Arbuckle Simpson Nature Festival May 4-6, 2007

Blue River 5
Originally uploaded by gdsanders.

Arbuckle Simpson Nature Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tishomingo, OK Paddle The Oklahoma Arbuckles

Exploring Pontotoc Ridge Preserve; Blue River
Ecology; Nocturnal Creatures; For the Birds and Fish
Production are events being offered during the
Arbuckle Simpson Nature Festival, May 4, 5 and 6 in
Johnston, Pontotoc and Murray Counties.

This is the opportunity of a life-time,
announced Dr. Bill Pennington and Earl Brewer,
coordinators of the event. The Nature Festival is
offering a variety of tours and a lecture that should
appeal to everyone. We have one of the best areas for
viewing nature in Oklahoma and this event will
spotlight a natural resource not seen by most people,
Brewer stated.

Registration is now open for the 2 day event
which will originate from Murray State College. Event
fee is $25.00 per tour. Registration and information
can be obtained by contacting the Johnston County
Chamber of Commerce, 580-371-2175 or by visiting web
site: www.johnstoncountyok.org. Registration will
begin each day at 7:00 a.m. at the Murray State
College Student Union. Advance registrations are
recommended, as size of tours is limited.

The Nature Festival was organized by a coalition
of TREES (Tishomingo Refuge Ecology and Educational
Society), Murray State College, Johnston County
Chamber of Commerce, Chickasaw Nation Enterprises, The
Nature Conservancy, Tishomingo National Wildlife
Refuge, Blue River Hunting and Fishing Area; City of
Tishomingo; Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery and
Chickasaw National Recreational Area.

Two topic tours are offered twice a day; once in
the morning 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. and afternoon
sessions, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tours of 50 people
will travel by charter buses to the various locations.

Opening day, Friday, May 4, the first sessions
offered will be Exploring Pontotoc Ridge Preserve in
Pontotoc County and Blue River Ecology. Both tours
will leave Murray State College Student Union at 8:30
a.m., and travel to their respective sites.

Exploring Pontotoc Ridge Preserve offers five
different habitat community types: Crosstimbers
Forest, Bottomland Forest, Mixed-Grass Prairie;
Tallgrass Prairie and Limestone Outcrop and
Sinkholes, stated Earl Brewer, president of TREES
(Tishomingo Refuge Ecology and Educational Society).
A variety of species that might be seen include
Painted Buntings, Summer Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo;
Grass/Forbes, Hairy Grama, Little Bluestem, Purple
Coneflower; buttlerflies, and a variety of reptiles.
This is a guided trail hike led by Jim Herndon of the
Nature Conservancy . Hiking boots and binoculars are
recommended.

The Blue River Ecology tour will be held
northeast of Tishomingo led by Matt Gamble, fisheries
biologist. Participants will learn about the crystal
clear waters of the Blue River, formation process,
granite outcrops, fishing opportunities, need for
protection and the Seaside Alders. Hiking boots and
binoculars are also recommended for this tour.

A box lunch which includes a logo bag of the
Nature Festival will be available for a $10.00 fee.
Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the MSC
campus.

The afternoon tours will leave MSC campus at 1:00
p.m.

Friday night will feature a special Nocturnal
Event at Pennington Creek Park, Corbin Ranch and the
Tishomingo Wildlife Management Unit. Dr. Doug Wood,
Dr. Tim Patton and Dr. Bryon Clark from Southeastern
Oklahoma State University will lead the group to learn
about bats, nightjars, frogs and frog calls.
Participants will leave the MSC Student Union at 7:30
p.m. and the event is limited to 20.

Friday night will also feature a dutch treat
buffet meal at the Western Inn Restaurant in
Tishomingo. Exhibits of area wildlife photography
will be on display for the public to enjoy.

On Saturday a full day of events will begin with
an Early Morning Birding/Migratory Banding Station
at the headquarters of the Tishomingo Refuge beginning
at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Doug Wood and Jona Reasor TNWR
Wildlife Biologist will lead this group.

For the Birds will be a group session led by
Kris Patton, TNWF manager starting at 9:00 a.m. Patton
will give instruction on how to enjoy the beatufy of
birdlife around your home; improve the habitat: in
your yard; how to attract birds by placing bird
feeders, seed types; homes for birds, using bird
baths, what to plant native versus non-native, winter
shelter, protection from predators and how to use a
field guides. Earl Brewer will assist Patton on
Refuge Backyard Habitat, which includes the Cumberland
Pool and Cravens Nature Trail. This session will be
held once in the morning and again in the afternoon
starting at 2:00 p.m.

