MetroFamily's Exploring Oklahoma with Children 2011

Special 2011 Travel Guide

The BEST places to get

creative

with your kids in Oklahoma • Visual arts • Music history • Hands-on FUN!

Plus: Meet the

wickedly talented

Kids Pass: Save hundreds with valuable coupons to attractions around the state

A special publication by

Kristin Chenoweth Over 100 Oklahoma festivals perfect for family fun

Sponsored by

Exploring Oklahoma with Children 2011 E6 Family Shorts

Exploring the Arts in Oklahoma

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The surprising story of Oklahoma’s music scene, past and present.

Community news and parenting resources.

E8 Your Healthy Family

Don’t let mosquitos and ticks spoil your travel fun!

E12 Creative Home

How to encourage your child’s creativity at home.

E16 Oklahoma Reads

Book reviews for all ages and interests.

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E18 Venues

From her Oklahoma roots to Broadway stardom: Get to know Kristin Chenoweth

Where to find creative experiences in Oklahoma: comprehensive listing of museums and performing art centers.

E24 Kids Pass

Check out the money-saving Kids Pass, including coupons to use at over 30 Oklahoma attractions.

E30 Respect Diversity

Be inspired by the winners of the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit.

travelokpics

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E34 Native Oklahoma

Discover great Oklahoma places to learn about American Indian history and culture.

Discovering Oklahoma’s visual art

E38 Festivals:

Over 135 fantastically-fun family fairs and festivals across the state.

On our cover: Ashton, age 7, and Sydney, age 4, of Norman are the daughters of Kate Burch and Wayne Burch, and are pictured in front of the Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower, a glass sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Cover photography by Randall Green • www.randallgreenimages.com EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Dear MetroFamily readers and Exploring Oklahoma travelers, Welcome to the 2011 edition of Exploring Oklahoma with Children—our award-winning ancillary publication. Our sincere hope is that by using this travel guide often, you will make wonderful family memories that will last a lifetime.

This year’s theme about exploring the arts is perfect not only because the arts are vital for healthy children and adults but because Oklahoma has a unique and wide-ranging offering of arts entertainment and exploration opportunities. It’s a perfect combination that provides fun for everyone!

The children of MetroFamily publisher Sarah Taylor and husband, John (Reed, Zane and Kathryne Taylor) take a break from boulder-hopping on the top of Mount Scott, Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, 1996.

My children are now young adults, but when we start reminiscing, invaribly it is the short (and often easier) trips to destinations in Oklahoma that we all bring up most often.

Even attending local festivals can provide opportunities to truly feel like you’ve gotten away from the ordinary and explored something new and different. From a Celtic festival where bagpipe music mesmerized us all to the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, which my then seven-yearold daughter proclaimed to be just “magical,” our family has benefited greatly from enjoying these experiences together.

We encourage you to make exploring Oklahoma a family tradition, one that will enhance your lives, bring you closer together and give you a sense of what it means to be an Oklahoman. Have fun exploring the arts and culture of Oklahoma!

Have fun exploring the arts and culture of Oklahoma!

Sarah Taylor, Publisher PS: We want to express our sincere appreciation to the Oklahoma Tourism Department and all our advertisers who make this project possible. Enjoy!

Dear MetroFamily readers, Oklahoma has vast natural resources, and creativity is one of the finest exports of the state.

Local names are breaking out of the boundaries of Oklahoma and making a big mark on the nation. In music, theater and visual art, Oklahomans are doing great things. So in this third annual Exploring Oklahoma with Children issue, we celebrate all things creative in Oklahoma!

And what better way to celebrate creativity than to make the most of your own imagination?

Along with the vast array of creative venues are opportunities to make your own mark— programs for kids and families, hands-on activities and projects that you can do at home. The only limits are the limits of your imagination.

Cheers!

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Info And Questions: 405-601-2081 To submit events to our calendar calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing editor@metrofamilymagazine.com Art Director Mitzi Massie mitzi@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce, Dana Price & Amy Lou Tuzicka ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Business Development Kathryne Taylor kathryne@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Special Projects Assistant Terri Fields Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill, Shannon Fields, Jennifer Geary, Malena Lott, Karen Mitchell, Martha Wegner Circulation 45,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon & across Oklahoma via sponsor Oklahoma Tourism Dept.

Also available as a digital edition at metrofamilymagazine.com.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.

We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Exploring Oklahoma with Children is published annually by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Fax: (405) 445-7509 E-mail: Info@MetroFamilyMagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 3

RED CARPET COUNTRY

Explore cabooses, dining cars, boxcars, freight cars and switcher locomotives. Discover a world-class collection of over 1,000 pieces of dining car china as part of well over 1,000,000 pieces of railroad memorabilia! It’s also one of the few railroad museums in the nation to conduct all-caboose excursions over the rails in May and September.

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 1-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm, Sunday 2-5 pm.

Free admission (donations accepted)

All Aboard!

702 N Washington • Enid, OK • (580)233-3051

RailroadMuseumofOklahoma.org

(800) 447-2698

Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

Get Your Art On

Ever feel as though your inner Picasso is bursting to get out? Have you always wanted to try your hand at painting, but just don’t know where to start? Edmond’s Paint Your Art Out Studio invites budding artists of any skill level (or no skill level!) to bring friends, family, and a favorite beverage and enjoy a fun, casual studio atmosphere where art and entertainment meet.

Located at 100 N Broadway Suite 160 in historic downtown Edmond, Paint Your Art Out provides step-by-step guidance in creating an acrylic masterpiece on pre-stretched canvas. In approximately two to three hours, painters will create a beautiful painting for the home or an original gift to share, and artists are encouraged to add their own personal style. Everything you need to complete the painting is provided and preregistratin is required. Sessions begin at $35 for a 16x20 canvas, but vary depending on the complexity of the painting.

Paint Your Art Out offers girl’s night out sessions, children’s art times, special group rates, private parties and birthday parties for all ages.

To learn more, visit paintyourartout.net, and click “Calendar” to view the painting you can create in each session. Register online or call 405-513-5333.

Character Tales

Facing tremendous losses in the stock and bond markets in 2009, Gerald and Maureen Coury of Edmond made the difficult decision to cash in their retirement IRA. The couple chose to put the money into their family business and invested in their son Matthew’s dream to create a movie.

As a result of this decision, the Courys formed a company called Character Tales and recently released their first children’s animated movie, Sheriff Wild Bill Hitchcock. The Character Tales DVD encourages children to build strong Christian character in their lives and is filled with dynamic, computer-animated animal characters. Narrator Chippy the Squirrel tells the story of Sheriff Hitchcock, who learns how to sacrifice his reputation and overcome selfishness for the benefit of Cooptown. An exciting cliffhanger awaits viewers as they find out how far the sheriff will go to help others.

The movie was produced in Oklahoma with storyboards drawn by their son Matthew.

The Courys and other local talent handled most of the movie’s production, including the directing, scripting, editing, music, sound effects and voice talent.

“We are so excited because the people who have watched [the movie] and are using the books are very pleased and are now asking for the next movie! We love the idea of giving people what they like and that it involves good character and values that they cherish,” said founder Gerald Coury.

Accompanying activity books are also available (for ages 2-6 or 6-12), which include age-appropriate activities that entertain while developing skills and character.

Scripture is featured prominently throughout both 96-page workbooks. DVDs can be purchased for $14.99, or in a mini-pack with your choice of activity book for $19.95.

For more information or to view a preview of the Character Tales DVD, visit charactertales.com.

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2011 2011 Exploring Exploring Oklahoma Oklahoma with with Children Children

Problem: Are We There Yet?

Even on a short car trip, the kids might drive you crazy. Between the bickering and the bathroom breaks, how can you buy yourself some peace?

Travel games. Here are a few fun games to consider:

Solutions:

Are the kids plugged into their portable games? The Learn Science game for the Nintendo DS will help them learn while they play. For grades 1-4. ($20; dreamcatchergames.com) Your little one might get sticky fingerprints all over DVDs, but the Sesame Street Cookie Monster USB provides portable entertainment in a fun package plus room to hold more. ($25; sesamestreetusb.com) Do your kids like to draw? The Doodle Roll is a small package of fun, including crayons and a 4" or 6" roll of paper in a handy carrying case. ($4 and up; doodleroll.com) Squiggle On-The-Go Doodle Pads include themed drawing prompts and markers for kids to use their imagination. ($7; randomline.com) A portable adventure game for ages 5 and up, the Mummy’s Treasure game is an easy to learn game of chance that is fun for all ages to play. ($12; habausa.com) The Yikerz Magnetic Rock Game for ages 12 and up is a strategic game with a moveable “board” that can be made different each time you play. ($17; thegameshop.com) The Ruckus Card Game is a fast and wild card game for ages 7 and up that leads to a raucous good time. Easy for young ones to play with fun matching shapes. ($10; thegameshop.com) Space Chips are like highly-portable building blocks. Big building impact in a small, travel-friendly package. ($15; buildspacechips.com) The Brainstring Advanced will keep the backseat passengers engaged as they knot and unknot the colorful strings inside this clever puzzle for ages 8 and up. ($17; brainstring.com) Wikki Stix Tons of Fun kits come in a reusable pouch and include materials for crafting on-the-go. ($17; wikkistix.com) Tegu magnetic wooden blocks come in an 8-piece pocket pouch for portability and fun anywhere. ($28; tegu.com)

Problem-Solvers: Traveling Ideas When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the interesting items we’ve recently found. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

Traveling brings along with it a special set of problems. Here are products to solve many of your travel needs!

Solutions:

The IDAPT Universal Charger ($60) charges up to four electronic devices (and adapts to 4,000+) at a time, so you can leave those cords at home. (idaptweb.com) The On the Fly Bottle Warmer ($19) is reusable and made of soft fabric that wraps around baby’s bottle, warming it in 30 minutes or less. (ontheflybottle.com) The Zhip ($25) turns your smart phone into a hands-free device that can be used in the car, at the gym and beyond. (thezhip.com) The Smartfish Whirl Mini Mouse ($50) works on virtually any surface, making on-the-go computing easier. (getsmartfish.com) Paper Shower Moist & Dry Towelettes ($1/pair) help you get fresh after hours spent on the road. (papershower.com) Mouth Watchers Antibacterial Toothbrushes ($5/standard; $20/electric) help eliminate the bacteria that breed on your toothbrush when you take it on the road. (mouthwatchers.net) With the 3M Shoot ’n Share Projector-Camcorder ($300) you can take video on the go—and then watch them instantly with the built-in projector. (3m.com/shootnshare) The LIFE Guide to Digital Photography ($30) will help ensure that those vacation photos turn out great. (life.com) The Puzzle Pod ($15/4) adheres to the back of wooden puzzles and holds the various pieces securely. (thepuzzlepod.com) The Meeno Babies Cool Seat Liner ($40) breathable liner helps to keep your baby cool on hot days so you can both stay calm on the go. Also made for car seats. (meenobabies.com)

Open Young Minds and Mouths to Healthy Food Choices

Want to know the best way to get kids to eat their vegetables without having to police the food choices they make? Give them a voice in what healthy and tasty choices go on the table with zisboombah.com, an award-winning online community featuring tools and games that let kids “play with their food” while learning about better food choices.

Backed by a panel of health, nutrition, and food experts, zisboombah.com challenges conventional wisdom with tools that empower children to make their own healthy food choices, both at home and on the go. Zisboombah.com offers a veritable online playground for kids to engage, explore, play and learn about good eating habits. “We want to move away from the age-old power struggle where parents have to police what their children eat,” explains founder Karen Laszlo. “We have developed tools that help empower kids to make good choices, understand the benefits, and gain lifelong good eating habits through positive and fun reinforcement.”

Zisboombah.com’s innovative “Pick Chow!” tool was recently awarded the Grand Prize in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign “Apps for Healthy Kids” contest. This free online tool allows kids to create their own tasty meals. The meals are then rated on a scale of one to five stars to show kids how their choices add up to make a well-balanced meal. “Pick Chow!” also received the highly-coveted Seal of Approval from PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved), which relied on an independent panel of parent volunteers to test the site. The “Pick Chow!” application then generates an email to parents along with menus, recipe ideas, shopping lists and coupons.

For more information, visit zisboombah.com.

Creative writing: what’s So Great About Oklahoma?

Independent Press Buzz Books, a new venture by local writer Malena Lott, is kicking off with a writing competition for local writers (ages 13 and up) to extoll the virtues of the great state of Oklahoma.

Writers are asked to submit essays by May 15 along with the $10 contest fee. The 25 winning entries will be determined by out-of-state judges. Winning entries will receive a printed copy of the anthology that includes their essay and a $25 cash prize.

Why this contest? “Thanks to the Internet, the book industry has gone global, yet at the same time, people want to support local and want to read about the places they are from,” said Lott. “Where you grew up becomes a part of your DNA.” For more details on the writing contest (and other upcoming events and contests), visit buzzbooksusa.com.

“Recycled Collage”

by Erin Oldfield

Do you have piles of magazines like I do? A great way to recycle them is to make a collage. Here we created the Oklahoma State Capitol, in a few simple steps. This is a creative way to make a souvenir from your Oklahoma explorations; create collages based on the favorite places that you’ve visited with your family. Here’s how: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Gather your materials. For this project you will need background paper (this determines the size of your finished project), pencil, magazines, scissors and glue (glue sticks work great).

Collage created by local artist Erin Oldfield. See page E13 to learn more about Erin and ways to inspire creativity in your home.

Lightly draw a simple outline of your design with pencil on paper.

Cut apart magazines, concentrating on colors that you will need to make your collage.

Glue the pieces on top of our outline to fill in the entire space.

Matted and framed this would make a great gift. Don’t forget to sign your piece!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Learn more about MetroFamily’s contest for these types of collage art pieces at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Your Healthy Family Keeping Bugs at Bay

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klahoma summers can be wonderful, particularly if you’re within reasonable proximity to one of our state’s many beautiful lakes. Fun in the sun goes with the territory; however, for many residents and visitors of the Sooner state, insect repellants become a major necessity.

Ticks and mosquitoes, in particular, are virtually unavoidable during hot, humid Oklahoma summers.

While occasional bites are unavoidable, it’s important to understand what types of insect repellents are available and to know when a bite might be cause for concern. Most insect bites are harmless, producing a localized itch or sting. Bites can be uncomfortable, but generally don’t produce any lingering effects.

Certain insects (namely mosquitoes and ticks) may be carriers of diseases that could pose a risk to public health.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are most prevalent at dawn and dusk, and they are most attracted to men and individuals with Type-O blood.

Typical symptoms include a soft, gradually darkening bump and itching at the site.

Bumps may appear immediately or can take up to two days to appear. The risk of attracting a mosquito-borne disease is very low, although in rare cases mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. Symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, lethargy or confusion may indicate a serious infection, and patients should seek medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks are small insects found in heavily wooded areas. They are attracted to warm, moist areas of the body, where they may attach firmly to the skin and begin drawing blood. While most ticks are not diseasecarriers, a small percentage may transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado Tick fever, Taluremia, or Ehrlichiosis. Ticks should be carefully removed immediately upon detection. Never apply alcohol or petrolatum to smother a tick, as this may cause the tick to inject infectious agents into its host. To remove a tick, follow these steps:

1.

