2019 Wish You Were Here

A PUBLICATION OF THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR 215 N. Bell Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 273-4200

www.news-star.com

this is.. care

Enjoy security and peace of mind knowing that our nursing ƐƚĂī ŝƐ ŽŶͲƐŝƚĞ ϮϰͲŚŽƵƌƐ Ă ĚĂLJ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĐĂƌĞ͘

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ͻ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ ǁĞůůŶĞƐƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ͻ ĂŝůLJ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͕ ƐŽĐŝĂů ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ͻ hƟůŝƟĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ;ĞdžĐĞƉƚ ƉŚŽŶĞͬŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚͿ ͻ ,ŽƵƐĞŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ • And MUCH more!

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2 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

r e t n e c e h T of it all — Located in the heart of Pottawatomie County, Shawnee offers a variety of attractions, entertainment, annual events and fun places to visit and experience. And there’s plenty to see and do in surrounding areas too.

On the Cover: 1. FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest 2. Area Parks 3. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 4. Downtown Shawnee 5. FireLake Mini-Putt Golf 6. Pottawatomie County Museum and Historical Society

2019 Discover Shawnee Shawnee, Oklahoma Editor............................................................................................ Kim Morava Writers.........................................................Vicky O. Misa, Tina Bridenstine, Elisabeth Slay, Brooklyn Wayland Graphic Designer...................................................................... Gay Ketchum Advertising Designers....................................... Reita Easley, Brooke Jones,

Cheyenne Meadows Advertising Sales......................................... Aaron McDonald, Elissia Greer Photographers................... Siandhara Bonnet, Molly Kruse, Vicky O. Misa,

Elisabeth Slay, Brooklyn Wayland, Tina Bridenstine, Billy Brown ••• This magazine is published by The Shawnee News-Star.

For advertising information, or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact The Shawnee News-Star, (405) 273-4200 or by email at newsroom@new-star.com.

The information in this magazine is gathered and compiled in a way to ensure maximum accuracy, however we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information furnished in it, or the complete absence of errors and omissions, and no responsibility is assured. In the event of error or omission for paid service of this magazine, the liability shall be limited to a pro-rated abatement of the charge paid to the company, but shall not exceed the amount payable to the company.

Contents: Entertainment.............................5-8 Take A Dip.................................9-10 Golf and Area Parks................10-14 Wineries........................................ 15 Area Museums........................16-19 Antiquing...................................... 20 Annual Events.........................21-30 © 2019 Gatehouse Media, LLC, 215 N. Bell Street, P.O. Box 1688, Shawnee, OK 748021688. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher.

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 3

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4 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

t n e m n i Enterta

If you’re looking for entertainment, Shawnee has a variety of options — on-stage events, bowling, movies and much more!

Theater Shawnee Little Theatre is the local nonprofit and volunteer community theater, with productions entertaining audiences since 1967. For more information, visit shawneelittletheatre.com.

Live local productions also are produced at Oklahoma Baptist University and other performances take place at the historic Ritz Theatre on Main Street.

Live entertainment FireLake Arena, which opened in 2014, offers 5,000 seats and more than 52,000 square feet of event space for concerts, conventions and community events. The venue has drawn big names to Shawnee. For more information and events, go to www.firelakearena.com

Shawnee Little Theatre

Movies Moviegoers have several choices to watch a big screen in Shawnee.

Historic Ritz Theatre

There are three local theaters — Movies 6 at Shawnee Mall, Cinema Centre 8 on Harrison Street near MacArthur, and the Hornbeck and Penthouse Twin in downtown Shawnee. For more information, visit jonestheatres.com.

BROOKLYN WAYLAND

VICKY O. MISA

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 5

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Bowling Shawnee is home to two bowling centers that offer lots of fun for the entire family — FireLake Bowling Center and Shawnee Bowl.

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18 E Dunloup Road, Shawnee, OK (East Side off Harrison at Carls Jr, Between Golden Corral to the North & U-Haul to the South) 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 7

Specifically built to serve the needs of seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia, Belfair of Shawnee is leading the way to setting new standards of excellence in the industry.