Fish Production of the paddlefish, alligator
gar, alligator snapping turtles and more will be
featured at the Tishomingo Fish Hatchery at Reagan
during Saturday sessions starting at 9:00 a.m. and
again at 2:00 p.m.
Pennington Creek Stream Ecology will give
participants information about aquatic life, Dr. Bill
Pennington stressed. The ecology field trip will
begin at 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Hip waders or
wading clothes are recommended for this field trip.
Ellen Tejan and Andrea Navesky, acquatic ecologists
with the Nature Conservancy will lead the field trip.

Lunch at noon will be at Sipokni West Cattle
Trail Restaurant with a chuck wagon style BBQ meal and
fixins for $12.50 per person. This will be a real
treat for our visitors to the area, commented Janis
Stewart, Johnston County Chamber of Commerce Director.

The Nature Festival participants will leave the
Old West setting at 1:30 p.m. to travel for the final
two tours of the day.

Saturday evening a dinner and program entitled
The Birds of Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
will feature Dr. Doug Wood, associate professor of
biological sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State
University. Dr. Wood teaches a wide range of courses
including ornithology, field ornithology, zoology,
conservation of natural resources, principles of
biology, geographic information systems (GIS) and
bioethics. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a
welcome from Dr. Bill Pennington, President of Murray
State College and Earl Brewer, President of TREES.
The cost will be $15.00 per person. Seating for the
dinner and presentation is limited to 100 people and
will be held at Murray State College Student Union
Center.

Sunday will conclude the event with a self tour
of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area at Sulphur.
In the Nature Center Auditorium you will learn about
the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer and how its life blood
flows through the springs of the historic Platt
District of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Presentation at the Nature Center is from 8:30
a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the field trip starts at 9:00
a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Hiking boots and binoculars are
recommended. Tour # 2 begins at9:30 a.m. until 11:00
a.m. and the field trip from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Visitors are encouraged to visit local eating
establishments in Sulphur.

For more information or to register for events
please contact the Johnston County Chamber of Commerce
at 580-371-2175.

Paddle The Oklahoma Arbuckles

Wine Country Murder Mystery in Stroud, Oklahoma

A TASTE FOR WINE & MURDER

Visit Stroud, Oklahoma this Spring and join the folks at StableRidge Winery in a Murder Mystery all about the wine country. Taste some great Made-in-Oklahoma wines and participate in the fun!

When: Saturday April 28th
Where: StableRidge Winery
Time: 4:30pm
Food: Heavy hors d'œuvres
Cost: $30.00 per person
Call for reservations: 1-800-359-3990

http://www.stableridgevineyards.com/

Pro Bull Rider's Rodeo in Ada May 4-5

The Professional Bull Riders are bucking into Ada May 4-5 for a weekend filled with rank bulls, high scores and big wrecks.

The Southern Oklahoma PBR Enterprise Classic begins each night at 8 at the Pontotoc County Agri-plex. The Southern Oklahoma event will showcase some of the most promising rising stars of the PBR, riding alongside fan favorites and veterans, as all competitors face-off against the most famous bucking bulls in the industry, including Versus, aka Stray Kitty, and Smooth Move.

For more information about Southern Oklahoma PBR Enterprise Classic contact Brenda Revels at (580) 235-0193 or email: brevels@cableone.net.

Oklahoma Wildlife Regulation Changes for 2007

Dripping Springs Trees
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission passed a host of hunting and fishing regulation changes at its regular meeting Monday, most notably a number of significant deer hunting regulation changes aimed at improving the health of Oklahoma's deer herd while providing additional hunting opportunities for antlerless deer.

Specific deer hunting regulation changes were:

The statewide combined season limit on antlered deer was reduced from three to two bucks.

Youth under the age of 18 will have the opportunity to harvest a buck during the Youth Gun Season.

For most of the state (antlerless zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), the number of days open to antlerless deer hunting was increased to include the entire muzzleloader season (Oct. 27 - Nov. 4) and the entire gun season (Nov. 17 - Dec. 2). Zone one, located in the Panhandle, will be open to antlerless deer hunting Nov. 17 and Dec. 2 (gun), while zone 10 in southeast Oklahoma will be open to antlerless deer hunting Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 2-4 (muzzleloader) and Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 2 (gun).