2.

3.

Grasp the tick with tweezers near its head.

Pull straight back slowly and firmly, away from the skin.

Wash the area carefully with soap and water.

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4.

Save the tick in a jar or baggie and watch the site for signs of infection over the next week.

If you are unable to remove all of the tick, contact a medical provider. Most people experience few symptoms after the removal of a tick. Symptoms of a tick-borne disease generally appear in the weeks following a bite, and may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, muscle and joint aches and overall weakness. Swelling or rash at the site should be evaluated.

Symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, lethargy, or confusion after a mosquito bite may indicate a more serious infection, and patients should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of a tick-borne disease generally appear in the weeks following a bite, and may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, muscle and joint aches, and overall weakness.

Swelling or rash at the site should be evaluated.

First Aid For Bites

Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing an itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that should disappear within a few days. These reactions are triggered by the injection of venom or other substances into the skin. Some people have more severe reactions than others, simply because they are more sensitive to the substance.

Edmond pharmacist Stephanie Harris recommends simple over-the counter hydrocortisone cream to treat most mild bites.

“Some bites won’t require treatment, but if the itching is uncomfortable, go ahead and treat it, because scratching could open up the skin and spread bacteria. You don’t want to end up with an infection.” She also recommends oral

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Benadryl for patients who suffer a stronger reaction, and there are some over-the-counter gels containing lidocaine, a topical pain reliever, that may provide further relief.

Insect Repellents

There are a number of ways in which to deter insects from biting. Non-chemical means include structural barriers such as using netting, window screens and long-sleeved clothing when possible. Oil of citronella can be effective in deterring insects, and doesn’t necessarily have to be applied directly to the skin. Citronella has been used since the mid-twentieth century and is found in many products including candles, oils and topical agents.

For patients who request a pesticide-free insect repellent, Harris typically recommends soy-based products or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is considered nontoxic and safe for children three and up, though it should not be used in or around the eyes. It is effective in repelling mosquitoes, biting flies and gnats. “Soy-based products such as Bite Blocker for Kids appear to be the most effective natural alternative to pesticide repellents. Some studies show it’s actually more effective than some low-concentration DEET products,” says Harris.

Direct-application pesticides containing DEET and Picaridin are highly effective insect repellents, but must be used carefully.

“Overuse in infants and small children can cause systemic absorption, so we recommend applying it to the child’s clothing rather than to their skin. Also, we want to avoid breathing in the fumes, if possible, to avoid neurotoxicity,” notes Harris. Repellents should never be used near the eye area or around a cut, wound, or irritated skin. Upon returning indoors, bathe immediately, and always follow package directions closely.

Don’t be afraid to embrace summer fun, but remember to use caution outdoors, especially in heavily wooded areas and around lakes.

Know how to properly remove a tick and to recognize a normal skin reaction to insect bites, have first aid products readily available and find an insect repellent that works for you and your family. Have a great summer, Oklahoma!

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer from Edmond and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.

eowc 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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The Oklahoma wind carries with it the sound of music. As much a part of our DNA as wheat and oil rigs, our music has roots in every genre. While our hundred-year-old state may be better known for our country offspring, Oklahoma is surprisingly deep in all genres: a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and everything in between.

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Thanks to exhibits like the Oklahoma History Center’s “Another Hot Night in Oklahoma: A Rock & Roll Exhibit,” citizens are learning about the international impact our music has made on the world. Exhibit curator Jeff Moore believes creativity is our state’s greatest export.

“The exhibit has opened a lot of doors for other institutions to embrace Oklahoma’s impact on pop culture,” said Moore. One door will open in 2014—that of a full-scale Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture, currently in the development stage.

“Oklahoma’s known for country music and Woody Guthrie, but if you look at early influences like Leon Russell and Wanda Jackson, you start seeing the pool of talent we’ve had and continue to have here,” said Moore.

Woody Guthrie put a stamp on his music with political statements that struck the sentiment of the nation in the 1930s and 40s. The son of a politician and cowboy, Woody fused social commentary with wry humor and found a following during the Great Depression. He took his show on the road from California to New York City—travels that inspired his most famous song, “This Land Is Your Land.”

The “King of Western Swing” Bob Mills helped define a new genre, bending the boundaries of country music in the 1940s with his charismatic flair. He’ll always be remembered in the music industry as a renegade and musical maverick. The estate of Bob Wills, who has the official state country and western song, “Faded Love,” has already donated a collection to be featured in the Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture.

Wanda Jackson was described by Bob Dylan as “an atomic bomb in lipstick—the Queen of Rockabilly.” Jackson was recently named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and isn’t finished yet. She released a new album produced by Jack White III, titled, “The Party Ain’t Over,” a nod to her original 1958 hit, “Let’s Have a Party.” Her gritty and glamorous persona put her on the frontlines of rock and roll, which was then a mostly “all-boys” party.

Fast-forward to the 1960s and Lawton native Leon Russell began to make his mark in rock and roll. Russell played with Phil Spector’s studio group and was singing, playing, arranging, producing and songwriting with and for the biggest talents of the next few decades—including the Rolling Stones, Glen Campbell, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson and Joe Cocker. Numerous hits and Russell’s outstanding contribution to rock were officially noted with his placement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Turn on your radio at any time and it is quite common to hear an Oklahoman belting out a new hit song on a country station. From icons Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Toby Keith to young award-winning hit-makers Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and new Oklahoma resident Miranda Lambert country is as authentic to our land as the red dirt. Many Oklahoma artists keep a residence in Oklahoma, including Toby Keith, who also launched a chain of restaurants, “Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill,” which serve up classic BIA American food and live music.

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On the indie rock front, Stillwater’s AllAmerican Rejects formed in 1999 and have sold more than ten million albums worldwide. Their hits include “Swing, Swing,” “Move Along,” and “Dirty Little Secrets,” before their first international hit, “Gives You Hell.”

Hard rock band Hinder formed in 2001 and signed to a major label in 2005. The second single, “Lips of An Angel,” charted in the top ten on Billboard that same year.

Pop rockers and Tulsa natives, Hanson became a teen sensation when they formed in the 1990s and released their hit, “MmmmBop.” The three brothers infuse soul into their sound. On their website, hanson.com, they credit the Oklahoma soil for their rootsy sound, giving a shout out to those who also came from the red dirt of Oklahoma, including the afore-mentioned Woody and Leon.

The multiple Grammy nominated band is still performing and recording albums today.

Described musically as “the world’s most predictably unpredictable band,” the Flaming Lips formed in Norman in 1983 and have taken their psychedelic rock around the world in memorable live performances using costumes, balloons, light shows and frontman Wayne Coyne’s signature bubble. Coyne still lives in the Plaza District neighborhood where he grew up. In 2009, Oklahoma named “Do You Realize??” by the Flaming Lips as the state’s official rock song.

Flaming Lips’ manager Scott Booker wants to make sure that the tradition of talented Oklahoma artists continues into the future. In his role as CEO of the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) at the University of Central Oklahoma, his sights are set on making Oklahoma a greater music hub for generations to come, by providing Oklahomans the tools to learn how to make it in the music industry. In addition to the college curriculum, ACM offers summer workshops for aspiring musicians, both students and adults alike.

George Lang, assistant entertainment editor for The Oklahoman and host of Static, an online live music show, has been writing about music since 1994. Lang feels a sense of community and energy in the local music scene, as witnessed by the impressive Oklahoma showcase at SXSW (South by Southwest, the annual music and film interactive conference) in Austin in 2011.

“It was pretty astounding to see the broad range of talent that is coming out of Oklahoma,” said Lang. “Sherree Chamberlain, Audra May—both very gifted vocally. Audra wrote a song that ended up being covered by Susan Boyle on her debut album which ended up being the best-selling album of late 2009, which is pretty extraordinary. We have rappers like Jabee, a guy who raps clean and plays with just about everybody. He got up with hard rock band Pretty Black Chains. They are a band to watch.”

“Glam rocker Jacob Abello is an amazing singer who has incredible stage presence at 6’3" with a bright blonde pompadour and unitard.

While watching him, you feel certain he’s going to be a star,” said Lang.

Add in the British-influenced band Colourmusic and it’s easy to see that Oklahoma covers the full spectrum of music styles.

Lang believes great resources, such as high-quality studios with affordable rates, help musicians reach their dreams sooner and plant the seeds for strong careers.

“Word is getting out,” said Lang. “People are discovering our music. No other state represented itself like that. The venue [where the Oklahoma musicians performed] at SXSW was filled all of the time. We are incredibly diverse and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the next ten years or so.”

Malena Lott is an author and journalist who resides in Edmond.

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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It’s happening in schools everywhere; elementarylevel art teachers are not returning to teach at the beginning of the new school year. Music teachers have been reduced from a full-time to a part-time schedule. Some middle and high schools have had to cut their orchestra programs. Drama programs have become a thing of the past.

As budget woes affect our schools, out go the arts in order to preserve the basics of education. But who decided that the arts should be considered extras?

Educators, researchers and parents would argue that an education that includes music and art is essential to our children’s future success.

According to Diana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent federal agency supporting artists and art organizations, “A number of research studies over the past several decades have drawn a clear correlation between early exposure of children to the arts and increased long-term critical reasoning, communication and social skills.”

Just what makes the arts (including visual art, music, drama, dance and other creative endeavors) so important? Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing arts in America, combed through the research regarding children and their exposure to the arts, and discovered that the arts: • Help create unique brain connections that have long-term impacts on a young child’s life.

• Teach kids to be more tolerant and open.

• Allow kids to express themselves creatively.

• Promote individuality, bolster self-confidence and improve overall academic performance.

• Can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to delinquent behavior and truancy while providing an improved attitude toward school.

According to PBS Kids (pbskids.org), producers of programs such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, “There are lots of benefits when children are involved in the arts: children can feel good about themselves and their ideas, develop physical coordination, learn to

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

cooperate with others, develop language skills, express how they feel and what they think and learn to look carefully at the world around them.”

And, if you’re still not convinced of the importance of arts to your children, Elliot W. Eiser, professor of education and art at Stanford University reminds us that “...the arts are about joy. They are about the experience of being moved, of having one’s life enriched, of discovering our capacity to feel.”

If the schools can’t expose our children to the arts as much as we’d like, then our role as parents is that much more critical. Someone needs to promote participation in the arts—why not us? Aside from signing our kids up for piano, dance and acting lessons, what can we do in our daily lives to assure that our kids are soaking up the benefits of exposure to the arts? Plenty.

From Imagine! Introducing Your Child to the Arts (published in 2004 by the National Endowment for the Arts) come the following suggestions:

Visual Arts

• Create an art corner at home, filled with a variety of art materials.

Along with the standard paper, crayons, markers, scissors and the like, be sure to include a stash of crafting supplies and recyled materials (cleaned out containers, tubes, etc.).

• Provide a place in your home to exhibit your child’s artwork.

• Plan an art-themed party for your child’s next birthday.

• Find art in the everyday world—in calendars and book illustrations, murals and community projects, architecture and monuments.

• Express your own personal ideas and feelings about works of art, then ask your child for his opinion. Learn what art looks like from his perspective.

• Visit museums, galleries and art centers as a family.

Theater

• Encourage your child to engage in dramatic play and to use her imagination. Supply props (such as hats, scarves, plastic dishes) to encourage dramatic play.

• Build on your child’s interests through dramatic play. For example, if he loves animals, encourage him to act out the role of veterinarian or even the animal.

• Tell stories together through dramatic play or act out favorite stories.

• As a family, attend age-appropriate productions at local theaters.

Music

• Listen to your child sing or play an instrument, or invite her to sing or play along with you.

• Encourage your child to move and dance to the music you create or listen to.

• Make musical instruments from simple materials (such as a shaker made from dried beans in a plastic container).

• Attend live musical performances as a family. One place to learn about family-friendly performances is through your local library or community center, where events are often free. (Tip: search for “live music” on the calendar at metrofamilymagazine.com for family-friendly venues.)

Dance

• Make time for movement. Provide a time and place for you and your child to dance. Make up stories and act them out or pretend to use rollerskates or a bicycle.

• Practice movement as it relates to music or rhythm, such as clapping, marching or rocking in time with the beat.

• Expose your child to many styles and forms of dance, from ballet to Zumba!

Writing

• Provide a variety of easily-accessible writing tools. Supply your child with a blank page journal and encourage him to fill the pages with words and pictures.

• Designate a special place for writing.

• Show genuine interest in your child’s writing, without attention to spelling or grammar, to encourage free expression.

• Read with your child, read on your own, encourage your child to read, and provide access to a variety of reading materials to encourage his imagination.

As Gioia tells us, “As parents and teachers, our responsibility is ... to expose our children to constructive educational opportunities, especially those grounded in the arts and humanities ... To do less is to impoverish our children. Impoverished minds do not lead to enlightened lives. And it is enlightenment our children deserve.”

Martha Wegner is a freelance writer and mother of two. Find her online at marthawegner.us.

Oklahoma Museum Network A state-wide collaboration, the Oklahoma Museum Network consists of five Oklahoma museums working together to bring hands-on, discovery learning to students. With funding provided by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the network makes science accessible by offering resources to students, families and educators across the state. Partners of the network include Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Jasmine Moran’s Children’s Museum in Seminole, Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest in Enid, Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton and Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium.

Traveling Exhibits

Each museum features kid-friendly science exhibits that rotate throughout the OMN every six months, allowing for students to engage in new learning experiences. “Having this opportunity to bring traveling exhibits provides learning opportunities statewide,” said Sherry Marshall, Director of Oklahoma Museum Network.

“It provides easy access and lets children explore.”

Current Traveling Exhibits within the OMN

AirPlay allows participants to actively learn how air moves, how moving air affects objects in its path and how objects affect the movement of air. The exhibition is specifically designed to foster interaction among family members and groups of peers and allows for discoveries about air—both in active and subtle ways.

(Currently featured at Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse.)

Tinkering is an interactive play-exploration of how things work.

This collaborative environment encourages visitors to work together, ask questions, dream and find answers through focused investigations. (Currently at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum.)

Memory explores the way our brain perceives the world around

By Julie Dill

us. Interactive displays invite visitors to learn how people remember what they hear, see, touch and smell, and how different kinds of memories are stored and lost. (Presently on display at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.)

Speed is the science of all things quick, letting guests experience activities that focus on what makes things push, zoom, drag, go and stop. With a need for speed, visitors delve into the technology of pushing the envelope and explore the limits of “going faster.”

(Now on display at the Museum of the Great Plains.)

Marshall reports that a new early childhood exhibit will be developed in the fall of 2011. To check the exhibits’ rotation dates, visit oklahomamuseumnetwork.org.

Science Matters Mobile Museum

In addition to the rotating exhibits, the OMN creates a highly immersive learning environment with their Science Matters Mobile Museum. A 40 foot exhibit vehicle, it travels to reach students in rural areas, giving them a chance to take part in science discovery learning. The mobile museum, filled with handson experiments, engages students as they measure and investigate, allowing them to experience true discovery learning.

Teacher Training

OMN provides teachers with relevant, in-depth training based on the best inquiry research in the nation. A solid program has been developed that integrates successful inquiry methods and techniques, giving teachers the tools to ultimately increase classroom effectiveness, no matter what the subject.