There’s a brand new approach for

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8 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

405-275-1199

p i D a e k Ta

Shawnee Splash

Shawnee Splash Water Park, at 101 E. Highland, provides summer fun at Woodland Veterans Park in downtown Shawnee.

Shawnee’s two outdoor, aquatic facilities operate seasonally.

The smaller splash pad — and its sibling at Boy Scout Park — is free.

Splash is reported to be the largest outdoor municipal water park in the area. Some of its features are: two water slides, a 25-yard competition pool with log roll and climbing wall, and an interactive leisure pool –– which includes a lazy river pool, play structure and a large dumping bucket.

The 241,000-gallon diving well includes two diving boards and a large climbing wall.

Briscoe Boy Scout Park Splash Pad, at the corner of Main and Pesotum streets, has various water features as well.

Splash pads also are open in Tecumseh and McLoud.

MOLLY KRUSE

MOLLY KRUSE

Tecumseh Splash Pad ELISABETH SLAY

McLoud Splash Pad ELISABETH SLAY

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 9

Shawnee area lakes In the summertime, many visit the Shawnee Twin Lakes. Separated by a dam, each lake enables people to participate in several outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, boating, camping and more. The Twin Lakes has something for everyone and is frequently visited.

Lake No. 1 was built in 1935, covering a surface area of 1,336 acres, with 16 miles of shoreline.

Lake No. 2 was built in 1960 and has a surface area of 1,100 acres and 9 miles of shortline. The two lakes are connected by a canal.

For more information go to www.shawneeok.org.

Wes Watkins Reservoir, located in McLoud, is a 1,142-surface acre reservoir and is home to the North Deer Creek Recreation Area. Facilities include two recreations areas, three boat ramps, courtesy docks and six restrooms with three sets of showers. Three large picnic pavilions and group barbecue grills are available for rent.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISABETH SLAY

For more information go to www.mcloudok.us.

s k r a P a e Golf & Ar FireLake Golf Course FireLake Golf Course always offers something new.

The 6,335 yard course is lined with native grass and water hazards. FireLake boasts champion Bermuda greens on all 18 holes.

Amenties include a clubhouse with cafe, a pro-shop and bar, where the event space hosts two evenings of live entertainment and dinner each month.

FireLake now houses two course dogs to look over the fairway. In 2019, FireLake Golf Course welcomed its new puppy, Brodie — a co-worker with its other dog, a chocolate lab named Scout. Now Scout is teaching Brodie how to chase geese away and what else to look for out on the greens.

More information can be found by calling 405.275.4471 or visiting www.

FireLakeGolf.com.

Shawnee is also home to the Elks Country Club and Golf Course and the Shawnee Country Club, which offer amenities and memberships.

If traditional golf isn’t your game, FireLake Mini-Putt has fun for all ages.

10 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

The Memorial at Woodland Veterans Park The Oklahoma Veterans Memorial, at 407 N. Broadway, is on the southwest corner of Woodland Park — just north of the old Carnegie Library building and Pottawatomie County Courthouse. Veterans’ names are engraved on brick pavers purchased by donors. These pavers form a walkway in the shape of a five-pointed star, with each point representing one branch of the military. The park is a place of solitude and reflection where one can remember those who are serving our country or have served in the past. Dedicated benches, two memorials representing each of the world wars, and an archway over the entrance are carved from black, polished granite. Displays in the park include a (1965 UH-1 “Huey”) helicopter once used during the Korean Conflict. Flags are flown for each of the military branches.

According to Visit Shawnee Inc., at visitshawnee.com, the memorial site at Woodland Veterans Park in downtown Shawnee is patterned after a concept first drawn by local veteran Tom Smith. The 11-year project to honor fallen Oklahoma veterans was completed mid-December of 2016.

The last addition to the memorial was a group of 10 black granite panels that are each 6 feet wide, 6 feet tall and about eight inches thick. Bill Ford, with the Veterans Memorial Committee, said each panel weighs 5,400 pounds and the grouping displays the names of more than 7,000 Oklahoma military members who have died in combat since the Spanish-American War. Names were compiled and verified by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense, then the list was given to the committee.