Special antlerless seasons for most of the state (antlerless zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) will be open Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. The Panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma are excluded. For a map of specific antlerless hunting zones, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

In antlerless deer harvest zone two, which includes much of northwest and north central Oklahoma, the antlerless deer bag limit for muzzleloader and gun seasons was increased to two antlerless deer. For a map of zone two, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say the changes should help in managing the state's deer herd while at the same time providing benefits to hunters.

"We are confident that the changes approved by the Commission will help create a more favorable buck-to-doe ratio, improve the health of the herd and give hunters more chances to harvest does, and hopefully nicer bucks," said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department.

Fight Oklahoma HB 1515 and SB 709

North Canadian River Banks at Pierce, Oklahoma.
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Ask Your lawmakers to Vote NO

HB 1515 is coming up for vote in the Oklahoma House. This bill is brought by the hog factory farm industry and, if passed, is a real threat to Tenkiller Lake. It removes protective setbacks for outstanding resource waters like Tenkiller. This is classic special interest legislation making it easier to locate huge, confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) near our best streams and lakes.

HB 1515 also reduces setback limits for public drinking water sources, National Parks, historic sites, and museums.

We can't sit by and let this bill go unopposed. Please call or email your legislators today (list below).

Also ask that your lawmakers vote NO on SB 709 defining animal waste as nonhazardous. This bill is unnecessary and only hampers the state's lawsuit against the out of state poultry factory farm industry. It is special interest legislation.

Oklahoma Blessed with Springtime Weather

Okmulgee Lake Country
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

I hope you have plans to get out and enjoy the Oklahoma outdoors this week. The forecasts are calling for a rainy weekend, but for now we are seeing temps in the upper 60's and low 70's. Local lakes like Okmulgee Lake (pictured here) offer plenty of privacy in the off-season making this a great time to get out and take some pictures.

Speaking of photography, my favorite photography website: Flickr.com has announced a great new feature: Comment Notifications!

If you've ever wondered,"Wouldn't it be grand to be notified when someone comments, tags or adds a note to my photos? "Well, wonder no more -- we've added a couple of new email notification options to your Account page.

You can now set up immediate alerts or receive daily or weekly email digests about new activity within your photostream, as well as set up an email alert when your contacts upload new photos.

To set up notifications, head over to your Account page. - Flickr Blog

Dianne and I love sharing our photos on flickr. It has introduced us to many new friends and improved our skills a great deal. In addition, it makes adding photos to our blogs and websites much easier and more efficient. Give Flickr a try sometime, we would love to have you as a contact!

Oscar Nominee Films in Tulsa

Oscar nominees for the category of Best Short Film will be shown February 16-22 at the Circle Cinema in Tulsa. The short films will be grouped into two sessions (live action and animated) with an intermission in between.

You can purchase a combo ticket for $10, or watch either session for the normal ticket price (evening: $7.75; matinees: $6).

Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave. More Info: http://www.circlecinema.com/

Spring Turkey Season Opens April 6 in Oklahoma

Wild Oklahoma Turkeys
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Spring turkey season opens April 6, so prospective hunters should enroll now in one of several hunter education classes offered in the months of February and March by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"We've got plenty of classes scheduled before turkey season opens," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. "Taking a class is a great first step to getting prepared for turkey hunting, but people should be scheduling the most convenient classes now so they will be ready to go when the hunting season arrives."

Hunter education classes cover a variety of topics including firearms safety, water safety, survival, archery, muzzleloading, hunter responsibility and wildlife conservation, management and identification.

Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1971 must successfully complete a hunter education class before purchasing a hunting license, unless exempt. For a list of exemptions, consult the "2007 Oklahoma Hunting Guide." Youth under 18 years old have the option of participating in the spring youth turkey season open March 31-April 1. The limit is one tom turkey, which counts toward their regular spring season limit. Hunters under 16 years old are exempt from purchasing a hunting license and fishing and hunting legacy permit. Unless exempt, youth turkey hunters must possess a turkey license while in the field.

Hunter education classes are free and are available as either an eight-hour classroom course or home-study course. Classes are scheduled at locations all across the state during February and March, so hunters planning to hunt turkeys in April or early May still have time to enroll. To see a complete listing of available courses, log on to the Wildlife Department's Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunted.htm.

