Only in OKlahoma Show

Today we are discussing The McLoud Blackberry Festival in McLoud, Oklahoma.

The McLoud Blackberry Festival, which began in the early 1940s, is one of the oldest food festival in the state of Oklahoma. Originally a celebration of the local cash farm crop, blackberries, the festival combined with an annual town picnic to form a larger event. The town received national media coverage in 1949 when the McLoud Blackberry Growers Association and the McLoud Chamber of Commerce sent a crate of berries via overnight air freight to President Harry Truman. He said they were "the best he had ever tasted" and declared McLoud to be the "Blackberry Capital of the World". The association disbanded in 1963 due to a poor market, and farmers moved on to a more lucrative crop, but the festival continues to be an exciting event for the city and now draws tens of thousands of attendees from across the nation. Enjoy quarts of fresh blackberries as well as dozens of other treats like blackberry jam, blackberry cobbler, blackberry cinnamon rolls, blackberry snow cones, and funnel cakes topped with, of course, blackberries. Blackberry-themed drinks include sodas, teas, lemonade, "wine-aritas," beer and, of course, wine. The festival also includes carnival rides, craft vendors, food trucks, a huge parade through downtown, live music (with The Great Divide headlining Saturday night), a 5K and fun run, and more. See if you have what it takes at the "Cobbler Gobbler" eating contest, and enter your blackberry creation into the baking contest to see if you can take home top honors. This family-friendly event concludes with a dazzling fireworks display on Saturday night.

McLoud was founded in 1895 with the first post office opening on June 21st. It was named for John W. McLoud, a railroad attorney. McLoud became known as the Blackberry Capitol of the World during the 1940s after President Harry Truman was sent a crate of blackberries by the Blackberry Growers' Association. McLoud is a rural community with small town charm and the convenience of large town proximity. Among the small town charm are friendly faces seen among town at local shops and restaurants.

Also discussed Dollar Tree, Think Ability, Marietta, Governor J. Kevin Stitt, and McLoud Chamber of Commerce.

Special thanks to our partner, Think Ability.

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Today we have an interview with Rick Nolan with the OHA about the 2025 Deer Conference and Expo in OKC.

Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers is a non-profit and non-government organization dedicated to serving the vibrant community of sports men and women across our great state. Founded with a passion for preserving Oklahoma's rich hunting and fishing heritage, we are committed to enhancing the hunting and fishery resources that make our state a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Oklanoma Deer Hunting Conference and Expo will bring together over 300 hunters that share a common interest, deer hunting. The Conference offers 30 +/- different deer hunting topics, presented in five one-hour sessions, each lead by subject matter experts. Each session is presented in a safe space for attendees to learn evidenced based knowledge, proven tactics and strategies and offer an opportunity get their questions answered. Hunters of all skill levels benefit from the conference. New and early onset Hunters, novice hunters as well as experienced hunters enjoy a day of deer hunting information, education, fellowship, and fun.

Named one of the Best Places to Visit by Frommer's Travel and Travel + Leisure, Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you'd expect in a modern metropolis. And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as "Horse Show Capital of the World," it's rich in cowboy culture, as well. From family fun to romantic retreats to outdoor adventures you won't find anywhere else, Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle.

Also discussed MetroTech and Tatanka Ranch.

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Today we are discussing a unique way to stay at Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma.

Turner Falls Park in Davis, OK is an adventurous and family friendly annual destination nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains. From Dr. Collings' Rock Castle to the 77ft waterfall and more, Turner Falls Park offers unforgettable fun for the whole family. It's also a convenient and entertaining stop for those passing through with picnic areas, RV hook-ups and camping locations. So swing on down to Turner Falls Park and take advantage of the cool springs and rugged wilderness activities.

Davis is located in scenic, south-central Oklahoma. Full of natural beauty, Davis is home to Turner Falls Park, one of the state's tallest waterfalls, with 77-foot falls that drop into a refreshing swimming hole. Full of wildflowers and breathtaking scenery, both Turner Falls Park and the Arbuckle Mountains are popular camping areas in the region. See the Arbuckle Mountains from a different vantage point and get your adrenaline pumping by zip-lining 1,700 feet at Air Donkey Zipline Adventures. Davis also offers opportunities for ATV and off-road motocross riding at Cross Bar Ranch Off-Road Park, as well as Bedre Fine Chocolate tours, where you're sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while sampling Oklahoma-made gourmet chocolates. Get in touch with the area's past at the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum of Davis, and attend the Arbuckle Mountain Fall Bluegrass Jam with the whole family.

Also discussed Misfit Pits BBQ, Bristow, Cafe 75, Z94FM, and Mounds, Oklahoma.

Special thanks to our partner, Enid SOS.

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Today we are discussing the 43rd annual Rose Rock Festival in Noble, Oklahoma.

Come to the Rose Rock Music Festival in downtown Noble for a fun-filled weekend featuring plenty of family activities. Visitors to this event will enjoy a carnival with popular carnival rides, a car show, poker run and more. Enjoy browsing through booths filled with arts and crafts, and peruse plenty of food booths for tasty treats. Watch the Rose Rock Idol contest to see who walks away with the title. Don't miss the parade on Saturday, and enjoy a wide variety of live musical entertainment featuring local bands throughout the three-day Rose Rock Music Festival.