Visitors enter through a 26,000-pound solid granite archway that includes etchings of soldiers representative of World War I and II. The cost of the memorial project is estimated to be more than $500,000.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKLYN WAYLAND

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 11

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Shawnee Parks Shawnee boasts many community and neighborhood parks for families to enjoy.

According to the City of Shawnee website, at shawneeok.org, the community has 36 parks, including the Shawnee Twin Lakes. The Parks Department maintains 610 acres of green space.

The parks range in size and landscape, and green spaces are available for open play.

Amenities include playground equipment, picnic areas, walking paths, ball fields and courts, splash pads, a swimming pool, dog parks and a skateboard park.

Woodland Veterans Park and Farrall Park are the first two recorded parks in Shawnee — dating back to 1892.

Boy Scout Park

Some of the area’s major parks include: • KidSpace, 3.5 acres at the corner of Center and Wayne • Rotary Boy Scout, 9.12 acres at the corner of Main and Pesotum • Woodland Veterans, 6.87 acres at the corner of Broadway and Highland • Dean Weigant, 4 acres at the corner of Leo and Rosa • Lion’s Club, 19.22 acres at the corner of Federal and Airport Drive • Optimist Club, 2.62 acres at the corner of 34th and Market • Dunbar, .76 acre at the corner of Hayes and Oklahoma

Dean Weigant Park

• Farrall, 4.17 acres at the corner of Hayes and Park

In Tecumseh • Slick Humphrey, 901 W. Walnut • Skate Park, 715 W. Walnut • Charles Martin Park, 515 N. Third • Tecumseh Lake Park and Pavilion, 39698 Benson Park Road PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY O. MISA

Dunbar Park

Shawnee KidSpace and Skate Park

Woodland Park

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 13

When our name goes on a real estate sign, it means something. It’s a promise of integrity, professionalism, innovation and the highest standard of work. Berkshire Hathaway is one of the most respected names in real estate, and we don’t take that lightly. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the name buyers and sellers can trust. We are honored to be voted Best of the Best, and look forward to serving Shawnee and the surrounding areas for many years to come.

Get to know us at: BHHSBenchmark.com

Benchmark Realty

3601 N. Harrison Shawnee 405-275-8182

406 N. Broadway Tecumseh 405-598-2126

©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc®. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

14 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Wineries

Wineries are an up and coming industry in Oklahoma, with several vineyards now established around the state. One local option for the curious is the Sparks Vineyard and Winery, located about five miles east of Sparks at 351310 E. 970 Road in Lincoln County.

The tasting room and store is open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Call ahead, at 918.866.2529, to find out more information.

In addition, there are special events scheduled during the year. Some past events have included a water color paintin session and a gourd art workshop. The vineyard and winery also sets up booths at some events.

Those interested can keep an eye out for upcoming events on the Facebook page, Sparks Vineyard & Winery. Information on the different types of wines, prices and where they are available can also be found on the Sparks Vineyard and Winery website, www.sparksvineyard.com.

Our Team of Physicians Look Forward to the Opportunity to Serve You Established in 1995, Southwest Orthopaedic & Reconstructive Specialists has developed into the foremost orthopaedic practice in Oklahoma with an extensive selection of surgeons specializing in hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, joint replacement surgery, trauma & fracture care, pediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, plastic & cosmetic surgery and non-surgical care.

R.J. Langerman, Jr., D.O.

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Trauma & Fracture Care, Arthroscopic Hip, Knee, Shoulder, and Elbow Surgery, Joint Replacement

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General Orthopaedics, Hand & Wrist Surgery

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Brad Reddick, D.O. Adult Reconstruction (Hip & Knee Replacement), Trauma & Fracture Care, General Orthopaedics

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 15

s m u e s u Area M

Pottawatomie County Museum and Historical Society

The Pottawatomie County Museum and Historical Society stands within the shadows of the old railroad tracks and within the old Santa Fe Depot, completed in 1904, where at one point in history trains would come through every 10-15 minutes.

