Hot off the Press!

Oklahoma Today - Main Street edition

Oklahoma Today magazine is an award winning publication that Oklahomans esteem highly.  We love it.  I personally read it cover to cover every issue.  But, the next issue I will probably read many times.  The January/February publication is headlined as “The Complete Guide to Oklahoma’s 42 Main Street Communities” and indeed it is.  But more than that, it is a testimony to the process and the Main Street movement across the state and the nation.  There is even a section on what it takes to become an Oklahoma Main Street community and a page on the Four-Point Approach.  It is a colorful, beautiful edition of the magazine and in case you couldn’t tell, I am very excited about it. 

 In January, you should be able to access it on their website, OklahomaToday.com, and when you come to Oklahoma City for the National Conference in May you will get a copy at registration.  Below you will find a copy of the cover.  I am particularly fond of this cover because it shows very clearly buildings in need of renovation in Claremore, Oklahoma, along with buildings that have been renovated.  I think this further emphasizes the fact that Main Street is not a miracle cure but a process that works. 

Hope to see you in May!

The weather is here… it’s that time of year!!!

by Lindsey Galloway

The cold weather arrived just in time for this year’s round of holiday happenings on Oklahoma Main Streets.  Many events kicked off my favorite time of year on Main Street this week.  Parades, lightings, and even a visit or two from Santa himself have highlighted the hard work that’s occured this year, with more to come this weekend.  Here’s a run down of holiday events taking place across the state this weekend:

Atoka Main Street’s Santa Saturday:  Santa Claus himself will be at the intersection of Main and Court Streets from 12-4pm  taking pictures.  Bring your own camera or purchase a photo from Atoka Main Street for $5.00. Stick around afterwards for the Annual Christmas Parade.  Contact Carol at Atoka Main Street 580.889.MAIN or email carol@atokamainstreet.com

Duncan Main Street’s Annual Christmas Parade:  Check out “Santa’s Hot Rod Garage” this year as Santa cruises Downtown Duncan in his new “supped” up sleigh.  Parade starts at 3:00pm.  Head downtown early for great specials in participating businesses.  Stick around after the parade for the “Ginger Bread Dough Snow Ball Drop Event,”  where over $8,000 in cash and gift certificates will be given away on snowballs dropped from the sky. Contact Tammy at Main Street Duncan for more information 580.252.8696 or email mainstreetduncan@sbcglobal.net

Carriage rides are just one of the things at Sapulpa Main Street's Holiday Stroll. For more information on the event log onto www.sapulpamainstreet.com

Durant Main Street’s Skting on the Square: Durant Main Street is pleased to bring back an outdoor ice skating rink to Downtown Durant this Christmas season.  This unique ice skating rink will be December 5 through January 5.  The rink  opens at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting. The Downtown Holiday will be held in Downtown Durant throughout the day with carolers, entertainers, and a depiction of the first Christmas carnival on Market Square. For more information, call 580.924.1550 or e-mail ddow@durantmainstreet.org

Okmulgee Main Street’s Annual Festival of Lights Parade will be Saturday night at 7:00pm.  This parade continues to grow featuring floats, dignitaries and even some local celebrities.  Call the Okmulgee Main Street office at 918.758.1015 or email okmulgeemainstreet@sbcglobal.net for details.

Stockyards City Cowboy Christmas Parade:  100 Longhorn steer, rodeo cowboys, antique cars, dog & rescue groups, and native dancers make their way down the parade route this year at Stockyards City’s annual “Cowboy Christmas Parade.” ”A Cowboy Christmas” has become one of the most anticipated holiday events in the Oklahoma City area. After the parade each year, children are invited to visit the “Cowboy Santa” at the Rodeo Opry to take pictures and get a fun toy. Area merchants also take part in the festivities by having an annual window decorating contest.  For more information call 405.235.7267 or email Erin@stockyardscity.org

 Can’t make it to an actual event?  There are several communities that have light displays open for your convenience.  Altus, Ardmore, Guymon, Idabel, McAlester, Muskogee, Ponca City and Woodward just to name a few. 

The weather is here, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!  Enjoy it on your local Main Street and remember to shop local this holiday season.

OklaTrivia for 11.23.09

 In preparation for the National Main Street’s Conference coming to Oklahoma City in 2010, OklaTrivia offers a few insights for attendees of fun things to see and do while in the area. 