Located immediately south of Norman, Noble is a charming small town within minutes of most of the Oklahoma City metro area. Noble was formed as part of the great land run of April 22, 1889. Noble is located just east of the South Canadian River and was one of the original towns formed along the Santa Fe Railroad on April 22, 1889. For years Noble was home to a busy railroad depot, several cotton gins, hotels and a thriving Main Street business District.

Also discussed Heavenlee BBQ, VisitOKC, Cafe 75, Southern Living Magazine, BlackTop BBQ, Olympics and The Oklahoman.

Special thanks to our partner, Friends of Nicoma Park.

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Today we are discussing the Paseo Arts Festival in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The annual Paseo Arts Festival in Oklahoma City showcases the original works of over 90 visual artists in the historic Paseo Arts District. One of the largest arts festivals in the state, festival guests can view many different types of art, including photography, paintings, wood pieces, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture. See innovative works by regional and national artists at this exciting festival.

Hear a variety of music while you browse art, as two stages will showcase local talent of all genres. The North Stage features singer/songwriters, bluegrass guitarists, and folk and country music among other genres. The South Stage shines a spotlight on dancers and heavier musical acts as well as some returning arts festival favorites. Head to the stage at The Paseo Plunge, which will feature spoken word and standup comedy performances.

Enjoy plenty of activities for everyone. Kids can make their own art in the free children's area with sculptures, spin art and more. The historic Paseo Arts District is also home to more than a dozen art galleries, several restaurants and multiple specialty shops, all of which will be open during festival hours. Don't forget to sample the many drinks, snacks and meals available for purchase around the festival grounds.

Visitors can park at First Christian Church at 3700 N Walker Ave and take a free shuttle to the festival.

Named one of the Best Places to Visit by Frommer's Travel and Travel + Leisure, Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you'd expect in a modern metropolis. And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as "Horse Show Capital of the World," it's rich in cowboy culture, as well. From family fun to romantic retreats to outdoor adventures you won't find anywhere else, Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle.

Also discussed Heavenlee BBQ, Medicine Park, Paseo Arts District, William Shatner, Star Trek, HGTV and The Oklahoman.

Special thanks to our partner, Enid SOS.

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#PaseoDistrict #OKC #Festival #arts #medicinepark #shatner #tribbletroubadour #onlyinokshow #Oklahoma #podcast #traveloklahoma #travel #tourism

Today we are discussing the Strawberry Festival in Stilwell, Oklahoma.

The Stilwell Strawberry Festival is the longest continuous running event in Oklahoma. It's an event held the second Saturday in May, which celebrates the fruit that put us on the map - strawberries. Stilwell Foods once was the place that froze the delicious berries, grown over many acres across the county, and for sale at grocery stores.

Stilwell Kiwanis Club started the event, which began in 1947 and was a competition with each of the farms entering one of their berry pickers for the title of Strawberry Festival queen. Today the queen must be from the county and that contest is held in the spring.

Friday evenings of the Festival weekend now offers Stilwell's Got Talent. Following the competition a band performed last year. Saturday is a full day of fun for families and everyone. The morning begins early with a 5-K run, and includes a parade with marching bands, crowning of the Strawberry Queen, strawberry judging and a huge strawberry auction fund-raiser, live music, pony rides for kids, and tons of arts and crafts vendors. A carnival sets up on Wednesday and runs through Saturday night, and the rodeo is a highlight of the weekend.

The City of Stilwell, Oklahoma is home to global manufacturing, the longest consecutively running event in the state - the Strawberry Festival, parks, walking trails, biking trails, recreation, rivers, lakes and a 4,300 acre reserve, Hunt Mill Hollow Ranch.

Also discussed Heavenlee BBQ, Heavy D's Pizza, Luther Pecan Festival, Kiwanis, Lt Governor Matt Pinnell, Norman Medieval Fair, Catoosa Blue Whale, Catoosa, Fox 23, Route 66 Alliance, and Butcher BBQ.

Special thanks to our partner, Think Ability Inc.

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Is this the best Bar-B-Que sauce in the world?

Today we are discussing Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Donovan Fred Head, known as "Uncle Bud, was a Navy cook in World War II. He tinkered with the recipe and soon Uncle Bud had perfected the recipe and eventually started selling his sauce in local feed stores.

Danny Head bought the family recipe from Uncle Bud and founded Head Country Food Products Inc in 1977. Today they still have their orignal recipe and still made with the same ingredients.

Danny's BBQ Head Quarters—Ponca City - In 1945, Donovan 'Uncle Bud' Head had just returned to his Oklahoma home from serving as a cook on a naval destroyer in WWII. He brought with him recipes he whipped up aboard the ship using simple, wholesome ingredients. One of the recipes was a barbecue sauce that was an instant hit with everyone who tried it, thus Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce was born. The folks at Danny's BBQ Head Quarters in Ponca City put just as much thought into how the meat is prepared, so go expecting slow-cooked meats served by themselves or as a sandwich with a side of pickles and onions. Afterward, take home a bottle of Head Country, which comes in original, hickory smoke or hot.