Spring turkey season runs from April 6 to May 6 and offers a generous season limit of three tom turkeys. Hunters who are willing to travel can harvest their limit in one day, but they must be aware of which counties in Oklahoma have either a one- or two-tom limit. Turkeys thrive at many wildlife management areas across the state, giving hunters several choices on where to hunt.

Water Arrives Briefly in Oklahoma

Like most of our neighbors, Dianne and I have been staying off the water recently. I know some tougher Okie paddlers have purchased wetsuits and drysuits to extend their paddling season, but we have been staying home taking pictures of the ice and stuff. Visit our Flickr photostream if you are interested in seeing some nearly frozen cardinals and other winter miracles.

The recent gray skies have been a drag, but at least we are finally getting som moisture in this state. Just in time too... as some folks have started a drive to sell Oklahoma's 'surplus' water to Texas.

Proposal to capture water has Oklahoma steaming.


Meanwhile, I've upgraded to the new version of Blogger, so I apologize if anyone has seen inconsistency with our site's newsfeed.

Wildlife Conservation Hearings and 2007 Winter Bird Survey

Lake Okmulgee Sunset
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Wildlife Conservation Hearings Scheduled for 12 Oklahoma Towns

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold public hearings in 12 communities across the state Jan. 8 and 9 to discuss a broad list of proposed fishing and hunting regulation changes. Citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on a number of proposals that affect Oklahoma hunters and anglers.

The list of proposals slated for discussion includes a range of topics. Several fisheries proposals are being considered, among them a proposal to increase the bag limit on black bass at Lake Arcadia from three fish per day to six. Also affecting black bass at Lake Arcadia is a proposal to reduce the 22-inch minimum size limit to 14 inches. Another proposal scheduled for discussion is a reduction of the 18-inch minimum size limit on walleye at Lake Altus-Lugert to 14 inches.

Discussion also is slated for the proposal of special trout fishing regulations at the new Evening Hole/Lost Creek areas in the Lower Mountain Fork River trout stream as well as a portion of the Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area (from the USGS gauging station downstream to the gravel pit county road).

The proposed regulations would include placing the areas under a one-fish-per-day bag limit and a 20-inch minimum size limit restriction on rainbow trout. Discussion will also include a proposal to restrict the areas to the use of artificial flies and lures and barbless hooks only. All of these regulations are currently effective in emergency status at the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas.

Regarding hunting, some of the most notable proposals involve the state's deer hunting regulations and bag limits. One proposal seeks to reduce the state's combined annual antlered deer limit from three to two. Another proposal is to establish an Experimental Quality Deer Management Unit in southwest Oklahoma. The proposed combined annual deer bag limit for the unit would include no more than one antlered deer. Also on the table is a proposal to allow the harvest of a buck along with a doe during the youth gun season, resulting in a youth gun season bag limit of one antlered and one antlerless deer.



Date: January 8, 2007
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Durant - State Fish Hatchery, 2021 Caddo Hwy Lawton - Lawton Public Library, 110 SW 4th St.
Okmulgee - East Central Electric, Public Meeting Room, 2001 South Wood Drive (Hwy 75)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: January 8, 2007
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Muskogee - Northeastern State University Campus Auditorium, 2400 West Shawnee

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Date: January 9, 2007
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Ada - Pontotoc County Vo-Tech Center, 601 W. 33rd Street (Wildlife Hearing
Only)
Altus - Altus Public Library, 421 N. Hudson St.
Broken Bow - Broken Bow Public Library, 404 N. Broadway Enid - Central Fire Station, 410 West Garriott Oklahoma City - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N.
Lincoln Blvd., Auditorium
Tishomingo - Tishomingo Community Center, Fairgrounds, 816 E. 6th (Fisheries Hearing Only) Tulsa - Tulsa Technology Center Riverside Campus, Alliance and Conference Center Building, 801 E. 91st St., Aud. Rm A150

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: January 9, 2007
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sallisaw - Indian Capital Vo-Tech, North Meeting Room, 401 Houser Ave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

2007 Oklahoma Winter Bird Survey

In other ODWC news, bird watchers wishing to participate in the 19th annual Oklahoma Winter Bird Survey can help Department biologists by choosing any two days between Jan. 11-14 to count birds at their household feeders. The information gathered from participants can then be used to help track population trends in the state's winter birds.

For detailed instructions log on to wildlifedepartment.com and click on '2007 Winter Bird Survey'. Participants have until Feb. 12 to submit results.