The Oklahoma Main Street Center Staff enjoys a water taxi ride on the bricktown canal

Happy Thanksgiving from the Oklahoma Main Street Center.  Above is a picture of our staff on one of the Water Taxis in downtown Oklahoma City, Bricktown.  The Water Taxis run throughout the Bricktown area and are a continual service like a bus.  You can board a Water Taxi every 10 – 15 minutes in either direction.  All Water Taxi Ambassadors narrate points of interest along the way.  They can be chartered for private groups.  Lunch and dinner cruises are also available by charter to groups of 10 or more.  So, if you are planning a group dinner during the National Main Streets Conference, you might want to consider the Water Taxis in Bricktown.  Cocktail cruises are available any time by charter.  There are 6 Water Taxi stops and it is a great way to see the new Land Run sculptures.  They are 1½ times life size and are very impressive.

Land Run Sculpture

 Bricktown is home to the Bricktown Ballpark which you can view from the Water Taxis on the canal.

Bricktown Ballpark

You can also see scenic landscaping,

Landscaping

 and, of course the corporate headquarters one our major conference sponsors, Sonic.

Oklahoma Main Street Staff in front of Sonic

Around the state…

The first weekend in October – and a weekend full of Festivals on Main Street.  Check out some of the things happening on Main Street this weekend:

Enid: First Friday/Oktoberfest

 

Shop Local Shop Downtown Enid.  Rocking T Carriage Rides around the Square and Polka Unit #5 playing live music at the Courthouse gazebo – both begin around 7:00 p.m.  Contact Main Street Enid at 580.234.1052 for more information.

 

Altus: Cotton Pickin’ Chili Cookoff

Enjoy Autumn in SW Oklahoma while you warm your taste buds on some of the finsest chili in the southwest while you enjoy agricultural displays and wagon rides.  Festivities take place on the courthouse square in Altus from 10-2.  Call 508.482.2277  for mor information.

Claremore: Dickens of a Ride

Set out on a 30, 50, 65 or 100 mile ride, or simply take the Family Fun Route. Pancake breakfast and registration starts at 6 so you can be on your way by 8! Enjoy a BBQ lunch when you get back. Claremore Main Street has all the details – call them at 918.342.0663.

Durant: Street Carnival

It’s time for the annual street carnival on Market Square.  Sure to be fun for all that are there. Durant Main Street 580.924.1550

Hobart: Pumpkin Palooza

While in SW Oklahoma, head to Hobart for everything pumpkin – including some pumpkin chunkin!  Call the Hobart Main Street Office at 580.726.4206 for more information. 

Idabel: Fall Fest

A fun filled family event that includes food, arts and crafts, kids games and much more! contact Idabel Main Street at 580.208.2000 for details!

Capitol Hill (Oklahoma City): Fiestas de las Americas

The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3rd, starting with a colorful parade and ending
with a nationally known entertainment group.  Fiestas de las Americas has been called the number one Multi-cultural Event in the State of Oklahoma. Please call Jeri Montgomery at 405.632.0133 or Jorge Hernandez at 405-606-8792 for further information.

Plaza District (Oklahoma City): Plaza District Festival

The festival highlights a wide array of performing artists, visual artists, live musicians and interactive art education and children’s activities. In evening, kick back and enjoy 4 spotlight bands from the Oklahoma City music scene with the 2nd Annual Plaza District Music Fest! Call Kristen at 405.308.5991 for details.

There you are .  A sampling of the wonderful things happening on Oklahoma Main Streets this weekend.  Can’t make it to an event?  It’s a great weekend to simply shop your nearest Main Street. Have a good one!

 

 

 

In Hobart, “This Place Matters”

2009 Friend of Main Street

Oklahoma Main Street Announced Friend of Main Street

Al Steven of Muckogee has been named the 2009 Friend of Main Street by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Al has been employed at OG&E for 35 years. His cuurently serves as the Community Affairs Manager for Muskogee and the surrounding area. Al has had the opportunity to serve on numerous boards and civic organizations. While in western Oklahoma he served on Main Street boards in Alva, Shattuck, and Woodward. He served on various committees as well as chairman of the Woodward Board.

“I have worked with Al on community projects at the local level and there is truly no one more commited to community success than he is,” said Linda Barnett, Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Since moving to Muskogee, Al has helped organize the Downtown Muskogee Main Street program and served as their first chairman. Al is also chairman of Muskogee Development and is on the Establish Business and Industries committee. Al serves on the executive committee for the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce where he is al also treasurer.

Other community organizations Al is currently active include Rotary, Lions Club, CASA, Habitat for Humanity, and the Ft. Gibson Chamber of Commerce. Al was recognized in 2008 as the Muskogee Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

Al Stevens graduated from Bethany Nazarene College, now Southern Nazarene University, with a BS in business where he met his wife Sandy of 37 years. They have three married children, Jason, Misty, and Jenny. Also, they are the proud grandparents of four, Jaley, Kaleb, Bryant, and Grant.