Ponca City settlers claimed townsite certificates during the Cherokee Outlet Opening, and oil made it into the thriving cultural center it is today. Honor the brave women who settled Oklahoma at the Pioneer Woman Museum & Statue. Tour the Italian "Palace on the Prairie," the Marland Mansion & Estate, built by oil baron and Governor E.W. Marland. Dig deep into Ponca City's oil history at the Conoco Museum, honor Native roots at the Standing Bear Park, Museum & Education Center or go green with a tour of the Lester & Mary Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens.

Also discussed Stillwater, Google, and Dicintio's.

Special thanks to our partner, Friends of Nicoma Park.

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Today we are discussing Meadowlake Park in Enid, Oklahoma.

Meadowlake Park is one of Enid's largest parks covering 110 acres of land. The park offers many family attractions including a miniature train ride around the lake, a miniature golf course and an authentic carousel. There are also other kiddie rides including miniature cars and airplanes, a Ferris wheel, a walking path, picnic areas with shelters, a playground, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, horseshoes, biking trails and restrooms. Fishing is also a popular activity available in Meadowlake Park, and every member of the family can find an activity they enjoy.

Stake your claim on fun in Enid, a city with a fascinating history, vibrant shopping, unique dining and a bustling music scene. You'll find plenty of interesting things to do in Enid, Oklahoma. The historic town of Enid was a well-known watering hole and overnight stop along the Chisholm Trail before it opened for settlement as part of the Cherokee Strip land run. This heritage has left a lingering Old West flavor that mingles with modern amenities, from culinary delights to cultural richness.

Family fun flourishes in Enid, Oklahoma. Kids love spending a day at Leonardo's Children's Museum & Adventure Quest, a three-story play castle and hands-on museum. The whole family will enjoy the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, which highlights the Land Run and history of the area, from cowboys to oil barons. All ages are also invited to marvel at the incredible model train exhibits at the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma.

Feed your appetite for the arts at The Enid Symphony Center, home of the oldest symphony orchestra in the state, and the Gaslight Theatre, where acclaimed productions are staged year-round. Guests visit Enid's Chautauqua in the Park, one of the oldest Chautauqua events in Oklahoma, and an abundance of live music venues provide a vibrant nightlife and music scene. A host of festivals and events create even more compelling reasons to visit Enid and enjoy all it has to offer.

Also discussed Braum's, Kiwanis, Z94, Kelso and Texas.

Special thanks to our partner, Enid SOS.

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How are you celebrating the land run?

Today we are discussing 89er Days in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

The annual 89er Days Celebration commemorates the Land Run of 1889 and the birth of Guthrie. On April 22, 1889, tens of thousands of excited Victorian-era land seekers lined the borders of the Unassigned Lands of central Oklahoma in preparation for the first of five land runs in the state.

As Oklahoma's territorial capital, Guthrie's ongoing restoration efforts make the town's downtown area the largest Historic Preservation District in the nation. Take a trolley tour through downtown to find fascinating history, one-of-a-kind stores and more than a dozen bed and breakfasts housed in charming Victorian-era buildings, or hear the history behind local hauntings on a spooky Guthrie Ghost Walk. Discover the diverse collections of Guthrie's many museums, including the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library.

Also discussed Grand Ole Barbershop, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Las Vegas, Linq, Little White Chapel, Clark County Courthouse, Riverwind Casino, Winstar Casino, ABC Stores, Oklahoma Scottish Rite Masons, Rockler, and Wildcat Corner.

Special thanks to our partner, Friends of Nicoma Park.

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Today we are discussing Martin Park Nature Center in OKC, Oklahoma.

Created to provide nature education opportunities for Oklahoma residents, Martin Park Nature Center is a 140-acre nature park that combines recreation, education and wildlife. The Oklahoma City park features a hands-on nature center highlighting the animal life, flora and fauna of Oklahoma, as well as a picnic area, playground and a browsing library. Three hiking trails, a bird observation wall and a watch tower are on site. One trail, the INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Trail, features broadened walkways and boardwalks suitable for visitors in wheelchairs with other mobility limitations. Cottontail rabbits, deer, owls, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, opossum, skunk, coyote, muskrat, beaver, armadillo and a variety of birds make Martin Park their home. Hiking trails lead visitors around a large pond, along the bubbling Spring Creek, beside wildflower meadows and through the park's woodlands. General admission is free, but groups and guided hikes must be booked in advance.

Named one of the Best Places to Visit by Frommer's Travel and Travel + Leisure, Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you'd expect in a modern metropolis. And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as "Horse Show Capital of the World," it's rich in cowboy culture, as well. From family fun to romantic retreats to outdoor adventures you won't find anywhere else, Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Enid SOS.

Subscribe to the Only in OK Show.

#martinparknaturecenter #OKC #NWS #NOAA #nature #outdoors #onlyinokshow #Oklahoma #podcast #traveloklahoma #historic #travel #tourism