Exhibits and outreach programs of the Science Museum Network encourage inquiry learning and are aligned with Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS), our state’s public educational standards.

eowc 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Encouraging Creativity: Artist Erin Oldfield

Erin Oldfield is passionate about children and art. A local artist and art educator, Erin talks about her love of art (and provides a broad spectrum of projects) on her blog, laughpaintcreate.blogspot.com.

“Artwork is a child’s first written language,” said Erin. Your child draws something and you’re not sure what it is, but if you ask her, she’ll tell you—it’s her dog, a house, a sunny day. “It may just look like a long squiggly line to you, but they just told a story.”

Born into a creative family, Erin said that her parents were always actively engaging their family in the arts, through visits to museums, galleries and other fun outings. “In fifth grade I had a wonderful art teacher, Ms. Dillard,” said Erin. “She would wheel her cart in and it was sheer excitement from everyone.” Erin submitted a piece of art from this class to the Oklahoma State Fair, where she was awarded Best of Show.

Her background has trained her to see art in unusual places. “The principals of design are all around us,” said Erin. It’s easy to see the artistic beauty of the skyline, of buildings and landscapes. Even what is not there can be beautiful; seeing the negative space, the space that is beyond the roofs or landscapes offer an entirely new look at the world. “I try to look at the space around the buildings and traffic lights,” said Erin.

Recently, Erin’s passion for children and art were applauded on the national level when she spoke at the National Art Education

Erin’s blog, laughpaintcreate.blogspot.com, has a collection of step-by-step projects that you can do with your child at home.

Association’s annual convention in Seattle. “I spoke about Creative Connections,” said Erin, “and how educators can use connections within their community to help advance their knowledge and then bring it back to the classroom to share with their children.”

Get the creativity flowing in your home with the special project Erin designed for our readers; find it on page E7.

“Kindie” Rockin’

With the Sugar Free Allstars

The Sugar Free Allstars are not your average local rock band. What they are is a two-piece local Kindie Rock band that plays independent kids music that grownups love as well.

The two musicians of this band, Chris “Boom!”

Wiser and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin, are part of the growing Kindie Rock scene in Oklahoma City.

The Allstars didn’t start out to be kid-friendly musicians. They started playing together in college and played club shows all over the area. “Our fans started telling us that their kids wanted to hear the same few songs over and over again,” said Wiser.

They put together a few songs written specifically for children. “We played the new songs at a show and we exploded from there.” The Oklahoma Arts Council took notice and started to work with the band.

You can find the Sugar Free Allstars performing at different venues all around the metro area, from local festivals, library events and shows all around the country including Kindie Music Festivals.

The Allstars are passionate about music, and passionate about teaching children the importance of music. Through Oklahoma Arts Council school programs, they teach elementary-age kids to understand music on a more personal level. “We ask the kids what kind of music they like,” explains Wiser. “Then we ask the kids what kind of music they think those artists like.” It leads the kids back to the roots of rock and roll, country, blues and more, getting the kids interested in exploring music and music history.

Learn more about the Sugar Free Allstars, including upcoming show dates and where to purchase their CDs by visiting sugarfreeallstars.com.

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Finding a copy of your favorite local family resource has never been easier!

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area Jimmy’s Egg locations Homeland stores Crest stores YMCA branches Area libraries (MetroLibrary System and Pioneer Library System)

And over 400 other local area businesses and schools

Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for Everyone Live a Powerful Life: How to Move Beyond Good Little Girl and Pleaser to Conscious Queen

by Allyn Evans (CreateSpace, softcover, $16) Stillwater native (and former MetroFamily columnist) Allyn Evans reminds women how to connect with the power that lies within each one of us. This title includes the stories of a variety of women who have made the journey.

Visit allynevans.com to learn more about this book and other titles and to read more by Evans.

Early Readers / Picture Books

Flip-O-Storic

By Sara Ball (Abbeville Kids, board book, $16) Early readers will have fun learning about a variety of prehistoric animals (such as smilodon, icaronycteris and megatherium) before using the flaps to create their own animals.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life & Tales From a Not-So-Popular Party Girl

By Rachel Renee Russell (Aladdin, hardcover, $13/each) Written diary-style with plenty of pictures and dry humor, this book pokes fun at the condition of the pre-teen years.

Butterfly

By Shaun Ray, illustrated

by Dan Cooper (Authorhouse, softcover, $9) As they read this short, sweet story, readers follow a butterfly on his journey across the different landscapes of the world.

Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys!

By Brian Castleforte (Workman, softcover, $17) A book of pop-out pages that can be used to construct a variety of fun and friendly (or not) monsters.

Arthur Turns Green

By Marc Brown (Little, Brown & Co, hardcover, $17) Join perennial kids’ favorite Arthur the Aardvark as he learns how to make his surroundings more ecofriendly—even if his sister D.W. isn’t quite sure how it will affect them.

Grades K-3

You can also enjoy the convenience of a subscription for only $21.95 per year.

Call 405-601-2081 or go to metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribe

Explore Bugs

By Maurice Pledger (Silver Dolphin Books, hardcover, $15) Learn about things that crawl, fly, build, hop and flutter in this interactive title filled with facts, trivia and lush illustrations. A fun field guide to all things insect.

Reviews by MetroFamily Magazine editor Mari Farthing.

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Grades 3+

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Grades 5+

My Unfair Godmother

By Janette Rallison (Walker Books, hardcover, $17) A mix of modern-day (divorced parents, new blended family) and classic (Robin Hood and Rumplestiltskin) creates a tale of adventure.

Parents

Bonding Over Beauty: A Mother-Daughter Beauty Guide to Foster Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust

By Erika Katz (Greenleaf Book Group, softcover, $15) This isn’t exactly an instruction book for dealing with your tween daughter, but it’s a pretty darn good start. Lots of information to help your tween navigate the world of cosmetics and beyond.

EXPERIENCE OKLAHOMA

through its people

Bring in this ad for

$2 OFF ADMISSION for up to 4 people.

Expires Aug. 31, 2011

NW 13TH STREET & SHARTEL AVENUE • OKC 405.235.4458 • WWW.OKLAHOMAHERITAGE.COM

Inspired by reading about the great visual art, music and theater that are available in the state? Want to get on the road and start exploring? Here is your guide to fun this summer and year-round. Within this listing are some of the best creativity-focused museums and performing art centers to be found around the diverse state of Oklahoma. The creativity is all around us; where are you going to start?

American Banjo Museum

9 E Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-604-2793, americanbanjomuseum.com Open 11:00am-6:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5:00pm Sunday Admission $6; seniors, students & military $5, 5 & under free The largest collection of musical instruments on public display in the world—including replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South; Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century; post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music; and museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and 30s.

Carptenter Square Theatre

1015 N Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-232-6500, carpentersquare.com Carpenter Square Theatre is committed to entertaining, educating and enriching the community with live, unedited theatre performed in the Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center. Carpenter Square offers a unique blend of award-winning modern works, hilarious comedy classics and outlandish musicals.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan 580-252-6692, onthechisholmtrail.com Open 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday, 1:00-5:00pm Sunday, weather permitting Admission: $6 adults; $5 seniors; $4 ages 5-17; $17 for family of 4 Museum celebrating the history, art and culture of the Chisholm Trail, the American cowboy and the American West through this interactive venue, chock-full of hands-on fun. Visitors can practice roping and branding, experience life on a wagon train and more.

City Arts Center

3000 General Pershing Boulevard, Oklahoma City 405-951-0000, cityartscenter.org Open: 9:00am-10:00pm, Monday-Thursday; 9:00am-5:00pm, Friday-Saturday Admission is free.

The City Arts Center promotes artistic expression through education and exhibitions. Rotating exhibits are listed on their website. Family classes/workshops are offered, and space is available for rent to accommodate many creative endeavors.

The Coleman Theatre

103 North Main Street, Miami 918-540-2425, colemantheatre.org Originally a vaudeville theater and movie palace, the Coleman Theatre opened to a full house on April 18, 1929. Since then, the historic structure was donated to the City of Miami by the Coleman family and has undergone extensive restoration and renovation. The theater now showcases ballets, operas, silent movies, theater organ performances, recitals and more.

Discoveryland

4108 Rustic Road, Sand Springs 918-245-4240, discoverylandusa.com Called a “national treasure” by InStyle magazine, Discoveryland is the home of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! The show, complete with cowboys on horseback, wagons, and a real surrey with the fringe on top, performs on Tuesdays through Saturdays, June 3-August 6. Tickets are $19.95; children 10 and under are free.

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Edmond Historical Society & Museum

431 S Boulevard, Edmond 405-340-0078, edmondhistory.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 Saturday Admission is free, donations are accepted and appreciated.

Permanent and changing exhibits cover Edmond’s history from prehistoric times to the present, as well as exhibits featuring many of Edmond’s illustrious citizens and a Children’s Learning Center.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

27 E Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481, edmondfinearts.com A non-profit community arts organization offering educational enrichment to youth and adults in the visual and performing arts.

Classes in drawing, painting, clay, pottery, theatre arts, mixed media, printmaking, jewelry design, stained glass, seasonal art, and more are open to students pre-school through adults. FAI hosts a statewide Youth Impressions juried art show each January.

Five Civilized Tribes Museum

1101 Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee 918-683-1701, fivetribes.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm Saturday.

Admission $3, Senior $2, 6 & under free This museum is dedicated to preserving the art, history and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes. Rotating exhibits featuring various aspects of tribal life, history and culture are displayed downstairs, with a permanent collection on display upstairs. The museum also has the world’s largest collection of Jerome Tiger originals, including “Stickballer,” his only major sculpture, on permanent display in the gallery.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower & Price Tower Arts Center 510 S Dewey Avenue, Bartlesville 918-336-4949, pricetower.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday; Noon-5:00pm Sunday Admission $4, seniors $3, 16 & under free.

The Price Tower Arts Center offers outstanding collections and exhibitions of art, architecture and design, high-design hotel accommodations and exclusive shopping within a structure considered to be one of the great buildings of the 20th century (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright). Price Tower is home to a growing collection of modern and contemporary art, works on paper, furniture, textiles and design that explore the intersection of art, architecture and design in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Fred Jones, Jr., Museum of Art

555 Elm Avenue, Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Thursday; 10:00am-9:00pm Friday; 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday; 1:00-5:00pm Sunday.

Admission $5, seniors $4, children 6-17 $3, children under 6 free.

Included in the museum’s permanent collection are examples of French Impressionism, 20th century American painting and sculpture, traditional and contemporary Native American art, art of the Southwest, ceramics, photography, contemporary art, Asian art and graphics from the 16th century to the present.

ART AND THE ANIMAL APRIL 30 THROUGH SEPT. 5

All Aboard!

Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City

Train rides on the 1st and 3rd Saturday April through October

Call (405) 424-8222 Or Visit Our Website For Train Schedule • Cost • Location oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

We Do Birthday Parties!

Oklahoma Railway Museum The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

3400 NE Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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The Oklahoma Heritage Association/Gaylord-Pickens Museum

1400 Classen Drive, Oklahoma City 405-235-4458, oklahomaheritage.com Open 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday Admission: $7 adults; $5 ages 6-17, ages 5 & under free The Oklahoma Heritage Museum preserves and promotes the history of Oklahoma through permanent and special exhibits that celebrate the people of Oklahoma. Annually, the Heritage Association offers more than $400,000 in scholarships to high schoolers and also offers contests to encourage children to celebrate their Oklahoma heritage.

The Gilcrease Museum

1400 N Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa 918-596-2700, 888-665-2278, gilcrease.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Sunday Admission: $8; seniors, military & groups $6; college students with ID $5; under age 18 free; free admission the first Tuesday of each month No photography of any kind allowed inside museum One of the most extensive collections of art from the American West in the world. There are several different ways to experience all that the Gilcrease has to offer. A docent-guided tour of the permanent collections is available each day at 2:00pm.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Performances held at 3925 SE 29th Street, Del City 405-677-7515, gobms.org.

Held on the second Saturday monthly, 6:30pm.

Admission $6, 12 and under free

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society is celebrating its 32nd year of bringing bluegrass music to central Oklahoma. The Society offers bluegrass and bluegrass gospel concerts featuring three professional bluegrass bands in a family-oriented show each month at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

1714 Highway 9 West, Seminole 405-382-0950, jasminemoran.com Open: 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 1:00pm-5:00pm, Sunday Admission: $8 for ages 3-60; $7 over 60; age 3 & under free A special place where children of all ages can explore a world of fun through interactive play. Children can role play in a variety of career fields, explore science exhibitions, partake in a 12,000-square-foot castle maze or ride a train.

Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse

200 E Maple, Enid 580-233-2787, leonardos.org Open: 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 1:00pm-5:00pm, Sunday Admission: $7; Ages 2 and under free A hands-on arts and science children’s museum with learning opportunities available in a rainforest environment, art studio, carpenter shop, fire safety shop, flight tower, dinosaur play & fossil dig, science area, space shuttle and more. An enchanting three-story science park, the Adventure Quest, features bridges, slides, swings, mazes, a water table and more to spark young imaginations.

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

1727 NW 16th Street, Oklahoma City 405-524-9310, lyrictheatreokc.com Oklahoma’s only professional year-round musical theatre company.

For 47 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites.

Lyric was named “one of the 10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway” by USA Today.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 West MacArthur Drive, Shawnee 405-878-5300, mgmoa.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00-4:00pm Sunday Admission $5; $4 seniors; $3 students with ID and ages 6-17; age 5 and under free In addition to regularly changing special exhibits, the museum’s permanent collections include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects, art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance through the early 20th century, and large holdings of Native American, African/Oceanic and Eastern cultural artifacts. Pick up the museum’s Family Guide and Self-Guided Tour sheets when you visit for more information and activities that tie into the exhibits.

Museum of the Great Plains

601 NW Ferris Avenue, Lawton 580-581-3460, museumgreatplains.org Open: 10:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Saturday; 1:00pm-5:00pm, Sunday Admission: $5 seniors; $6 for ages 12 & up; $2.50 ages 7-11; ages 6 & under free Discover Lawton’s history through numerous exhibits and explore the settlement of the Great Plains through interactive exhibits.

Explore exhibits outdoors at their 2½ acre compound that includes a replicated Red River Trading Post, the original Blue Beaver schoolhouse, the Elgin Train Depot, a Frisco steam locomotive, an agricultural shed and amphitheater.

Call 602-8557

$2 Administration fee for each ticket. Valid with coupon.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/28/2011

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

The Museum of Osteology

10301 S Sunnylane Road, Oklahoma City 405-814-0006, museumofosteology.org Open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday; 11:00am-5:00pm Saturday; 1:00-5:00pm Sunday

AMERICA’S

300

SKELETON MUSEUM

Step back in time...

every bone tells a story!