The museum, located at 614 E. Main St. in Shawnee, has history spilling out the doors; even the brick pavers you drive across to get to the museum were saved from the original 1905 Shawnee Main Street.

There’s so much history that the historical society has built a new 12,572 square foot building to expand the museum’s treasures even more and house the priceless artifacts forced to sit in storage, unseen by the public.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKLYN WAYLAND

Funds are still being raised to complete the newest building of The Pottawatomie County Museum and Historical Society. To get more information about the museum or to make a donation, visit pottcountymuseum.org or call 405.

275.8412.

16 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is located on the campus of the former St. Gregory’s University, 1900 W. MacArthur in Shawnee, and is one of the oldest museums in the state.

Father Gregory Gerrer, for whom the museum is named, was a Benedictine monk of artistic talent.

During his travels to Europe, Africa and South America, he collected objects of artistic and ethnological value.

The museum is home to an encyclopedic collection of over 6,000 artworks and artifacts, spanning 8,000 years of human history and a diverse array of world cultures.

The museum’s permanent collections include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects; art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century; and large holdings of Native American African/Oceanic and Eastern cultural artifacts.

In addition, the museum offers special exhibitions throughout the year.

Programs at the museum also reach thousands of students each year with various educational and art programs.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.mgmoa.org for more information.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKLYN WAYLAND

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 17

The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum Located in Seminole, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum is a fun day trip activity for families and students. Acting as a place “where children play to learn and adults learn to play,” Jasmine Moran offers several interactive exhibits demonstrating various jobs and occupations.

From acting as a judge to starring on a television show, for 26 years, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has allowed children to use their imagination and learn what they can be when they grow up.

A 12,000 square foot Castle Maze provides exploratory experiences for those who like a physical challenge.

ELISABETH SLAY

Book a birthday party, buy a souvenir from the gift shop or grab a bite at Jasmine’s Eatery…there’s lots to do at the museum. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

TINA BRIDENSTINE

ELISABETH SLAY

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18 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Eagle Aviary The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary houses eagles rescued from the wild for rehabilitation and then taken care of for the remainder of their lives. Tours are available by appointment only, 405.275.3121.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center The Cultural Heritage Center reopened in January 2018, with new interactive displays on the museum floor providing hands-on learning in a fun, modern format. The galleries feature new items that explain the history of the Potawatomi as well as present traditions.

The gift shop offers new items and more is also available at giftshop.potwatomi. org.

The CHC also continually expands the Veterans Wall of Honor and the specially crafted cases filled with photos and memorabilia in the Long Room, both honoring Potawatomi who have served in the U.S. military.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information go to www. potawatomiheritage.com.

Chandler museums Chandler, in nearby Lincoln County, is home to both the Route 66 Interpretative Center, 400 E. 1st, and the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History, 719 Manvel Avenue.

For more information: www.route66interpretivecenter.org/ www.okpioneermuseum.org/ 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 19

Antiquing

Lobo’s

Car Wash & Detail Tires & Wheels 514 N. Harrison Shawnee OK

405-274-2525 405-816-1320

$1.00 OFF ADMISSION 405.878.5300 1900 W. MacArthur • Shawnee, OK

www.mgmoa.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISABETH SLAY

Shawnee is home to several different antique stores carrying a myriad of items. Shawnee offers plenty for those who love the old and the unique. Scattered throughout town, there are several shops with their own unique story of ownership and each has its own charm, but together they provide shoppers the opportunity to visit the past while in the present.

The Clinic Pharmacy C

Working hard to improve your quality of life.

Find us on:

3210 Kethley Road Shawnee, OK 74804

T

P

Open 7 Days a Week!

273-9417

www.tcpshawnee.com

Thank you, Shawnee for making us your Favorite Steakhouse, Fine Dining, and All Around Favorite Dining. 5 Years Running!