Al will be honored at the 20th Annual Main Street Awards Banquet to be held May 19, 2009 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. For more information call 405.815.5379.

Since 1986, over 60 participating Oklahoma Main Street communities have generated more than $616 million in total public and private reinvestment, created more than 11,400 new jobs and helped in the development of almost 3,650 new or expanded small businesses.

For more information about the Oklahoma Main Street Program, please contact the Oklahoma Main Street Center at 405-815-5271 or send an email to mainstreetstaff@OKcommerce.gov.

Top Three Announcement

Oklahoma Main Street announced the top three finalists in 22 awards categories this morning.

“With over 250 competitive nominations, each finalist should feel as though they have already won. These nominations represent the best people, projects and activities in our 41 communities across Oklahoma,” said Linda Barnett, Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Each category falls under one of the Four Points in the Main Street Approach – Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring.

The first place winner in each category will be announced at the annual awards Main Street Awards Banquet to be held May 19, 2009 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The Top Three Nominees are:

Organization

Program Manager of the Year –

Altus – Amy Jo Cobb

Durant – Donna Dow

El Reno – Codie Finnigan

Premier Partner –

Ardmore – The Market Place on Broadway

Enid – Park Avenue Thrift

RedFork – Webster High School

Best Community Education/Public Awareness –

Durant – Skating on the Square

Newkirk – Main Street Week

Wilburton – Visitors Guide

Best Volunteer Development Program –

Durant – Durant Main Street Organization Committee

Enid – Vance Air Force Base Volunteers for Main Street Enid

Hobart – Hobart Junior Main Street “Big Bang Day”

Main Street Hero –

Mangum – Neil Kane

Newkirk – Caryl Morgan

Pauls Valley – Bill Humphrey

Best Creative Fundraising Effort –

Duncan – Cruisin’ the Chisholm Trail

Mangum – Making New Memories: Park Fundraising Campaign

Talihina – Spring Street Carnival

Best Main Street Youth Involvement –

Durant – Durant High School Service Learning Project

Hobart – Hobart Junior Main Street Program “Big Bang Day”

Wilburton – Historic Building T-Shirt Contest

Promotion

Premier Special Event –

El Reno – 20th Annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival

Hobart – Pumpkin Palooza & Punkin’ Chunkin Contest

Wilburton – Green Frog Festival

Best Retail Event –

Enid – First Friday

Newkirk – Snow Ball Drop

Stockyards City – Cowboy Christmas Parade

Outstanding Image Promotion –

Newkirk – Downtown Design Development

Newkirk – Walking Tour Brochure

Ponca City – “Destination Downtown” Cable Commercials

Creative New Event –

Durant – Skating on the Square

Mangum – Main Street Farmer’s Market

Wilburton – Green Frog Festival

Outstanding Web Presence –

Duncan – www.myspace.com/mainstreetduncan and www.mainstreetduncan.net

Plaza District – “Family of Online Tools”

Sayre – www.sayremainstreet.com

Design

Best Public Improvement Project –

Newkirk Main Street – Kay County Courthouse Roof

Sapulpa Main Street – Creek County Courthouse

Watonga Main Street, Inc. – Main Street Centennial Park

Best Interior Design Project –

Ardmore Main Street Authority – Main Street Wine Depot

Enid – Scribner’s Art Gallery

Newkirk Main Street – The Spot

Best Façade Rehabilitation Under $10,000 –

Hobart Main Street Program – General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute & Museum

Talihina Main Street – Treats and Treasures

Watonga Main Street Inc. – Stewart Real Estate Building

Best Façade Rehabilitation Over $10,000 –

Durant Main Street – Main Street Coffee Bar

Muskogee – Severs Block

Sapulpa Main Street – Creek County Courthouse

Best Window Display –

Altus Main Street – Lady Austin’s

Claremore Main Street, Inc. – My Doll Castle

Okmulgee Main Street Inc. – The Nutrition Shoppe

Best Building/Business Signage –

Muskogee – McEntee’s Jewelry Sign/Surety Building

Newkirk Main Street – Historic Cline building

RedFork Main Street, Inc. – RedFork Crossing

Economic Restructuring

Best Adaptive Reuse Project –

Claremore – 407 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

Hobart – Gen. Tommy Franks Leadership Institute & Museum

Newkirk – The Spot

Best Business Practices –

Altus – Crown Jewelry

Durant – Marie’s

Enid – Scheffe Prescription Shop

Stockyards City – Shorty’s Caboy Hattery

Best New Business Downtown –

Claremore – A Gallery of the Arts

El Reno – Oklahoma Vintage Guitar

Enid – Scribner’s Gallery & Studio

Poteau – Peppercorn Antique Mall

Downtown Business of the Year –

Altus – The Enchanted Door

Enid – Panevino Wine & Tapas Bar

Poteau – Bridgeman’s Furniture

And the Competition Begins

Yesterday, staff spent a good portion of the day checking and double checking and sorting the over 290 awards packets we received this year. Of those 290 carefully crafted nomination, 240 were in a competitive category – a new record for Oklahoma Main Street Communities.