OVER

300

SKELETONS ON DISPLAY

Visit our historic land run property nestled deep in the heart of OKC. Take a guided tour of Mr. Harn’s victorian mansion, historic oneroom school house and 1900’s dairy barn. Hands-on educational programs for children ages 4 and up are available.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 11am-5pm Sun (please call for hours) only $5 Admission

East of I-35 & South of I-240 405 - 814-0006 10301 S. Sunnylane Road Oklahoma City, OK 73160

Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 28 • Sunday, May 29 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Two days of mouth-watering campfire cooked foods, children’s hands-on activities, Western stage entertainment and stagecoach and pony rides await visitors to the Museum’s largest outdoor event www.nationalcowboymuseum.org 1700 NE 63rd St | Oklahoma City, OK | (405) 478-2250

Schedule a tour @ (405) 235-4058 or visit www.harnhomestead.com.

1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City

Admission $5; age 3 & under free (1 child free per paid adult) A new addition to the landscape of southeast Oklahoma City, the Museum of Osteology is the only skeleton museum in the country and contains over 300 skeletons on display (including a giraffe and elephant to which you can get up close and personal with) in two floors of exhibit space. Scavenger hunt worksheets (for ages 6-12 or ages 12+) are available to make your visit more interactive.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm daily Admission $12.50; $9.75 seniors and students with ID; $5.75 ages 4-12; age 3 and under free An internationally-renowned collection of art and artifacts pertaining to the West.

Through regular exhibits, touring exhibits and public events, the museum keeps the spirit of the Old West alive. Young visitors will enjoy exploring Prosperity Junction, a recreated Old West town, and the Children’s Cowboy Corral, an interactive discovery area.

Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry

2221 Exchange Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-297-9773, ohfo.org Open 10:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday; 5:50-10:00pm, Saturday Admission to performances $6-$12, varies by show.

A project of the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma, the Opry delivers a quality entertainment alternative for families and visitors, and works to preserve the traditional Opry values of authentic, wholesome, live performances rooted in Oklahoma’s musical heritage. Programs include a concert series, songwriting workshops, rising star program and more.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

2501 N Blackwelder, Oklahoma City 405-606-7003, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Provides live theater and interactive educational experiences performed for and by young patrons. Eight productions are held at Oklahoma City University each year, as well as two statewide touring performances. The theater offers classes, camps and teacher/student workshops and programming to underserved elementary schools.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art

415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City 405-236-3100, okcmoa.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday (Thursday until 9:00pm from May-October); noon-5pm Sunday Admission $12; $10 seniors, students & children 5 & under; $5 military with ID. Admission not required to visit Museum cafe or store.

Home to a permanent collection by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly that includes the iconic three-story Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the lobby, the museum also features visiting exhibits and other permanent collections.

Regular programs of art activities and classes engage all ages. Family guides and Discovery Packs are available free of charge and provide children with a variety of stimulating and engaging gallery games and activities. (Editor’s Note: Dale Chihuly: The Collection is currently closed and will reopen in January 2012)

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

620 N Harvey, Oklahoma City 405-235-3313, oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, noon5:00pm Sunday Outdoor Symbolic Memorial never closes Admission $12 adults; $10 ages 6-18, seniors, college students & military; ages 5 & under free The outdoor memorial features a reflecting pool, the Survivor Tree and Field of Empty Chairs. A section of original fencing remains, where visitors still today leave objects in honor of those who lost their lives. The museum includes a timeline of the events before and after the bombing, a background on terrorism and special exhibits dedicated to hope and healing.

The Oklahoma City Zoo

2101 NE 50th Street, OKC 405-424-3344, okczoo.com Hours vary based on season; check website for details.

Admission: $8, ages 12-64; $5, ages 3-11; $5, seniors 65 and older; children two and under free Known as one of the best zoos in the country, the OKC Zoo offers a diverse animal and plant collection exhibited under naturalistic conditions. Recently opened, the new 9.5 acre elephant habitat includes three spacious outdoor yards, pools, a waterfall, shade structures and a barn with amenities including views from a raised boardwalk. Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are available for rent.

Oklahoma History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City 405-522-5248, oklahomahistorycenter.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday Admission $7 adults; $5 seniors; $4 students; ages 5 & under free Experience the inspiring and diverse

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

continued on page E27

Wanna Get Away?

Zachary, age 5, of Norman, at Beavers Bend State Park in SE Oklahoma.

Enter the Exploring Oklahoma Contest for your chance to win one of three great Oklahoma trips!

It’s easy! Simply go to metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-contest, register then submit your entry* and you’ll be eligible to win one of the following: • Grand Prize Trip: a $500 voucher to be used at any Oklahoma State Park cabin or resort (expires 3/31/12).

Max, age 2, Yukon at Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse, Enid.

• Tulsa Weekend Trip: Includes two night stay and breakfast for four at the Hampton Inn, North Tulsa/Owasso and a family four-pack of tickets to the Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma Aquarium, Tulsa Air and Space Museum, Gilcrease Museum and Philbrook Museum (valued at over $350).

• Oklahoma City Weekend Trip: Includes two night stay and breakfast for four at Cambria Suites and a family four-pack of tickets to your choice of Frontier City or White Water Bay, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, Museum of Osteology and Science Museum Oklahoma (valued at over $450).

Tiffany 16, Dallas 14, Taylor 10 of OKC visit Roman Nose State Park near Watonga.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, July 1st metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-contest

* If you don’t have Internet access, please call 405-601-2081, ext 1, and leave your name, phone number and complete address. Only one entry per household allowed.

Thank you to the contest sponsors:

TULSA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM

MetroFamily Magazine • 405-601-2081 • metrofamilymagazine.com

Paid Advertisement

2011-2012 Kids Pass

Good thru 04/12*

Money-saving discounts to these Oklahoma attractions Toy & Action Figure Museum

111 S Chickasaw, Pauls Valley 405-238-6300 – actionfiguremuseum.com Buy 1 admission, get 1 admission FREE (regularly $6). Limit 1 per family or group. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Sam Noble Museum

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 405-325-4712 – snomnh.ou.edu 1 free child’s admission for each paid adult admission. Limit 2 children per coupon. Not valid for Movie Nights at the Museum.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

3000 E Logan Road, Weatherford (at the Weatherford Stafford Airport) 580-772-5871 – staffordmuseum.com 1 free child’s admission with paid adult admission.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

OKC Riversport

Harn Homestead Museum

725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC (Downtown’s Boathouse District) 405-552-4040 – riversportokc.org Free youth kayak rental for children ages 8+.

Must be accompanied by an adult. Valid 2011 season only.

Expires 10/31/11 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Unpluggits Playstudio

1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan 580-252-6692 – onthechisholmtrail.com 1 free child (ages 5-17) pass with 1 paying adult pass.

Limit 4.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

575 Enterprise Drive Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 – unpluggits.com $2 off paint’n play admission (regularly $7).

Up to 6 children per coupon.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 405-606-7003 – oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Buy 1 adult ticket get 1 child ticket free.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

1400 Classen Drive, OKC 405-235-4458 – oklahomaheritage.com 1 free student admission with purchase of 1 adult admission. Up to 2 free student admissions with purchase of 2 or more adult admissions.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

415 Couch Drive, OKC 405-236-3100 – okcmoa.com 1 free child’s general admission (up to age 12) with paid adult general admission. Good for up to 4 people. Admission to “Passages” exhibit excluded.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Download more copies of Kids Pass at metrofamilymagazine.com/ kids-pass *Good thru 04/12 or the entity’s season end date.

1721 N Lincoln, OKC 405-235-4058 – harnhomestead.com 1 free child’s admission with each paid adult admission.

Not valid for group admissions or educational programming.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Oklahoma Aquarium

300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks 918-296-FISH – okaquarium.org Buy 1 adult ticket get 1 child ticket free.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Jump!Zone Party & Play Center

SW 104th & S Western (Palagio Shops), OKC 405-200-1691 – jumpzoneparty.com $5 off Jump!Pass Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 West MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300 – mgmoa.org Buy 1 adult admission and get 2 free kids’ admissions.

Promo code SCVB. Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Paid Advertisement Andy Alligator’s Fun Park

3300 Market Place, Norman (I-35 & Indian Hills Road) 405-321-7275 – andyalligators.com Purchase a $20 game card and get $5 free.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton 580-323-7866 – route66.org Free child admission for each paid adult admission.

Bouncin Craze

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-607-2020 – bouncincraze.com Buy 1 admission and get another admission 1/2 off.

Limit 1 per customer. Cannot be used on special event days.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Paint Your Art Out

Oklahoma History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, OKC 405-522-0765 – okhistorycenter.org $2 off regular price of Family Pass. Good for 1 Family Pass per customer.

Each Family Pass is good for up to 6 people.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Paint N’ Station

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

100 N Broadway Suite 160, Edmond 405-513-5333 – paintyourartout.net $10 off your purchase of $100+. Offer valid for children’s sessions, birthday parties, gift certificates & sample sale art. Code: PYAO11 Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

7906 N May Ave, OKC 405-842-7770 Spend at least $25 and receive $5 off your entire purchase. 1 discount per visit.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Dawn to Dusk Inflatables

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

Museum of Osteology

1714 W Wrangler Blvd, Seminole 800-259-5437 – jasminemoran.com $1 off single admission. (Children 2 and under free.)

PO BOX 5531, Edmond 405-630-7275 – dawntoduskinflatables.com $10 off inflatable rental.

1 coupon per event/family.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

10301 S Sunnylane Rd, OKC 405-814-0006 – museumofosteology.org Buy 1 adult admission at regular price, get 1 child admission (age 3-17) free.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Canadian County Historical Museum

Science Museum Oklahoma

Tulsa Air & Space Museum & Planetarium

300 S Grand, El Reno 405-262-5121 – elreno.org 1 free child’s trolley ticket (age 12 and under) with paid adult trolley ticket. (Admission to the museum is free.)

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Bricktown Brawlers Indoor Football League

2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 405-602-6664 – sciencemuseumok.org $2 off any general admission ticket. Good for up to 4 people.

Does not include dome theater. Code: 700-038 Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Enid Convention & Visitors Bureau

1 Myriad Garden, OKC 405-602-8557 – bricktownbrawlers.com Buy 1 ticket get 1 free. Redeem at Cox Convention Center Box office with coupon in hand. Expires last home game May 28th.

Expires 5/28/11 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

123 W Maine, Enid 580-233-3643 – visitenid.org Kids can choose a toy from the Chisholm Trail Treasure Chest while you cool off at the Enid Welcome Center. Call ahead for Saturday hours.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Frontier City

White Water Bay

3624 N 74th East Ave, Tulsa 918-834-9900 – tulsaairandspacemuseum.org $2 off admission for up to 4 visitors. Not valid for special events, group tours, or any other TASM promotion. Promo code TASM 2011.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag

16425 NW 150th, Piedmont 405-373-3745 – dodgecitypaintball.com $5 off regular admission price. 1 coupon per player.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Oklahoma Railway Museum

11501 NE Expressway, OKC 405-478-2140 – frontiercity.com Everybody Pays the Kids Price! Save $8 off adult’s main gate admission (limit 6 admissions). Ticket is valid only on day of purchase.

No cash value.

Valid 2011 season only PLU 6502 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

3908 West Reno, OKC 405-943-9687 – whitewaterbay.com Everybody Pays the Kids Price! Save $8 off adult’s main gate admission (limit 6 admissions). Ticket is valid only on day of purchase.

No cash value.

Valid 2011 season only PLU 6502 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

3400 NE Grand Blvd, OKC 405-424-8222 – oklahomarailwaymuseum.org 1 free child’s train ride (ages 3-15) when accompanied by a paying adult. Valid only for regular museum trains that take place the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, April through September.

Not valid during special events.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

Creative Adventures

200 E Maple Avenue, Enid 580-233-2787 – leonardos.org $1 off admission for up to 5 people.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

507 S 4th Street, Enid 580-237-1907 – csrhc.org 1 free child’s admission with paid adult admission.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

10455 N May Ave, OKC 405-751-1002 – creativeadventures.net 10% off total merchandise purchase with promo code Monkey.

Expires 4/30/12 MFMKidsPass2011 Not to be combined with other offers.

2011-2012 Kids Pass Kids Pass coupon must be presented to admission personnel to receive discount. *Good thru 04/12 or the end entity’s season.

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Escape The Ordinary On An

O K L A H O M A

history of Oklahoma through interactive exhibits that highlight the amazing history of the state through music, machines, people and more.

RIVER CRUISE

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

111 E First Street, Tulsa 918-281-8600, okjazz.org Open 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday Free admission but donations accepted Learn about the history of jazz in Oklahoma at this museum and performing arts center. Art and memorabilia are on display as well as photographs and biographies of the Hall of Fame inductees. Camps are available for children interested in learning more about jazz. Jam sessions are held each Tuesday from 5:307:30pm and other special events are held throughout the year.

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

401 S 3rd Street, Muskogee 918-687-0800, oklahomamusichalloffame.com Open 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday Admission $3; $2 seniors; children under 3 free.

Established in 1995, this venue highlights the rich and profound impact and influence that Oklahomans have always had on the world’s music culture. Groups, school tours or field trips available.

Oklahoma Railway Museum

3400 NE Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City 405-424-8222, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org Open 9:00am-5:00pm Thursday-Saturday, weather permitting Free admission to outdoor museum; fee for train rides: $10 adults; $5 ages 3-14; children under 3 free Ride the rails at the Oklahoma Railway Museum on genuine historical rail cars. Explore exhibits about transportation and walk through a historic depot. Trains run the first and third Saturday of the month from April-August and for special events.

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

2229 Gary Boulevard, Clinton 580-323-7866, route66.org Open seasonally; check website for dates Admission $4 adults; $3 seniors; $1 ages 6-19; children 5 & under free If you can’t make the trip down Route 66 this summer, at least you can find exhibits that highlight the entire route at this museum. Organized by the highway’s six decades of history, the exhibits serve to help children learn about the Mother Road and general 20th century history.

The Philbrook Museum of Art

2727 S Rockford Road, Tulsa 918-749-7941, philbrook.org Open 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Sunday (Thursdays until 8:00pm) Admission: $7.50; seniors, students & groups $5.50; under age 18 free; Family Day is held the second Saturday of each month, featuring free admission and activities.

This historic mansion features an amazing collection of European and American art as well as an extensive collection of Native American artwork. The museum offers several ways for families to explore both the permanent collections and temporary exhibits.

Families will also enjoy the gorgeous landscaped gardens.

Pollard Theatre

120 West Harrison Avenue, Guthrie 405-282-2802, thepollard.org The Pollard Theatre is Oklahoma’s only professional year-round resident theatre company, founded with the goal of producing a wide variety of quality theatrical experiences for the residents and tourists of central Oklahoma. Its season includes A Territorial Christmas Carol, an annual best-seller and family favorite.

Discover the beautiful Oklahoma River aboard an

Oklahoma River Cruise!

Join us on the river and you’ll enjoy prompt service, friendly faces and impeccable views. Oklahoma River Cruises is the way access to Historic Stockyards City, the bustling Meridian Corridor and the lush Regatta Park/Boathouse District.

All cruisers are ADA accessible and are climate controlled for your comfort.

CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING SEASON SCHEDULE! Scheduled Public Cruise

Wednesday - Sunday with multiple departure times Regular fare. Concessions available.

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Saturdays, May 7 - August 20 with two departure times Regular fare. Concessions available.

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Sundays, June 12 - Sept. 4 with two departure times Regular fare. Concessions available.

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eowc 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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and to ’think outside the cultural box.’

Reduxion recently renovated a new performance location on Broadway near downtown Oklahoma City.

