Fall Festivities

Oklahoma summers are HOT. Then magically September 1st arrives and we have reached the ‘ber’ months…September, October, November, and December. Suddenly the air feels cooler (even if it isn’t) and the fall decorations appear...

by ALLISON ELDREDGE

...and before we have a chance to even think about it Christmas has arrived at Walmart and Hobby Lobby.

There will be folks in hoodies and shorts. They are ready to face whatever the weather throws at them; even if the temperature is 48 degrees in the morning and 90 degrees in the afternoon, they are ready. Pumpkin spice and pumpkin flavored foods will cause a great divide among co-workers and families. Followed by the next great divide…football. Will your house be a house that is divided? Will you choose your friends based on whether Orange or Red is their favorite color?

No matter your favorite football team (local, college or national) or fall flavors, we all are ready to get out and enjoy some cooler weather. There are several events coming to the area and a few that worth a little drive. Read on to discover something new and fun to do in the month of October.

TULSA

The Tulsa State Fair is from September 29 thru October 9th. Lots of rides, food trucks, buildings with vendors and fair entries to explore, concerts and live shows. This is something fun to do every year. We always enjoyed taking a day off work to get all the time we wanted to explore. One of my favorite areas is the Made In Oklahoma (MIO). In this area, only made in Oklahoma vendors are allowed. Salsa, honey, nuts, other packaged

food, candles, soaps, and lotions are usually my go to stops. My second favorite area is the 4-H and FFA exhibits. It is inspiring to see what the youth of Oklahoma are entering for their exhibits.

Later in October, check out the Arabian and half Arabian Nationals. October 21st-29th. The event is Free to the public at the Expo Center and will feature amazing horses from around the United States.

If you are looking for something in November, the Expo Center will host another free event. Fall Home Expo November 4th-6th.

SAND SPRINGS

Keystone Ancient Forest is open for hikes Thursday through Sunday. Check their website and Facebook page for special events, like hike with your dog. The forest is home to Post Oaks and Red Cedars that are 300500 years old! The forest opens at 7am on hike days. Imagine hiking through an ancient forest, one fog filled morning! It would be thrilling and a little creepy. Stay on the trails and take your camera to catch the local wildlife in pictures.

CREEK COUNTY

Slick Pumpkin Patch at the Vintage Room for pumpkins, mums, shopping, and kids games. October 15th from 10am-7pm. Check out the Vintage Room on Facebook for updates.

Bristow Gospel Fest, Living Legends Softball Tour-

nament and Car Show. Come out to Bristow City Park to enjoy a great day of music, food, shopping and cars. The Gospel Fest will feature Christian artists Faithfultoo, Johnathan Scroggs and band, Brandon Brotham, Jericho Crossing, 8th Street, and The Williamsons. Some of these groups are from Bristow, Kellyville and Sapulpa. There will be food trucks and craft vendors. October 8th, 11 am to 5 pm. Check out their Facebook event pages for further information.

Vintage Market Days of Tulsa presents their “How Sweet It Is” event; an upscale vintage-inspired market at the Creek County fairgrounds on October 14th-16th. There is a charge for admission. Tickets can be pre-purchased via their link on Facebook.

C & J Kountry Fixin’s and CJ’s Bar. On the southern end of Bristow, just as you are about to leave town on Route 66, there is a restaurant and bar. The reason I mention CJ’s is because every Saturday, they have OSU and OU games playing on big screens in the bar area. If you can’t make the game at the stadium and you want to watch with others, head on over and get some great food and enjoy the game. They would love to see you there.

A F F O R D A B L E

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

CUSHING

Cushing Fly in Fair. Warbirds, Helicopter Rides, Reenactors, Arts, Crafts, Food Trucks, and more! October 7th-9th at the Cushing Airport. Only $10 per carload. Check out their Facebook page for further information.

PUMPKIN PATCH

Every kid will want to visit a pumpkin patch. Orr Family Farm is in Oklahoma City. Pleasant Valley Farms is located in Sand Springs. Carmichael’s Pumpkin Patch is in Bixby. They each have a Facebook page to find out the hours and directions, if needed. Travel Worthy

Talimena Drive in southern Oklahoma. The drive can be extremely beautiful if you can catch fall foliage at their peak. Travelok.com has a tool to help those who are wanting to get there at the best color time. However, the drive is pretty and fun pre- and post-peak. If you can find a day where the hills are foggy, it is a very different experience from a clear sky day.

There are many other sites that are not far from various exit points of the drive. One is the Runestone in Heavener. This trip can be done in one day or several days depending on the amount of time you want to take exploring the stops and towns along the route.

Robbers Cave Fall Festival in Wilburton is October 14th-16th. There is no price for admission to the festival. This is a large event and planning your trip, lodging, and route would be advised.

Well, I hope that you all will have a fantastic fall season. Maybe I’ll see you around at some of the events. Remember….It’s Fall Ya’ll! n

Happy Fall!

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