Steak, Seafood & Grill

Paul’s Place

STEAKHOUSE

120 W. MacArthur St. • Shawnee, OK 74804

275-5650

Hours: Tues.-Fri. Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tues.-Thurs. Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Closed Sunday & Monday

www.paulsplacesteakhouse.com

20 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

s t n e v E l a Annu Spring

Arts Trek Arts Trek takes place every April at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, located on the OBU Green Campus at 1900 W. MacArthur.

The arts festival pulls in local artists and crafters who display and demonstrate their work, but also performers. Some performances in past years have included local bands, belly dancers, traditional Scottish music and Native American dancers.

There are also booths, including food vendors and local wineries. There are also plenty of activities for children, including face painting and arts and crafts activities.

The event, which began in 2010, is free and family friendly.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA BRIDENSTINE

Spring

Redbud Night on the Bricks In April 2016, Shawnee created a new community event — one to honor its heritage and bring families together as neighbors.

Redbud Night on the Bricks is a new festival that Visit Shawnee Inc. and Safe Events for Families unveiled.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY O. MISA

The theme of the festival plays on Shawnee’s 1941 designation as the Redbud City of Oklahoma by the state Legislature.

Hundreds of attendees are treated to a free dinner and entertainment along Shawnee’s Main Street.

Residents are also welcome to bring their own meals or purchase one at any of the downtown restaurants that are open during the event.

Locals are greeted to a day filled with performances, vendors, bounce houses and music.

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 21

BECAUSE LIFE CAN GET A LITTLE CRAZY

TALK TO US. FIRST. You live life on the go, between work, travel, PTA appointments and herding cattle (or kids).

Having banking services at your fingertips is a requirement. Download our mobile app.

Visit our website. You don’t have to come to us, we’ll come to you.

405-275-8830 FNBOKLA.bank 22 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Spring

Prague Kolache Festival Always held the first Saturday in May, the Prague Kolache Festival is a popular celebration in nearby Lincoln County. Every year, visitors are able to watch the parade featuring local bands, dancers, organizations and more. There is an arts and craft show, carnival and various food trucks. However, the biggest attraction of the event is the opportunity for everyone to eat the beloved Czechoslovakian pastry, the Kolache.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISABETH SLAY

Monthly

Downtown Block pARTy

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY O. MISA

Boasting a festival vibe, on certain nights for the past couple years, passersby can trek downtown to hear musicians play for dozens of customers at a local restaurant. Around the corner on Main Street, they might see children dancing to guitar music near the library. They could join a full house at another eatery and perhaps experience the sounds of a jazz orchestra. Down a couple blocks they could take in artwork at an area gallery. In between, they could stop in for pie or dinner.

It is called Downtown Block pARTy, and the experience is a family-friendly event that happens every third Friday night of the month.

The block party –– also nicknamed third Friday –– is part of Shawnee’s Safe Events for Families organization (SEFF).

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 23

Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center Shawnee’s Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, with its fairgrounds and conference center, is the home of many events each year.

Two annual events — the Pottawatomie County Free Fair in September and the International Finals Youth Rodeo in July — are likely the first events to come to mind, but many other events, from livestock shows to RV rallies, horse shows and more are held at the expo center.

The expo center sits on 52 acres of fairgrounds with an outdoor arena seating 7,500 people and a 19,200 square feet indoor area seating 1,000.

The expo also offers 152,400 square feet of exhibit space and includes an RV park and four comfort stations containing showers, washers, dryers and restrooms.

The sun sets during the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in 2019.

NATE BILLINGS / THE OKLAHOMAN

Additionally, a contemporary conference center is equipped with wireless Internet, onsite catering and concessions.

For more information, go to www.shawneeexpo.org.

Locals relax with the livestock at the Pottawatomie County Free Fair.

GIBSON & REYNOLDS, P.C. Certified Public Accountants Est. 1984

Tax Professionals Ready When You Need Us James M. Reynolds C.P.A.

VICKY O. MISA

Do you have an event to plan and need a venue?

WHATEVER THE OCCASION, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED From weddings to corporate meetings we are the place for you!

Clinton C. Parker C.P.A.