The Poncan Theatre

104 E. Grand, Ponca City 580-765-0943, poncantheatre.org The Poncan Theatre has entertained audiences for almost a century. Although restored to its 1927 look, the theater has been modernized for today’s use, hosting sold-out shows, musical reviews and events sponsored by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and the Ponca City Concert Series.

Poteet Theatre

222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City 405-609-1023, poteettheatre.com A growing and highly active organization at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and in the greater Oklahoma City arts community. Offering five main stage productions each year, the theater has won national competitions and awards.

Reduxion Theatre Company

1613 N Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-651-3191, reduxiontheatre.com Reduxion produces classical and contemporary performances, selecting shows with innovation, intensity and diversity that encourage audiences young and old to understand their own potential

Poteet Theatre St. Luke’s UMC 222 NW 15th OKC presents

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For more info visit www.poteetheatre.com

E-28 E-29 MetroFamilyAd_Bootcamp.indd 1

Roger Miller Museum

101 S Sheb Wooley, Erick 580-526-3833, rogermillermuseum.com Open 10:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday; 1:005:00pm, Sunday Contact museum for admission and membership information Located on historic Route 66, the museum features exhibits, memorabilia, photos and personal effects celebrating the life and accomplishments of Oklahoma native Roger Miller. The unique songwriter and entertainer is most widely known for the chart-topping hit “King of the Road.”

Group tours available.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH)

2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman 405-325-4712, snomnh.ou.edu Open 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday, 1:00-5:00pm Sunday, free admission the first Monday of each month $5; $4 seniors; $3 ages 6-17; ages 5 & under free As the state’s museum of natural history for more than 100 years, the museum encourages an understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the earth and its peoples. The SNOMNH offers a year-round schedule of special exhibitions, public events and educational programming.

Santa Fe Depot Museum

204 E Paul, Pauls Valley 405-238-2244, paulsvalley.com/santa_fe Admission: free (donations appreciated) Open: 9:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday; 1:00pm4:30pm, Saturdays The museum exhibits old photos, school memorabilia and pioneer collectibles. A steam locomotive, coal tender and red caboose are on permanent display at the depot.

Science Museum Oklahoma

2100 NE 52nd Street, Oklahoma City 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org Open: 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday; 9:00am6:00pm, Saturday; 11:00am-6:00pm, Sunday Admission: $10.95 adults; $8.95 seniors; $8.95 children Additional fees apply for special exhibits and Dome Theater With many added exhibits, your family can engage in discovery learning through the Planetarium, the Dome Theater, special exhibits and Science Live, plus explore permanent and rotating interactive exhibits (including the Tinkering Garage, Gadget Trees and Who Dunit? The Science of Solving Crimes) and more.

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children 4/21/11 6:49 PM

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

2021 E 71st Street, Tulsa (on the Zarrow campus) 918-492-1818, jewishmuseum.net Open 10:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday; Sunday 1:005:00pm Admission: $6.50; $5.50 age 55+; $3.50 students age 6-21 (Admission coupon available online.)

A small museum that focuses on Jewish culture, history, religion and art in Oklahoma and around the world. Families with older children (upper elementary and older) will find this museum fascinating.

A Holocaust exhibit is permanently housed downstairs and the upstairs gallery’s contents change periodically.

Sooner Theatre

101 E Main Street, Norman 405-321-9600, soonertheatre.org After restoration, this historic theater re-opened its doors again in 1982 as a community performing arts center and it is now listed on both the State and National Registry of Historic Places. It hosts a variety of shows, ranging from ballet and opera to concerts, plays and musicals.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

3000 E Logan Road, Weatherford 580-772-5871, staffordmuseum.com Open: 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Saturday; 1:00pm5:00pm, Sundays Admission: $7, ages 18 and up; $5, seniors and military; $2 students 6-18; free for children 5 and under A walk-through of aerospace history, the museum starts from the beginning of flight with the Wright Glider and continues onto the space program, including the shuttle program. 40,000-square-feet of exhibits and interactive fun includes a flight simulation computer lab.

The Toy and Action Figure Museum

111 S Chickasaw, Pauls Valley 405-238-6300, actionfiguremuseum.com Open 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00-5:00pm Sunday Admission: $6, $4 seniors, free for age 2 & under Kids of all ages will see over 10,000 toys on display in this one-of-a-kind museum.

Displays and hands-on exhibits highlight the art behind the toys. Special events held throughout the year.

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

3624 N 74th East Avenue, Tulsa 918-834-9900, tulsaairandspacemuseum.org Open: 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 1:00pm5:00pm Sunday Admission: $12 adults; $10 seniors; $10 students and military with ID; $7 ages 4-12; ages 3 & under free

Immerse yourself in Oklahoma’s aviation past, present and future.

Through a variety of hands-on activities, flight simulators and science-based interactive exhibits. A 50-foot dome theater allows visitors to travel through the stars and experience distant galaxies.

Group tours are available upon request.

The Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum

6421 E 36th Street, Tulsa 918-669-6602, tulsazoo.org Open 9:00am-5:00pm daily (closed Christmas Day & the third Friday in June) Admission: $8; $6 seniors; $4 ages 3-11; ages 2 & under free The Tulsa Zoo provides a wide variety of exhibits designed to help visitors appreciate the natural beauty of animals and the environment. Exhibits include a Tropical American Rainforest, large exhibits devoted to the animals and environments of Africa and Asia and a popular Children’s Zoo complete with a prairie dog habitat to view and small farm animals to pet.

Woodward Arts Theatre & Josie Adams Cultural Center

818 Main Street, Woodward 580-256-7120, woodwardartstheatre.com The Woodward Arts Theatre is a 1920’s vintage theater, restored by volunteers in 1981. Currently, the theater and adjacent Cultural Center host a Summer Children’s Arts Camp, concert series, dinner theater performances, a Western Art Show & Sale, Christmas Show and Spring Youth Art Show.

Editor’s Note: Find more Exploring Oklahoma information and money-saving coupons to dozens of attractions statewide through the downloadable Kids Pass at metrofamilymagazine.com/exploringoklahoma.

Fun For the Young at Art!

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eowc 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

UNI_OKC_L29_MetroFamily_F&G.indd 1

E-29 4/13/11 3:59 PM

Respect Diversity founder Michael Korenblit shared a very personal story with the recent Respect Diversity Gala audience. He told of a little boy who questioned the meaning of his parents’ tattoos. These were not artistic tattoos, nor were they a result of recreational fun. The tattoos represented much more than that, because his parents were Holocaust survivors. The boy’s simple curiosity led his parents to explain the meaning behind the tattoos in a unique way.

First, the family took off for a drive around their small Oklahoma town. Their first stop was at a park with segregated water fountains, where the little boy was asked to sip from the two drinking fountains, one of those with the label “Colored.” After drinking from both fountains, the boy announced that the water tasted the same from both. Similarly, the little boy was shown the difference in the two waiting areas at the local bus station, one for whites and one for coloreds. The boy saw firsthand the vast difference in the comfort level and amenities of these two rooms. These lessons illustrated to this young boy, Michael Korenblit himself, the devestating consequences of discrimination that ultimately influenced a lifelong passion to help others experience the peace of accepting people different from themselves. Years later, Korenblit and his wife, Joan, founded the Respect Diversity Foundation (RDF).

“The foundation was created almost eleven years ago and we have worked with about 194,000 students, teachers and adults,” said Michael as he explained about RDF. Along with his wife Joan, the foundation’s executive director, they raise awareness and encourage others to celebrate differences. A non-profit organization, the mission of the foundation is to teach respect and tolerance for all people. The platform is constant, but the RDF carries their mission in three ways: • A Speakers’ Bureau where educators such as civil rights leaders, artists, authors, Holocaust educators, historians, early childhood

E-31 E-30

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

“The Ties That Bind”

by Jefferson Heights Elementary and Washington Elementary (grades 4-5), Sapulpa.

educators, storytellers and musicians promote awareness within our schools and community.

• The Respect Diversity Symbol Campaign which includes multilevel, interdisciplinary, collaborative student projects that focus on human rights issues through art integration. Projects may be in the form of a school anthology, visual art, poetry, song or dance.

• Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit. Art collaborations that teach the participants and those respect for diversity.

The Symbol Exhibit

Each year, the RDF partners with MetroFamily Magazine and other community sponsors to promote diversity with an annual poetry and art contest. This year’s theme, “We care for the earth,” was expressed with many collaborative projects by students. Each piece, unique in design, was yet another subtle reminder that we are all different.

Appropriately, the exhibit was full of color, reminding viewers that “It takes diversity to make a rainbow,” a statement that was also echoed by choir members of Westminster and Linwood Honor Choirs during the gala program.

“Protectors of the Earth”

by Piedmont Middle School (grades 6-8).

This Year’s Winners

Judges chose the following winners in five age categories based on creativity, diversity-relatedness and representation of the theme.

PreK-Kindergarten: We Are a Rainbow of Peace, by students of Villa Teresa Catholic School, Oklahoma City. The project embraces the theme that these young artists are children of peace. The

students’ project leader, Pre-K teacher Nancy Hazelton, explained the collaborative thoughts behind the work of art. “We began our project in August and worked on it for six months. We chose clay as a symbol of Mother Earth; the children made the clay figures holding hands as a sign of respect. The children made corn husk angels promoting peace and respect, and the children thought all the countries should stand for peace in the big world.”

Grades 1-3: Save the Future! by students of Orvis Risner Elementary, Edmond. This group project focused on the connection between recycling and preserving our planet. The sculpture, made from a variety of renewable and nonrenewable resources, represented diversity of people and animals. “Our mascot is the eagle, and we decided we wanted to use that,” said teacher Cindy McBride. She went on to say that the school is going to keep the eagle displayed in their school as a constant reminder to recycle and care for the earth.

Grades 4-5: The Ties that Bind, by Jefferson Heights Elementary and Washington Elementary, Sapulpa. After discussions on diversity and the responsibility of caring for earth, the students expressed their ideas on canvas. Students painted with watercolor and a paint/glue mixture to create a vibrant piece. Canvases were tied together to represent earth, with each section individually representing the diverse people of the world. The connected canvases illustrate the idea that everyone is part of a whole.

Grades 6-8: Protectors of the Earth, by Piedmont Middle School. “I was really excited when I heard about the theme,” said Frances Williams, art teacher. ’The choices we make affect not only ourselves but, in the web of time, those choices affect all,’ was the overall message of this collaborative piece, contributed to by approximately 300 students. Students “Save the Future!” by Orvis Risner Elementary, learned that totem Edmond (grades 1-3) poles were used to represent things that were important to the tribe or individual people, and they recycled many items to create their own totem pole.

Grades 9-12: For the Record, by Crooked Oak High School. Each student had a “For the Record” statement that were intended to break stereotypes or any misperceptions that others may have of them.

The repurposed vinyl records were created to show each student’s individuality. The students’ teacher, Cheryl Pantalone, said the project “created so much more dialogue than we would have had otherwise.

Students were willing to share experiences with discrimination and examine their own biases and misperceptions they may have of others.”

“For the Record” by Crooked Oak High School (grades 9-12). Students pictured (L to R) Enrique Elizalde, Angelica Lopez, Kiarra Dillingham and Stephan Zavala.

Special Presentation to the Museum “The Respect Diversity Foundation has a wonderful partnership with Science Museum Oklahoma,” said Michael. In appreciation, two gifts were presented to the museum. First, a colorful mural that was the combined effort of many in an art integration project as students learned about environmental sciences. In addition, a piece by artist John Mowen entitled “Dark Energy” was presented to the museum. “The print was created with archival ink and paper, and framed. The image is based upon photos taken by NASA telescopes.

The image provides the opportunity to explain why distant galaxies are moving away from each other at a faster rate.” Joan explained.

Joan said, “Behind every work of art is a story. Some are inspired by a unit of study about the civil rights movement, others by a lesson about China, South Honorable Mention was awarded to the 5th graders of Africa or Israel.

Oklahoma City’s Mark Twain Elementary for their art work Some art pieces “Tri-City: Reduce, Resuse, Recycle.” were created after a diversity assembly and discussion. Others from poetry lessons as students learned about a diversity topic.”

There’s no question that the lesson of equality that the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit provides will make an impact on many children and adults across the state.

Next year’s Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit Gala is to be held on March 27, 2012. For more information on the Foundation and how teachers, schools and other community organizations can get involved with RDF and the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit or other projects, call 405-359-0369 or visit respectdiversity.org.

Julie Dill is a National Board Certified Teacher and regular columnist for MetroFamily.

“We Are a Rainbow of Peace” by Villa Teresa Catholic School, Oklahoma City (Pre-K-Kindergarten)

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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The

In his 2011 State of the City address, Mayor Mick Cornett said, “The quality of the arts in our community exceeds our visitors’ expectations time after time. And the people that move here, not knowing what to expect from our arts community, tell me over and over again, that they never knew Oklahoma City had such a strong arts community.” The word has gotten out: Oklahoma is a creative state.

History Today, Oklahomans in the mood for some creative stimulation are almost certain to find a fix within a short distance from anywhere in the state. Whether you fancy fine art, natural history, sciences, theatre or a festival, you will no doubt find one during any given time. This wasn’t always the case.

There was a time not long ago when Oklahomans had to travel outside of the state to experience the creative beauty and the inspiring, soothing benefits of the visual arts. Thankfully, due in part to legislation signed by United States President Lyndon P. Johnson in 1965, Oklahoma now benefits from a $314.9 million dollar arts impact on our state’s economy.

This legislation led to the development of the Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC), which has a mission “to lead, cultivate and support a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for all Oklahomans.” The OAC awards partial funding and supports the hundreds of state-wide venues we enjoy today. In 2010, the OAC provided 590 statewide grants to 346 organizations in 112 communities in 59 counties.

As Joel Gavin, Director of Marketing and Communications for the OAC states, “Oklahoma communities that have thriving arts and cultural environments will be more likely to attract employers and young professionals, benefit from tourist dollars and foster a greater sense of community.”

Experiencing the Arts: Fine Art Museums

Thanks to the work of the OAC, Oklahomans and tourists are treated to many family-oriented venues: Gavin emphasizes the growing interest in arts with a program started by the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa. During the monthly

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

“Second Saturdays” program, families can visit the museum for free to participate in hands-on art projects, go on art scavenger hunts and view the exhibits. Since the Philbrook has started this program, Gavin says they have seen an enormous increase in attendance on those days. “I think this shows that Oklahomans increasingly want arts and cultural experiences in their communities.”

Exhibiting contemporary, traditional and photographic art collections from around the world, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman is a venue for those who appreciate all art genres. The Gilcrease Museum, situated on 460 acres of themed gardens northwest of Tulsa, offers a comprehensive collection of Western art and artifacts complete with historical manuscripts, documents and maps.

In Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum exhibits work from artists and performing artists who have painted, sculpted or portrayed the American cowboy. The Red Earth Museum and Gallery, recently relocated to downtown Oklahoma City near the Skirvin Hotel, gives visitors a chance to view and purchase contemporary Native American art, pottery, jewelry, baskets and beadwork.