Today the majority of those packets will continue on to the judges who will come together later this month to vote on the Top Three in each category.

Congratulations to everyone who submitted and good luck in the competition. We look forward to crowning the winners May 19 at the 20th Annual Main Street Awards Banquet.

Push-up Suckers and Peace on Earth

by Ron Frantz

 

 A framed photo arrived the other day in the mail.  From Philadephia.  A thank you note was tucked inside.  The photo captured just a fleeting moment of all of our lives.  Yet, as I looked at it, the meaning behind the photo spoke volumes.

 

 

Taken on November 7, 2009, the photo doesn’t capture the very windy, very cold day.  What it does show is a static view of warmth and fellowship.

 

As part of the Eisenhower Fellowship exchange program, a group came through Oklahoma City.  Created in 1953 as a birthday present for President Eisenhower, this is a global leadership network based on trust and shared experiences.  There was Leigh, the coordinator, who lives in Philadelphia.  Gema from Mexico.  Felipe from Brazil.  Maria from Chile.  Gustavo from Peru.  Except for one in the group, all of these very well educated, incredibly experienced, well traveled professionals were making their first trip ever to Oklahoma City and Oklahoma.  As part of their study program to learn about citizens who are involved making community decisions, we headed over to the Plaza District, an urban Main Street program along a short stretch of N.W. 16^th Street.  Our guides, Main Streeters Kristin, Aimee, and Jeff, talked with the group before walking us down the street to visit an artisan fabric shop, a rehabilitated movie theater, and other businesses. 

 

At the last stop, Curiosidades Guatemala Store that has a Guatemalan restaurant included, the group livened.  Maria, a mother of six, was able to buy two authentic Guatemalan dolls to add to her collection.  Guatemalan dolls—from her trip to Oklahoma City!  In the meantime, Gema found a treat from her home country, Recargado Reloaded Mexican Candy.  Excitedly, she bought one of these spicy push up suckers (as best as I can describe it) for each of us.  “You must try this.  It is the best.”  Trustingly, we all popped the tops, pushed up, and licked this spicy chili flavored candy.  The wind blew our hair and blew away our guards.  We forgot professional credentials and all matters of serious concerns.  We began to talk about our childhoods.

 

For this moment, as our tongues burned with spice and our minds yearned for an international exchange, we found the overwhelming power of common humanity—to learn, to grow, to share, to laugh.  No national borders.  No political barriers.  No language barriers.  Just a handful of people who met that morning and shared spicy push-up suckers.

 

The photo of our group on this corner of N.W. 16^th Street and Indiana Avenue led me to these thoughts:  “What if we all dropped our guards and really tried to learn about those around us?  What if we were all so open and trusting to try something new offered by someone new?  What if we were open to the possibilities that we used to dream about when sharing candy with our childhood friends?  What if we turned to laughter and smiles to create shared experiences?”

 

On this brisk, windy morning we found the warmth of new fellowships, just as President Eisenhower envisioned over 50 years earlier.  On this corner of a country facing major issues in a world with even bigger challenges, I saw what “Peace on Earth” is all about.                                                                                      

The Letters are in…

by Lindsey Galloway

 

Six communities and one urban district met the recent deadline for submitting a letter of intent to apply for the Oklahoma Main Street Program in 2009. 

 

The towns of Alva, Atoka, Eufaula, Ft. Gibson, Laverne and Stroud as well as the Midtown District in Oklahoma City all sent formal letters stating they are working towards submitting a formal application to the program in January. 

 

“Thank you for your encouragement and advice,” reads the Stroud letter of intent.  “Through Main Street designation we believe that we can make great progress toward our goal of making Stroud…. The Place to Be!”

 

The letters of intent is not a guarantee the community or district will in fact apply, but simply notifies the state program they are working towards completion of the requirements for the application.

 

“Seven communities are actively pursuing Oklahoma Main Street designation and we are pleased that they are all willing to make the commitment,” said Linda Barnett, Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce.  “It looks to be a very competitive year.”

 

Each of the interested parties fulfilled the first requirement in September, by having two representatives from their community at the Main Street Application Workshop.  Nearly 20 communities attended this year’s workshop. 

 

For more information on the Oklahoma Main Street Center call 405.815.5271 or log onto www.okcommerce.gov/mainstreet.