100 W. 9th Street • Shawnee (405) 275-5110 915 Jim Thorpe Blvd. • Prague (405) 567-2235 www.grbpc.com

www.occasionsok.com 405-306-6271

24 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Summer

The Farming Heritage Festival The Farming Heritage Festival is a two-day event held each June featuring antique tractors, farming equipment, bounce houses and more. Since 1998, the event has been held at the Shawnee Mills Feed Center. Residents can learn about Oklahoma’s farming heritage with activities such as demonstrations, a tractor pull and a tractor parade.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISABETH SLAY

July

The McLoud Blackberry Festival The McLoud Blackberry Festival began in the 1940s to celebrate the end of harvest season for the local cash farm crop.

With baking contests, food eating contests, pageants, a parade and more, the Blackberry Festival is an entertaining event for families each summer in McLoud.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIANDHARA BONNET

Summer

Fourth of July Parade Every year members of the Shawnee community gather in Downtown Shawnee to celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade. From motorcycles to horse drawn carriages to firetrucks, several organizations participate.

SIANDHARA BONNET

ELISABETH SLAY

ELISABETH SLAY

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 25

24 HOUR ON CALL MEDICARE CERTIFIED RNs & LPNs • SOCIAL WORKERS COUNSELORS • CHAPLAINS HOME HEALTH AIDES • VOLUNTEERS INFUSION THERAPY BLOOD TRANSFUSION HYPNOTHERAPY • MASSAGE THERAPY

275-8300 • 421 NORTH BEARD • SHAWNEE 26 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Summer

FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest In August, Shawnee is home to the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest, held on the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. The event brings live performers, giant kites and a display of hot air balloons.

Balloons dance through the skies of Shawnee during the event, with the weekend filled with fun, food and more.

For more information, visit FirelakeBalloonFest. com

Summer

Cops N Kids Every August the Shawnee Police Department organizes a Cops N Kids event, the resurrection of a long-ago community-wide celebration encouraging interaction between first responders and local children. The event draws hundreds of attendees.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIANDHARA BONNET

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 27

Fall

Planes, Trains and Automobiles When it’s fall in Shawnee, it’s time for Planes, Trains and Automobiles. With events at both Shawnee Regional Airport and the Santa Fe Depot on Main Street in Shawnee, there is plenty to see and do, from watching a fly-in air show to seeing trains and vintage automobiles.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIANDHARA BONNET

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28 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

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Fall

Tecumseh Frontier Days The annual Tecumseh Frontier Days celebration pays tribute to the city’s land run, which took place in September of 1891.

There is always food, live music, a parade, games and the Miss Frontier Days coronation.

BILLY BROWN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIANDHARA BONNET

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 29

Fall

Boo on Bell Boo on Bell is a fall celebration downtown where residents can take part in a Zombie march, costume contests — for both pets and humans — and festival.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY O. MISA

Winter

Christmas Parade The first week of December, Shawnee’s biggest winter celebration — the annual downtown Christmas parade, touted as the state's largest nighttime parade — meanders through the downtown area to the joy and excitement of hundreds of viewers.

Spreading out several bandstands along the route enables people to fan out and get a better view, while being able to hear about the floats from emcees.

VICKY O. MISA

SIANDHARA BONNET

30 2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Earn a master’s degree locally or online, and • Advance your career, • Increase your leadership skills, and • Make an impact for the Kingdom in your work.

Two ON-CAMPUS Programs – Evening Classes Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Business Administration (also offered online)

Four ONLINE Programs Master of Science in Nursing Master of Business Administration (also offered on campus) Master of Arts in Christian Studies Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

500 W. University

/OBUGradCollege

| Shawnee, OK 74804 | 405.585.4601 | graduateinfo@okbu.edu

@OBUGradSchool

okbu.edu/graduate

2019 WISH YOU WERE HERE – DISCOVER SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA 31

SHAWNEE 1939 N HARRISON | 3443 N KICKAPOO 302 N BROADWAY

McLOUD 508 W BROADWAY

TECUMSEH 1213 GORDON COOPER DR

405.273.1000 www.bancfirst.bank