Art Districts

Historical areas are being revitalized into local entertainment and visual arts districts. The Paseo and Plaza Districts in Oklahoma City and the Brady Arts District in Tulsa are examples of once bustling business and residential districts that were falling into virtual ghost towns of disrepair. Forgotten buildings sat vacant due to the urban flight of earlier decades. With funding and support from the OAC and the dedication of local art enthusiasts, these areas are returning to life with dining establishments, art galleries and performing arts centers.

Photos provided by: travelokpics

of Oklahoma Historical Art

life for kids.

Fifth grade teacher Lanna Loughridge of Union City Elementary Those wanting to experience historic, cultural art in a natural state School and her sixth grade teaching associate used the entire can visit the Spiro Mounds in eastern Oklahoma, the Woolorac program to integrate their social studies and art curriculum. “We Museum and Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville, the Southern are a very small school district with one teacher Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko or the for each grade, so we don’t have an art teacher.”

Price Tower in Bartlesville, to name just a few.

The Art of the Capitol program provided all that In the metropolitan Oklahoma City area, the what’s Happening in the teachers needed to incorporate Oklahoma Oklahoma History Center and Governor’s My Area? history lessons with art—a DVD, worksheets Mansion near the State Capitol and the Sam and website for the in-class activities, Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History As a state agency, OAC Loughridge explained. The onsite tour field trip in Norman give visitors a real-life glance at cannot accept donations pulled it all together.

Oklahoma’s history and culture. or advocate for funding.

“Participation comes in the The kids conducted internet research on Of course, we can’t forget the state arts festivals form of people sharing their portraits, finding out what scene from supported by OAC. The Paseo Arts Festival, thoughts with legislators Oklahoma history was being illustrated, the use one of the largest in the area, is held every May about how our grants and and relevance of any symbols, and the artist. (this year on May 28-30). The Plaza District’s services impact them and Loughridge said that many of the kids in their Family-Fun Festival is held in October and the their community,” Gavin rural district have never been to “the city” much annual Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts said. Because OAC funds less the State Capitol. “It was great for the comes every April, rain or shine. so many venues throughout kids to get to see [in person] the portrait that the state, Gavin suggests they saw on TV. They still talk about it,” said Education and the Arts that people search online Loughridge. “They remember it and said it was for museums, performing more fun than they thought it would be.”

Part of the OAC’s mission is to improve arts or art galleries in their education through the arts. Studies show that Editor’s Note: Institutions not eligible for a area. Calling the local arts education provides significant positive free DVD from the OAC may purchase the chambers of commerce is effects on student test scores, attendance and DVD from Oklahoma Educational Television also a good way to find local behavior. One such endeavor is the OAC’s Art Authority (OETA). venues. People are certain to of the State Capitol program. “find some great, engaging Gavin explains that this program is available opportunities,” Gavin said.

Arts for Children for free to eligible public and private schools in Editor’s Note: Many arts Arts venues for children are also supported by two formats: as an in-class activity with DVD events are also listed at the OAC. Events and activities can be found at and online resources or through an onsite tour metrofamilymagazine.com.

Leonardo’s Art & Science Museum in Enid, complete with a downloadable Capitol Art Field the Stillwater Multi-Arts Center in Stillwater Trip Guide. and the Goddard Center in Ardmore as well as The capitol includes over 150 works of art, each numerous community theaters. with its own captivating story of our state’s history. Aligned with Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) for Oklahoma History and Visual Art as well as the Oklahoma History textbooks, the State area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan.

Daughter, Megan, attends OSU in Stillwater.

Capital Art Program is a visual way to bring Oklahoma history to EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Native Oklahoma

travelokpics

American Indian culture and history is a rich part of the Oklahoma landscape. Originally, seven tribes comprised the landscape of the state: Jicarilla Apache and Comanche (in the panhandle); Kiowa and Kiowa Apache (in the northwest); Osage (northeast); Caddo (southeast); and Wichita (south). Today, there are 39 tribes represented in Oklahoma, many of which were relocated from other parts of the country.

While there may seem many similarities between the Indian Tribal Nations, it’s important to note that each tribe is a separate society with its own culture and tradition. Each different tribe has a unique creative spin on the patterns used in artwork, and the differences among the tribes become clear when you visit the different areas of Oklahoma to enjoy the venues and festivals that celebrate the unique aspects of Native American history and culture.

Throughout the state, there are hundreds of museums, cultural centers and historic sites that celebrate Oklahoma’s Native Culture. A comprehensive venue that will add to a comprehensive understanding of Oklahoma’s native history is the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, currently under construction near the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City. The museum will include a family discovery center, performance venue and outdoor cultural park and trail system. Track the progress of the site online at aiccm.org.

There are a wide variety of festivals and events held year-round that you may find on our calendar and festival listings. All around Oklahoma, museums and cultural centers celebrate the unique and rich Native American heritage of Oklahoma. Here is a sampling of venues from around the state:

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

Five Civilized Tribes Museum

Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum

507 South 4th Street, Enid 580-237-1907, csrhc.org

101 Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee 9180-683-1701, fivetribes.org (See page E18 for details.)

Cherokee Heritage Center

Indian City USA

6 Santa Fe Plaza, Oklahoma City 405-427-5228, redearth.org

Jacobson House Native Art Center

715 E Central Boulevard, Anadarko 405-247-6221, iacb.doi.gov

21192 S Keeler Drive, Tahlequah 918-456-6007, 888-999-6007, cherokeeheritage.org

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Charles F. Cooper Memorial Road, Sulphur 580-421-5623, chickasawculturalcenter.com

Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center

701 NW Ferris Avenue, Lawton 580-353-0404, comanchemuseum.com

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Talking Creativity, Arts Education and All Things Oklahoma with the Wickedly Talented

Brooke Barnett is MetroFamily’s assistant editor and shares Ms. Chenoweth’s love of all things Sonic, Chick-Fil-A, Krispy Kreme, and Oklahoma.

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth may only be 4'11" in height, but she touts a tall list of accomplishments.

In just over ten years, Chenoweth has performed in six Broadway shows, starred in 20 films, recorded three albums and enjoyed featured roles on 19 television shows, including Sesame Street, The West Wing, Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty and Glee.

Widely recognized for her unique voice, petite stature and trademark blonde hair, the Broken Arrow native’s vocal talents were obvious from a young age. She began recording her singing voice on a portable tape recorder when she was only seven years old. Growing up, she performed gospel songs for local churches, leading to a solo appearance at the Southern Baptist Convention national conference at the age of 12.

Chenoweth graduated from Broken Arrow High School and went on to study voice and Musical Theater on full scholarship at Oklahoma City University. In college, Chenoweth studied under voice instructor Florence Birdwell—an instructor renowned for her tutelage of Miss America contestants and Tony award nominees—before going on to earn her master’s degree in opera performance. A classically trained coloratura soprano, Chenoweth has near-perfect pitch and an incredible vocal range, capable of reaching the F6 note—one of the highest notes commonly called for in opera. While in college, she also won the title of Miss Oklahoma City University and was a runner-up in the 1991 Miss Oklahoma pageant.

Chenoweth made her Broadway debut in the Kander and Ebb musical Steel Pier in 1997, but her breakthrough role came in playing Sally Brown in the 1998 revision of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

For her performance in this role, she won a Tony award in 1999 for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, as well as a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award.

Despite that success, Chenoweth is perhaps best known as the originator of the role of “Glinda” in the hit musical Wicked. The role, written especially for her, earned the actress much recognition and a Tony Award nomination in 2004. Most recently, she performed alongside actor Sean Hayes in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises in 2010.

In addition, the multi-talented performer has lent her recognizable voice to animated features, including Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue and Space Chimps. In 2009, Chenoweth published her autobiography, A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love and Faith in Stages. Most recently, she was inducted into the 2010 Oklahoma Hall of Fame and was nominated for a 2010 Emmy Award for her performances on Glee.

An avid fan of all things Oklahoma, Chenoweth recently shared with MetroFamily how the performing arts have influenced her life, what it is like to be famous, why we should expose our kids to the arts and what she misses most about the Sooner State.

MFM: When did you first realize that you wanted a career in the performing arts?

KC: When I was in the Nutcracker at Tulsa Ballet Theater, I was probably around 10 or 11.

MFM: You clearly take pride in the fact that you are from Oklahoma; what does it mean to you to call Oklahoma home?

KC: It is where all of my family is. It is where my parents were raised. When I go back, I feel like time has never passed. Like an old friend, it is always there.

MFM: What were some of the most important stepping stones in your life that have led to the successful career you enjoy today?

KC: Becoming a Christian was a huge stepping stone in my life. I am always continuing [to realize] what my faith means to me, and I personally would not be anywhere without it. I was 8 years old when I made that decision. Easiest and best decision I ever made.

MFM: What is the most rewarding thing about a career in theater? Television? Music? Do you prefer one over the others?

KC: I love getting to play different characters. It might seem like my life is very exciting—well it is, because of the roles I play. When I am not working I am just a pretty regular girl who loves to eat and watch movies. I go to fast food places. The exciting part comes in bringing to life a role that is different [than] yours. I love all different venues, but a live audience is my drug.

MFM: Who has been the biggest influence in your life, in terms of helping you excel in the arts?

KC: Florence Birdwell, She was my professor at OCU.

MFM: What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome?

KC: It’s funny when you look at different highlights of your career you see different milestones, I am lucky that it is hard to pick one.

If I had to say, I would conclude my Broadway debut in a musical called Steel Pier. This was my dream come true.

The biggest obstacle in our business and one that I struggle with is realizing that rejection is a part of the job. You can be an Academy Award winner and still have to go through not getting a job. It is just part of it and you must learn to deal and not take it personally.

MFM: If you could perform your favorite song in your favorite venue, what would it be?

KC: “Glitter and Be Gay” from Candide at Carnegie Hall, which I have had the privilege of doing twice.

MFM: If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

KC: ME!

MFM: What do you see as the importance of exposing children to the arts? How do you think the performing arts can benefit children of all ages?

KC: The importance of the arts in our schools is as important as the focus we put on sports. Thank goodness I had a teacher in intermediate school who encouraged me musically. We have seen through studies that the most well-rounded [people have] had major musical influences. In my opinion, music and the arts should be a requirement in all schools. It challenges a certain part of the brain and stimulates creativity.

MFM: What advice would you offer for kids who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts?

KC: Do anything you can in your local area that involves the arts.

Join a community theater group, a church choir or pick up an instrument.

MFM: Oklahoma seems to have an amazing number of arts entertainers who have excelled on the national scene. As one of them, what do you attribute that to?

KC: My parents encouraged me in the talents God gave me, I attribute my success to them giving up their own desires so that I could have piano lessons, so that I could go to ballet, the countless hours spent at play practice. Through encouragement, they helped me believe in myself.

MFM: When you think of Oklahoma and our rich arts heritage, what comes to mind first? Who has inspired you?

KC: The tribute to the Oklahoma City bombing. That was a beautiful example of art and a tribute to Oklahomans passed.

MFM: When you come home to Oklahoma, what do you most look forward to? (Aside from your loved ones, of course!)

KC: Sonic, Chick-Fil-A and Krispy Kreme.

For more information about Kristin and her current projects, visit kristin-chenoweth.com.

eowc 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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May Through May 7 Destination Claremore in Claremore is a week-long celebration of the town’s history including an art festival, American Cowboy Trader Days, Dog Iron Poker Run, live entertainment, Taste of Claremore & more. 918-3418688, visitclaremore.com.

FREE El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in Downtown El Reno includes the world’s largest fried onion hamburger, live entertainment, classic car show, arts & crafts show, food, games, rides & more. 10am-5pm.

405-262-8888, elrenoburgerday.com.

FREE Claremore’s Lilac Festival in Historic Downtown Claremore features car show, Lilac Live Talent Show, outdoor movie, live entertainment, children’s area, art show & concessions. 10am-6pm. 918-341-5881.

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1-29 16th Annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee features over 500 costumed performers & artisans, unique foods, more than 100 booths of handcrafted items & hands-on demonstrations. Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30am-6pm.

918-687-3625, okcastle.com.

Rooster Days Festival at Central Park in Broken Arrow includes live music, entertainment, food, arts & crafts, a parade & carnival rides. 866.852.5718, roosterdaysfestival.com.

5-7

FREE Arts For All Festival in Lawton is southwest Oklahoma’s largest free juried arts festival featuring over 80 artists, live entertainment, youth art competition & multicultural food vendors. 580-248-5384, artsforallfestival.org.

FREE Jennings Family Festival in Jennings features vendors, city-wide garage sales, food, bingo, carnival, square dancing, street dance & parade. 918-757-2500, jenningsfamilyfestival.webs.com.

Skyline Bluegrass Festival in Wewoka features the traditional & lively sounds of bluegrass including instrument workshops, multiple bands & a family-friendly atmosphere. 405-760-3064, okbgc.org.

6-7 FREE Brickfest in downtown Pauls Valley includes the Valley Rally Bike Tour, live music, exhibits, inflatable games, petting zoo, pie eating contest & more. 405-2382555, mainstreetpaulsvalley.com.

6-8 FREE Downtown Edmond Arts Festival in historic Downtown Edmond includes live music, food, children’s activities, & fine arts vendors. Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 405-249-9391, visitedmondok.com.

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14 FREE Tabouleh Fest in Bristow celebrates Bristow’s Lebanese heritage with entertainment for the entire family including crafts, carnival rides, pageant, children’s area, talent show, rodeo & the Wildflower Run 5K. 918-367-3324.

15 Herb Fest at Crestview Farms in Arcadia features plants for sale, as well as soaps, lotions & food. Also includes a children’s tent, organic gardens, flowers, farm store, featured wineries & hayrides. 9am-4pm. 405-8232430, crestvieworganicfarms.net.

FREE Norman Groovefest at Andrews Park in Norman promotes community through art, music & human rights awareness. Includes live music, tie dye fundraiser & a variety of vendors. 405- 514-0781, groovefest.org.

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7 FREE Prague Kolache Festival on Main Street in Downtown Prague offers dance, song, food, crafts, a parade & carnival rides. 405-567-4866, www. praguekolachefestival.com.

Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly, Yukon) includes kayaking, a magic show, wood art, dirt pudding, pony rides, & more. 10am-4pm.

405-350-8920.

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FREE Tulsa International Mayfest in downtown Tulsa is an outdoor tribute to arts & music including fine arts & crafts, live entertainment, festival food, KidZone (a children’s hands-on art activity area) indoor galleries & more. 918-582-6435, tulsamayfest.org.

20-22 Tulsa Indian Art Festival at Park Hall at Expo Square

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

in Tulsa is a cultural celebration of the American Indian including an art show, cultural exhibitions, traditional dancing, entertainment, storytelling, live music & more.

918-298-2300, tulsaindianartfestival.com.

21-22 FREE Italian Festival in McAlester features delicious Italian food, live entertainment for all ages, vendors, arts & craft booths, children’s activities & carnival. Saturday, 9am-dark; Sunday, 10am-4pm. 918-420-3976, italianfestival.org.

27-29 64th Annual Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo in Claremore includes parade, rodeo pageant, bull riding, muttin-bustin, calf-roping, bronc riding & barrel racing.

7-11pm nightly. 877-341-8688, willrogersstampede.com.

