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THE INSURANCE COMPANIES LOSS IS YOUR GAIN
1120 Illinois St. Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-5391
COUNTRY GARDENS EUFAULA MANOR WAGONER CARE
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SOONER SURPLUS SALES
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The Azalea Festival in Muskogee held annually since April 1968 to celebrate the beauty of the azaleas blooming in Honor Heights Park. Art Johnson, landscape architect and director of Muskogee Parks and Recreation from 1949 to 1977, introduced azaleas to Honor Heights Park in the 1950s.
PLEASANT VALLEY BRENTWOOD EXTENDED CARE HEALTHCARE & REHAB CENTER 186460
Phoenix file photo
1622 E. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74403 918-683-2851
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3500 Haskell Blvd. Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-3191
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(See QUILTERS, 23)
EASTGATE VILLAGE BROADWAY MANOR RETIREMENT CENTER HEALTH CARE CENTER 186468
efit the Guild. Chairwoman of this year’s event, Debbie Baker, said more than 600 people attended the 2011 show. “There are all kinds of quilts, folk art quilts, what we call piece quilts, appliqué, picture art quilts,” Baker said. “The quilt we’re holding the drawing for is just gorgeous.” Baker began quilting about 10 years ago and joined the Guild about the same time, she said. This is her third year as chairwoman of the spring show. The show will benefit the Guild’s activities, including its Reaching Out program, she said. “We donate quilts to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, to the motorcycle club that helps children when they’ve been abused, to Women In Safe Home, the Murrow Indian Children’s Home, and
NURSING HOMES
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Quilting is a timehonored tradition which has created numerous family heirlooms through decades of popularity in America. Many love to quilt — creating warm and artistic pieces for posterity and to give to loved ones. For those who enjoy viewing quilts as an art form, or collect or want to begin quilting, the Muskogee Area Quilters Guild will hold its 26th annual “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show during Muskogee’s Azalea Festival. The show will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 and 21 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2130 W. Okmulgee Ave. Admission is $5, and refreshments will be sold by the Methodist Ladies Group to support missions. More than 150 quilts will be on display, and a boutique selling handmade pin cushions, aprons and other small items will be available. The group’s pièce de résistance, an appliqué quilt made by at least 15 members of the group, will be on display as well. A drawing will be held to win the quilt, featuring flower bouquets in a theme of blues and violets, and the proceeds will ben-
Muskogee Phoenix
Azaleas in Honor Heights
Warm, comfy art on display By Wendy Burton
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
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Page 22 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Page 2 — Sunday, March 25, 2012
Muskogee Phoenix
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Kids get hands on trucks By Wendy Burton
If you go WHAT: Touch-aTruck fundraiser for the Muskogee Public Library children’s department. WHEN: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28. WHERE: Love/Hatbox Airfield, turn south onto 40th Street from West Okmulgee Avenue and follow the road until it ends. COST: $2 per person. INFORMATION: (918) 682-6657.
Phoenix Staff Writer
There’s probably nothing that can light up a child’s eyes better than swirling lights, blaring sirens and gushing water hoses — except getting their hands on it all. The Muskogee Public Library and city of Muskogee are pairing up once again to bring Toucha-Truck to children during the annual Azalea Festival. The inaugural year turned out great, said library assistant Aubrey Bradley.
2012 Spring Visitors Guide
Quilters Guild has 100 members Continued from Page 1A
(See CHILDRENS, 18) Area children and their families get up an up-close experience with a helicopter, above, and a tractor-trailer, right, during the 2011 Touch-aTruck event, sponsored at Love/Hatb ox Airfield by the Muskogee Public Library and the city of Muskogee. Submitted photos
Muskogee Phoenix
any family that’s had fires and are without blankets,” Baker said. “We try to give some to the police and fire department for people when they go out on calls, as well.” Sue Tardiff, president of the Muskogee Area Quilters Guild, said the group is about 100 members strong. Tardiff said the event promises to be fun and interesting. “We are a group of quilters who meet on the second Thursday each month at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Muskogee,” Tardiff said.
The club welcomes quilters of all skill levels, she said. “I’ve only been quilting for five years, which is not much compared to most people in the club,” Tardiff said. “But they have things available for beginners and for those who want to learn.” The Guild will also have quilts on display at the Muskogee Public Library through the month of March — including the special quilt that will be drawn for during the show in April. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogee phoenix.com.
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‘This will give us more of a community feel’ Continued from Page 13
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will be honored as Citizen of the Arts. Ray said Bare Bones, which has been dubbed the “friendliest film festival in the world,” will launch earlier this year. The festival will coincide with Muskogee’s annual Azalea Parade and the chili cook-off. “This will give the folks who visit a chance to interact with
the community,” Ray said. “We are going to have a float in the parade, this will give us more of a community feel.” The 10-day festival, founded by Ray and her husband, Oscar Ray, will take place at several venues in and around downtown Muskogee. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogee phoenix.com.
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2012
Spring Visitors Guide