Celebration of Freedom in Hobart honors military members with a parade, motorcycle Freedom Ride through the Wichita Mountains, Kiowa County Quilt Show, live entertainment, rodeo, softball tournament, carnival, food & more. 580-726-5900, celebrationoffreedom.net.

Rocklahoma in Pryor presents a three-day rock music festival featuring more than 70 entertainment acts on three stages. Line up includes Motley Crue, Staind, Whitesnake, Poison, Seether & more. 918-824-2288, rocklahoma.com.

28 Bethany 66 Festival in Downtown Bethany includes food, vendors, downtown sidewalk sales, children’s activities, car show & live entertainment. Festival closes with a concert by Mountain Smoke. Mountain Smoke concert tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 11am7:30pm. 405-312-0155, bethany100.com.

28-29 21st Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features campfire cooking, hands-on children’s activities, entertainment, & stagecoach & pony rides. FREE for museum members. 1-day & 2-day passes available for non-members. 10am-5pm. 405478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FREE Edmond Jazz & Blues Festival at Stephenson Park (E 4 & Littler, Edmond) features a variety of live artists & bands. Saturday, 4-10pm; Sunday, 2-10pm.

405-341-3321.

28-30 Paseo Arts Festival in the Paseo Arts District showcases original works of visual artists selected by jury, along with performance art & live music. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-8pm; Monday, 10am-6pm. 405-5252688, thepaseo.com.

May 31-Jun 4 26th Annual Charlie Christian International Music Festival in downtown OKC (SE 15th & Lincoln) celebrates the musical contributions of jazz guitar legend, Charlie Christian, who grew up in OKC. Features jazz, blues & old-fashioned gospel music as well as jam sessions, a battle of the bands, jazz cruises, great food, arts & crafts & more. Kevin Eubanks is the headliner for the festival & will be performing at Civic Center Music hall on 6/2. 405-524-3800, charliechristianfestival.com.

June 2-4 7th Annual Skiatook Bluegrass Festival in Skiatook features nationally-known bluegrass acts, junior fiddle contest, workshops, band scramble, children’s tent, crafts & food vendors. 918-261-3443, skiatookbluegrass.com.

3-4 Oklahoma Storytelling Festival in Seminole features prairie stories, American Indian stories, story swaps,

concerts & ghost tales from nationally known, regional & local tellers. 405-366-8915, territorytellers.org.

Oklahoma Magnolia Festival in Durant includes family-friendly games & festivities, ferris wheel rides, carnival, crafts, live entertainment & performances.

580-924-1550, magnoliafestival.com.

3-5 FREE Sunfest in Bartlesville is known as Oklahoma’s biggest outdoor picnic featuring fine arts, handmade crafts, a wide range of musical entertainment, clowns, skydivers, children’s games, storytellers, ethnic foods, & more. Voted Bartlesville’s best festival. 918-331-0456, bartlesvillesunfest.org.

25th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival at the Cox Convention Center represents over 100 tribes from across North America. Includes dance competition, art market & parade. Dance competitions Friday & Saturday, noon & 7pm; Sunday, noon. 405427-5228, RedEarth.org.

FREE A Small Town Weekend in El Reno includes car shows, grascar races, drag races, children’s activities, festival food, vendors, live entertainment & more. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 9am-10pm; Sunday, 8am-3pm. 405350-3048, ercruisers.com.

FREE Summerfest in Wagoner includes a carnival, live music, children’s games, car show, motorcycle show, crafts, food & vendors. 918-485-3414, thecityofwagoner. org.

4 FREE 18th Annual Ponca City Herb Festival at the Cann Memorial Gardens (14th & Grand Ave.) features more than 100 vendors selling herbal plants, flowers, outdoor garden furniture, antique & collectible garden wares, handmade herbal soaps & bath products, herbal vinegars and more. Children’s booths available with crafts & more. 8am-4pm. 580-765-4400, poncacityherbfestival.com.

Catfish Festival on Keystone Lake in Cleveland includes all-you-can eat catfish fry, carnival, live entertainment & competitions. 8am-8pm. 918-358-2131, chamberofclevelandok.com.

Chisholm Trail Crawfish Festival at Kirkpatrick Family Farm in Yukon features Kid’s Kreative Korral, living history renactments, chicken & crawfish races, live Cajun band with dance lessons, pony rides, gunfights & more. 10am-6pm. 405-350-8937, cityofyukonok.gov.

8-12 11th Annual deadCenter Film Festival showcases over 100 films from all across the country with panels, workshops & parties planned over five days in downtown Oklahoma City. 405-246-9233, deadcenterfilm.org.

9-11 American Heritage Music Festival at the Gore Civic Center & Snider’s Camp in Grove includes national clogging & fiddle contests with evening performances.

918-786-8896, grandlakefestivals.com.

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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10-12 Ozarka OKC Nationals produced by OKC Motorsports at the Oklahoma River Boathouse District features one of the largest drag boat races in the nation. 405-6307668, okcmotorsports.com.

10-19 OK Mozart International Music Festival in Bartlesville is a multi-day, multi-location event with professional orchestra musicians, concert artists & musical performances of artistic excellence. Four concerts are scheduled for OKC at Rose State College Performing Arts Theatre. 918-336-9900, okmozart.com .

11 Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show at the Pawnee Bill Ranch site in Pawnee features entertainment by cowboys, Indians, horses & a cast of over 100. Parade downtown 2pm, show at 7:30pm. 918762-2513, pawneebillranch.com. Also on 6/18 & 6/25.

17-18 24th Annual Grovefest at the Grove Community Center includes arts & crafts, business expo, carnival, musical entertainment & lots of activities for kids. Friday 3-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm. 918-786-9079, groveok.org.

Juneteenth Heritage Festival in Shawnee observes the emancipation of African Americans from slavery, with historical talks by community elders, gospel signing, parade & heritage craft demonstrations.

405-275-3999, visitshawnee.com.

FREE 13th Annual Farming Heritage Festival at Shawnee’s Feed Center (Hwy 177 & Hardesty) provides fun for the whole family. 623-2834, oktractorclub.com.

Hog Wild BBQ & Chrome Fest in Chandler provides two days of wholesome family fun including a BBQ contest, FREE car & bike show, vendors, artists, a kid’s play area, lots of food, fun & entertainment. chandlerok. com.

16-19 Kiamichi Owa-Chito Festival at the Beavers Bend State Park features forestry competitions, art & photography shows, children’s activities, fishing tournament & nightly entertainment. Thursday-Saturday, 9am-10pm. 580-584-3393, beaversbend.com.

Jun 17-Jul 23 “The Man Who Ran” at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater in Disney is play about Jonah. Includes dinner in the pavilion from 6:30-8pm, gospel singing at 8pm & the play at sunset. 918-435-8207, pictureinscripture.com.

18-19 Oklahoma Celtic Music & Heritage Festival at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater celebrates the culture of Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland & other Celtic nations through music, dance, livestock, living history & children’s activities. Saturday, 9am-8:30pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm. 405-547-5070, okcelticfest.com.

23-25 FREE 27th Annual Jazz in June in Norman at Brookhaven Village & Andrews Park features three days of contemporary, swing, blues, salsa, improv, straightahead & smooth jazz. Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 6pm. 325-3388, jazzinjune.org.

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FREE Muscogee (Creek) Nation Festival in Okmulgee celebrates contemporary Muscogee life with cultural exhibitions, rodeo, concerts, sports, arts & crafts, food, a parade, art market, senior citizen’s activities, & children’s activities. 918-732-7992, muscogeenationnsn.gov.

25 Blue Bell’s Taste of Summer at Blue Bell Creameries in Broken Arrow features self-guided tours of the creamery, live entertainment & all the ice cream you can eat. 9am-3pm. 918-258-5100, visitbrokenarrowok.com

25-26 Kidfest at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve features family fun, games, crafts, reenactors, entertainment & food while teaching about local heritage & natural environment, 10am-5pm. 918-336-0307, woolaroc.org.

25-Jul 4 Liberty Fest in Edmond is a week-long celebration featuring 11 family-oriented events, including a concert, road rally, kite fest, rodeo, car show, food fest, pageant, parade & fireworks. Named by CNN & USA Today as one of the top 10 July 4th festivals in the US. 340-2527, libertyfest.org.

July Independence Day celebrations abound in Oklahoma. See a full list at metrofamilymagazine.com/ independence-day-fun (available after June 15).

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2011 2011 Exploring Exploring Oklahoma Oklahoma with with Children Children

FREE Cajun Festival at the Grove Civic Center in Grove features Cajun music & foods, as well as arts & crafts. 918-786-8896, grandlakefestivals.com.

3 FREE Rockets Over Rhema at Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow features a car show, inflatable games, outdoor concert, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, face painting, concessions & one of the largest fireworks displays in the area at 10pm. 918-258-1589, rocketsoverrhema.com.

4 Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration in Marlow will kick off with a parade at 9:15am & progress to a full day of family fun in Redbud Park including arts & crafts, game booths, rides, various food vendors, historic re-enactments & fireworks at 10pm. 580-6582212, marlowchamber.org.

7-30 Selman Bat Watch at Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom allows 75 visitors per night to watch over one million bats fly into the nighttime sky at the only public viewing of Mexican free-tailed bats in Oklahoma.

Thursday viewings accommodate children ages 3-7; Friday & Saturday, ages 8 & up. Registration required (begins May 31 and early registration is recommended).

405-424-0099, watchbats.com.

8-9 Midsummer Nights Fair at Lions Park in Norman is a celebration of the visual arts with over 45 art booths, kids art wall, live music, demonstrations & food. 6-11pm.

329-4253, normanfirehouse.com.

Christmas in July at Foss Lake includes live entertainment, motorcycle run, food, arts & crafts, fireworks & flea market. 580-592-4433, fosslake.com.

Kaw Fest & Christmas in July at Pioneer Beach on Kaw Lake in Kaw City includes children’s games, sand sculpture contest, live music, food & more. 9am-12am.

580-762-9494, kawlake.com.

13-17 FREE Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah celebrates the life & musical legacy of one of America’s greatest folk music songwriters with indoor & outdoor concerts, panel discussions, activities for children, open mics, poetry readings, spontaneous hootenannies & community outreach activities. 918-623-2440, woodyguthrie.com.

14-16 FREE Porter Peach Festival in Downtown Porter features arts & crafts, games, parade, car show, 5K Run, peach auction, music, food, tractor pull & golf tournament. 918-483-4205, porterpeachfestivals.com.

15-16 26th Annual World’s Largest Garage Sale & SummerFest at Fuqua Park in Duncan features a city

Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

wide sale, vendors, FREE outdoor concerts, pony rides, bounce houses, kids games & fair food. 580-255-3644, duncanchamber.com.

show & food. 918-258-3900, gatesway.org.

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52nd Annual 101 Wild West Rodeo in Ponca City is a PRCA rodeo including amateur team roping, bull riding, parade, & children’s rodeo. 580-765-3311, 101wildwestrodeo.com

An Affair of the Heart of Tulsa at the Quick Trip Center at Expo Square is one of the largest arts & crafts shows in the nation, known for the quality & variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry, & clothing. 405-632-2652, aaoth.com. Also held on 11/18-11/20.

20-23 81st Annual Woodward Elks Rodeo is the state’s oldest continuous PRCA rodeo, featuring bull riding, calf & steer roping, barrel racing, golf tournament, chuck wagon cook-off, children’s activities, & stagecoach rides at various locations in Woodward. 580-254-4494, woodwardelksrodeo.com.

22-24 6th Annual American Cowboy Traders Days at Whitaker Park in Pryor celebrates the history of the American Cowboy with activities including live period reenactments, stage coach & buggy rides, food & entertainment. 918-825-0157, pryorchamber.com.

August 1-6

11-13

13 FREE Watermelon Festival in Rush Springs celebrates the watermelon harvest with a Tiny Tots contest, seed spitting contest, arts & crafts, carnival rides, live entertainment & more. 9:30am-9pm. 580-476-2338.

18-20 Freedom Rodeo & Old Cowhand Reunion at Rhodes Park in Freedom is a PRCA rodeo featuring outdoor dances each night, a free chuck wagon feed on Saturday, & reenactments of a bank robbery & shootout.

580-621-3276, freedomokla.com.

24-27 103rd Annual Stephens County FREE Fair at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center in Duncan includes a carnival, livestock show, rodeo, food, & entertainment. 580-255-3231, stcofair.com.

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FREE American Indian Exposition at the Anadarko Fairgrounds seeks to perpetuate the culture, arts & crafts & native languages of the Southern Plains tribes through dances & pageants, including one of the largest American Indian parades in Oklahoma. 405-933-0171, americanindianexposition.org.

5-7 Gatesway Balloon Festival at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Down in Claremore features over 30 hot air balloons from across the country, balloon glows, family activities, children’s area, live entertainment, motorcycle

Annual Range Round-Up at the Oklahoma State Fair Arena features six events including saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team branding & wild horse race.

7:30pm. 405-235-4391, okcattlemen.org.

27 32nd Annual World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival & Cook-Off in Vinita includes samples of the “local delicacy” as well as crafts, kids games, a cook-off competition, celebrity judges, live entertainment & fun.

9am-3pm. 918-256-7133, vinita.com.

Children’s Clothing Room Decor

Gifts Baby Registry

Please join us for our

Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, June 4th

15 convenient Metro locations!

From 10-6PM

Meet Hello Kitty from 12-2PM Refreshments, Drawings and much more!

www.JimmysEgg.com

3224 S Broadway • Edmond • (405) 285-7777 EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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September 2-4 Cherokee National Holiday Arts & Craft Fair at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah includes American Indian art, crafts & food booths, live demonstrations, traditional storytellers, tours of on-site Ancient Cherokee Village & live music. Friday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. 918-458-0878, cherokeeheritage.org.

Oktoberfest at Choctaw’s Creek Park features homemade German food, genuine German beers & wine & continuous live entertainment for all ages, plus German dance groups, crafts, & activities for children.

405-390-8647, choctawfestival.org. Also held 7-10.

3-5 FREE Arts Festival Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Community College is a is a three-day event highlighting a wide variety of fine art, crafts, children’s activities, culinary specialties, & live entertainment. SaturdaySunday, 10am-9pm; Monday, 10am-5pm. 405-6827576, occc.edu/afo.

5 FREE Labor Day Celebration in downtown Henryetta begins with a parade & includes games for all ages, concerts, a carnival, rodeo, car & bike show, familyfriendly activities & fireworks. 918-652-3331, henryetta. org.

8-10 FREE 32nd Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival at the Expo Center in Claremore. features the Mid-America Regional Chili Cook-off, a car show, kiddie koral, & three stages of entertainment with bluegrass, country & gospel music. 918-341-2818, claremore.org.

FREE 104th Annual Cleveland County Fair at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman includes animals, carnival rides, live entertainment, petting zoo, tractor pulls, livestock shows & more. Fireworks end the fair on the 10th. 405-360-4721, clevelandcountyfair.org.

9-10 Washita Valley Bluegrass Festival at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha will feature a variety of bands, including gospel. Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 1-9pm. 405-831-6766, fromtheheartlandbluegrass.com.

35th Annual Western Days in downtown Mustang includes a chili cook-off, carnival, open rodeo, parade, car show & pancake breakfast. 405-376-2758, mustangchamber.com.

10 FREE Septemberfest at the Oklahoma History Center features crafts, music, storytelling, historical

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reenactments, agricultural exhibits & FREE admission to the Oklahoma History Center. 405-522-5248, okhistorycenter.org.

children’s games, cowboy poets, singers & FREE admission to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.

580-252-6692, onthechisholmtrail.com.

10-11

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FREE King’s Champion Medieval Faire at Chandler Park in Tulsa features live music, fine arts, vendors, food & live entertainment. Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. 918-596-5977, kingschampion.net

ShalomFest at Temple Israel in Tulsa celebrates Jewish life with food, music, entertainment, a children’s craft & play area, Temple tours, model ceremonies, displays & shopping. Noon-6pm. 918-747-1309, templetulsa.com.

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23-24

Cherokee Strip Celebration in downtown Enid is a three-day celebration commemorating the greatest of all land runs with food, entertainment, craft fair, pony rides, & parade. 580-237-2494, enidchamber.com.

14th Annual Art of BBQ at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned contest benefitting the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa. Includes musical entertainment, children’s activities & food. 918-584-3333. ahct.org.

15-25 Oklahoma State Fair at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds features a large carnival, a variety of Midway rides & games, five exhibit buildings, unique shopping opportunities, as well as Disney on Ice, PRCA Rodeo, concerts and arts & livestock competitions. 405-948-6700, okstatefair.com.

16-18 18th Annual Murray County Antique Tractor & Implement Show in Sulphur includes wheat threshing, hay bailing, corn shelling, tractor games, arts & crafts, wood sawing, cotton & peanut displays, broom making, kiddie tractor pulls, vendors, swap meet & more.

580-264-0500, arbuckletourism.com/mcatia.

Oklahoma Scottish Festival at the River West Festival Park in Tulsa is Oklahoma’s flagship celebration of Celtic history & heritage, with food, crafts, music & highland games. 918-740-7738, okscottishfestival.com.

FREE Oklahoma Indian Summer at the Bartlesville Community Center celebrates American Indian culture, customs, fine arts & crafts, & includes an intertribal powwow, traditional craft making & demonstrations.

918-331-0934, okindiansummer.org.

17 FREE Black Buggy Day in Chouteau celebrates Amish Heritage with food, arts & crafts, bluegrass music, & children’s games. 9am-6pm. 918-476-8222, blackbuggyday.net.

Tombstone Tales at Fort Reno in El Reno is a walkthrourgh tour of the cemetery in groups to hear reenactors telling 5 minute stories of varied “residents” & history camps. 11am & 2pm.

405-262-3987, fortreno.org.

17-18 FREE Western Spirit Celebration—A Cowboy Gathering in Duncan includes longhorn cattle drive, chuck wagon cook-off, Western artisans & vendors,

2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

23-25 FREE Oklahoma Wildlife Expo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie is a hands-on interactive expo of exhibits, seminars, clinics, workshops, & demonstrations centering on wildlife & outdoor life. Visitors can fish, shoot, mountain bike, pet wildlife & learn about recreation. 8am-6pm daily. 405-521-3851, wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifeexpo.htm.

FREE 43rd Annual Fin & Feather Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show near Lake Tenkiller in Gore features more than 200 exhibitors from several states & food vendors.

918-487-5148, finandfeatherresort.com FREE 32nd Annual International Festival at Elmer Thomas Park in Lawton promotes awareness & appreciation of Lawton’s diverse heritage through concerts, food, children’s activities, demonstration artists, vendors & multi-cultural entertainment. 580-5813470, cityof.lawton.ok.us/lahc/IF.htm.

24 Oklahoma Heritage Quilts & Arts Festival in downtown Pauls Valley showcases the talents of Oklahoma artists, crafters & performers. Includes handmade Made in Oklahoma goods, art contests, talent show, quilt contest, live music & more. 405-238-2555, mainstreetpaulsvalley.com.

Sep 29-Oct 1 Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival at Cottonwood Flats in Guthrie features international & national bluegrass bands, children’s activities & workshops. 10am-10pm daily. 405-282-6646, oibf.com.

Sep 29-Oct 2 National Cavalry Competition in El Reno at Fort Reno features a competition of Cavalry units from all over the nation, riding competitions, saber accuracy & speed events. 405-262-3987, fortreno.org.

FREE Oklahoma Regatta Festival & Head of the Oklahoma Regatta on the Oklahoma River is a fourday celebration of rowing, kayaking & dragon boating.

Includes the USA Rowing World Challenge, VIP Party, OCU Head of the Oklahoma racing, OGE NightSprints & a family festival featuring live music, art, a children’s area, food, a wine garden & watching racing. 405-5524040, oklahomariverevents.org/oklahoma-regattafestival.

Sep 29-Oct 9 Tulsa State Fair at Expo Square is Tulsa’s largest annual event featuring rides, attractions, concerts, creative arts, food & livestock shows. 918-744-1113, tulsastatefair.com.

Sep 30-Oct 1 FREE Rock Island Arts Festival at the Rock Island Depot in Chickasha features fine art displays, live music & entertainment and various art and kids activities. 405320-3164, rockislandartsfestival.org.

Doaksville: A Candlelight Walking Tour includes a hayride through historic Fort Towson/Doaksville cemetery & walking tour with reenactors at several stops in the Doaksville town site with an emphasis on Civil War events. Walking tours begin at 6pm daily.

580-873-2634.

The Territorial Quilt Show at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Guthrie features 150+ quilts on display, demonstrations, concessions, door prizes, raffle quilt & vendors. 10am-5pm. 405-396-8604, firstcapitalquiltguild.org.

October

7-8

For a complete list of fall festivals & Halloween events, go to metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun (available after September 15).

Watonga Cheese Festival & Arts Show in Downtown Watogna features musical entertainment, cheese tasting, art show, quilt show, classic car show, children’s games, 5K run & parade. 580-623-5452, watongacheesefestival.com.

1 Fiestas de las Americas 2011 in OKC (SW 25th & Robinson) is a multicultural celebration that includes a parade, entertainment, music, dance, over 75 booths, children’s activities & food vendors. 10am-9pm.

405-606-8792.

FREE Oklahoma Czech Festival in Yukon is one of Oklahoma’s largest ethnic festivals with a carnival, parade, craft booths, music, dancing, singing & food.

8am-5pm. 405-206-8142.

FREE Global Oklahoma – A Festival of Cultures at Rose State College is a celebration promoting the appreciation of the peoples of the world through exhibits, entertainment, food, school displays, arts & children’s activities. This year’s festival focuses on Brazil. 10am-5pm 405-736-0313, rose.edu/globaloklahoma.

1-2 FREE Annual Guthrie Art & Wine Festival in downtown Guthrie is two days of live music, art & Oklahoma wines. Showcases a variety of fine arts as well as visual arts, drama, music & interactive exhibits for children. 405-260-2345, guthrieescape.com.

Heritage Days: A Living History Festival features authentically-prepared chuck wagon meals, shootouts in the streets, reenactors & storytellers, music, Western crafts, American Indian song & dance, a kids’ zone & family fun. 918-683-2400, downtownmuskogee.org.

8-9 Oktoberfest at the Marland Manision in Ponca City includes children’s entertainment, crafts, car show, musical entertainment, a polka band, beer garden & food booths. 580-767-0420, marlandmansion.com.

21-22 Poteau Balloonfest features hot air balloon races & glows, live entertainment, a 4X4 exhibition, stagecoach rides, arts & crafts, games, food, carnival, helicopter rides & live bands. Friday 4-10pm; Saturday, 9am-10pm.

918-647-3510, poteauchamber.com.

21-23 FREE 25th Annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival at Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton features arts & crafts, classic car show, food, carnival rides, entertainment & activities. 918-465-3400, robberscavefallfestival.com.

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 31-August 19 | OKC Fairgrounds Camp tuition is $150.

Camps run in week-long increments.

Before and aftercare available. for additional $6 per day.

Camps for 5—13 year olds!

Scholarships available!

Call or visit us online, 951-0000

www.cityartscenter.org

EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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An Affair of the Heart at the State Fairgrounds is among the largest arts & crafts shows in the nation occupying more than five buildings & offering a variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry, & clothing. 405-632-2652, anaffairoftheheart.com.

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HallowMarine at the Oklahoma Aquarium features an indoor trick-or-treat trail, games, treasure hunt & mermaid & pirate dive shows. 6:30-9pm. 918-296-3474, okaquarium.org.

FREE Veterans Day Ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City honors our nation’s veterans form all branches & time periods. 10am.

405-424-5313, 45thDivisionMuseum.com.

Oktoberfest at the Riverwest Festival Park in Tulsa offers live music straight from Germany, polka dancing, live Bavarian style entertainment & authentic German market. Friday, 11am-11:30pm; Saturday, 10am-11:30pm; Sunday, Noon-6:30pm. 918-744-9700, tulsaoktoberfest.org.

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11-13

FREE Annual Weather Festival at the National Weather Center in Norman includes tours, children’s activities, storm chaser car show, hourly weather balloon launches & radio operators demonstrating their role during tornadoes, hurricanes & other disasters.

9am-1pm. norman.noaa.gov/events/nwf/

FREE Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show in Broken Bow features early 20th century crafts & demonstrations, folk music, a barnyard petting zoo, children’s activities & food.580-494-6497, beaversbend.com.

24-31 Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake is a not-so-scary walk through trick-or-treat path featuring storybook characters & scenes, as well as hayride, games, & a campfire for roasting hot dogs & marshmallows. 5:308:30pm. 405-216-7471, edmondok.com.

27 Haunt the Harn at the Harn Homestead includes a trick-or-treat trail through historic buildings, games, crafts, hayrides & campfire. 5:30-8:30pm. 405-2354058, harnhomestead.com.

29-30 “Artistry in Wood” hosted by the Oklahoma City Woodcarvers Club at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds features artisans exhibiting & demonstrating their woodcarving, turning & scroll saw art. Children will receive FREE instruction in soap carving. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. 405-255-6168, okcarver.org.

November

Give Your Child The Best Start 1

With Multi-Sensory Education

For a complete list of Holiday Fun events, go to metrofamilymagazine.com/holiday-fun (available after November 15).

• • • •

Who Qualify for HB 3393 State Scholarships

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Arts Festival in Tulsa is a celebration of Hispanic culture including exhibits, music, Mexican food & dancing. 5-11pm.

918-585-1234, livingarts.org.

FREE Will Rogers Days at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum & Birthplace Ranch in Claremore celebrates the 132nd birthday of Will Rogers with a parade, children’s day & other festivities. 918-341-0719, willrogers.com.

Remediation & enrichment Early intervention reading programs Individual learning plans & small class size Teachers with specialized training in reading

Where Bright Students Can Succeed!

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2011 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

Nov 22-Dec 31 FREE Festival of Light in Chickasha is a top ten nationally recognized holiday light show featuring over 3.5 million lights, a computer animated light show, carriage rides, pictures with Santa, & cinnamon rolls.

6-11pm. 405-224-9627, chickahsafestivaloflight.com.

FREE Kingfisher in Lights at the Kingfisher Park showcases over 80 lighted & animated displays featuring over 2 million lights including a lighted historic 1903 swinging bridge. Miniature train and horsedrawn carriage rides available. Sunday-Thursday 6-10pm, Friday -Saturday 6-11pm. 405-375-4445, kingfisherinlights.com.

Nov 24-Dec 31 Christmas Kingdom at the Castle in Muskogee features thousands of inflatable displays & an astonishing display of lights as well as fun for the whole

Plan for summer fun at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church’s Vacation Bible School!

Enroll Now for K though 12th grade!

321 NW 36th • OKC • 405-525-5600 www.trinityschoolokc.org

FREE Holiday Lights Spectacular at Joe B Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City features over 100 million lights to drive through. Horse-drawn carriage rides available. Sunday-Thursday 6-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6-11pm. 739-1293, visitmidwestcity.com.

Nov 23-Dec 30

3-5 Now Enrolling Students on IEPs

Nov 18-Dec 30

CHAPEL HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2717 West Hefner Road , OKC

(405) 751-0755

Kids explore the Bible as an exciting cookbook filled with recipes for living out God’s Word.

Children 4th and 5th Grade (completed) will be traveling off-site for local missions each day!

July 18th-21st 9:00-11:30am Ages 4 (by June 1st) thru 5th Grade (completed)

For more information or to register, call Stephanie at 751-0755 or email StephanieA@mychapelhill.org.

www.mychapelhill.org

family with hayrides, petting zoo, carriage rides, holiday movies, Santa Claus, the Grinch, crafts & more. FREE to drive through to view inflatables & lights. 6-10pm daily. 918-687-3625, okcastle.com.

Nov 25-Dec 24 Wonderland of Lights at Woolaroc includes a spectacular display of more than 600,000 lights, wagon rides, live entertainment, snacks, & Santa Claus.

Friday-Sunday, 5-9pm. 918-336-0307, woolaroc.org.

Nov 25-Jan 1

2-4 FREE Boys Ranch Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant in Edmond is a living drive through nativity complete with children & animals. 7-9pm. 405-341-3606, obhc.org.

3 Honey Festival in Minco features over 95 crafters & includes a quilt show, antique show, honey plant tours, children’s tractor pull, Made in Oklahoma products & a tour of homes. 405-352-0518, minco-ok.com.

10th Annual Downtown in December Winter Celebration in Downtown OKC features outdoor iceskating, snow tubing, water taxi rides, 5K run & holiday lights. 405-235-3500, downtownokc.com

Dickens Weekend in downtown Edmond is like stepping back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas with carolers, carriage rides, refreshments & costumed merchants.10am-6pm.405-249-9391, downtownedmondok.com. Also held 12/10, 17.

December

3-4

For a complete list of Holiday Fun events, go to metrofamilymagazine.com/holiday-fun (available after November 15).

1 Territorial Christmas Celebration at the Harn Homestead depicts a territorial 1880s Christmas come to life, with historic building tours, holiday decorations, treats, crafts & a visit from Santa. 5:30-8:30pm.

405-235-4058, harnhomestead.com.

OKC Train Show at the State Fairgrounds features the largest model train layout in the southwest. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm. 405-842-4846, oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.

31 Opening Night in Downtown OKC is a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with music, dancing, theater, & fireworks. 7pm-12am. 405-270-4848, artscouncilokc.com.

$1 Off Open Play Dawn to Dusk Expires 5/31/11 One coupon per family

NOW Enrolling

Summer Camps Fall 2011 After School Program Beginning Youth & Adult Fencing

All instructors are nationally and internationally certified.

8107 NW Expressway, OKC

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www.redlandsfencing.com

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WE S T M I N S T E R S C H O O L Unleash the power of thinking…

Westminster School!

Preschool through eighth grade 405.524.0631

westminsterschool.org • 600 NW 44 Street • OKC • 73118 EOwC 2011 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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• Rader Park

Prairie West Golf Course Frisbee Golf, Splash Pad and Skate Park

• Heartland of

America Museum • Stafford Air and Space Museum

Fourteen Counties of scenic parks, arts & culture, festivals, museums, shopping and outdoor fun. . .

There’s something for everyone!

Get ready for Great Times in Great Plains Country!

866-GPC-OKLA

June 24-25th.