Drumright Winery and OKC Restaurant Offer

Rococo
Originally uploaded by Okay City.

Looking for a great restaurant in OKC?
Try Rococo and the winery in Drumright , Oklahoma just might buy your appetizer or desert!  

Voted 'Best New Oklahoma City Restaurant' in 2004, Rococo in OKC is Chef owned and operated, they are obsessive about quality and service. The atmosphere comfortable and stylish, whether you are at the bar, by the cozy fireplace or in one of their 'gangster' booths.

Just order any two entrées plus a glass of Tidal School Vineyards' Impressao or another Tidal School Vineyards wine and an appetizer or desert is on us! Mention this Tidal School Vineyards offer when you call to make reservations or drop by.

In another Oklahoma Wine Industry news, Tidal School Vineyards has just made all of their 17 wines available, by the case, for customers to order online or over the phone. The best part is that delivery to your local Oklahoma liquor store is free! Visit their Free Shipping page for more details.

Eagles at Lake Thunderbird State Park Dec 2

DECEMBER 2nd - Eagle Watch at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. Migrating eagles are visiting the park. Meet at the nature center to talk about these majestic birds before leaving on a caravan tour of the lake to search for them. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information contact Julie Tarver at (405) 321-4633.

Centennial Celebration Concerts and Fireworks this November

firtest6528
Originally uploaded by David Schuttler.

Get ready for what has been called a Centennial-Palooza kickoff week of activities in Tulsa.

Tons of festivals, special events and three fireworks shows will rock the city of Tulsa for 10 days starting Nov. 9 to launch the Oklahoma Centennial celebration.

Our state turns 99 years old Nov. 16. A year of events leading up to the 100th birthday is planned with the finale next year to be held in Oklahoma City. Check out the live concert schedule set for this month in Tulsa:

Tulsa Live Music in November 2006

Nov 9th Mark Schultz & Big Daddy Weave-Mabee Center 7:30 p.m.
Nov 9th Umphreys McGee- Cains Ballroom 7 p.m.
Nov 10th Blue Man Group- Mabee Center 7:30 p.m.
Nov 12th Australian Pink Floyd- Brady Theater 7:30 p.m.
Nov 14th Kris Kristofferson- Brady Theater 8 p.m.
Nov 14th Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society- Cains Ballroom 7 p.m.
Nov 17th Air Supply- Brady Theater 8 p.m.
Nov 18th Hero the Rock Opera- Mabee Center 7 p.m.
Nov 18th Switchfoot- Cains Ballroom 7 p.m.
Nov 19th Tony Bennett- Mabee Center 7 p.m.
Nov 19th Carrie Underwood- Expo Pavillion 7:30 p.m.

Where Will You Watch the Centennial Fireworks

This month, Oklahoma Best Fest will be going at the RiverWest Festival Area from Nov 17-19, try Oklahoma products, shop and be entertained at this free event. On November 16th, there will be a fireworks display at the 96th Street bridge near Jenks. The following night on the 17th, there will be one at the 21st Street bridge in Tulsa. The grand finale will be on the 18th in downtown Tulsa.

The Oklahoma Aquarium is spearheading a fundraising campaign to raise money to print a Centennial Coupon Book for statewide attractions, destinations and museums. The fundraiser event will be on Thursday, November 16, 2006, at the Oklahoma Aquarium. As a bonus, the 1st night for Tulsa Centennial Fireworks will be visible from the Aquarium.

Tulsa, Oklahoma is clearly the place to be this November for great entertainment!



Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Concerts, Oklahoma Centennial, Tulsa Event, Oklahoma.

Gourmet Meal at the Winery in Vinita November 18

Interested in tasting some Oklahoma wines and a gourmet meal? Make plans to attend the Summerside Winery Autumnal Dinner hosted by winery owners Marsha and Gary Butler.
Nov. 18, 2006 in Vinita, Oklahoma

72 hour advance reservations are required. Price is $49 per person.

Gourmet dinner prepared by Val Saamer, Graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and former Chef at 9 Knox Street in Boston for seven years. Following his 9 Knox Street experience, Val was a dining room instructor for Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Providence, RI. The evening will be begin with a 6:30pm reception with hor d’oreves and wine tasting followed by a 7:30pm seating for dinner.


Full menu and more on the: Summerside Winery Deli Page


Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Gourmet, Vinita, Winery Event, Oklahoma.

Plymouth Valley Winery Grand Opening

Plymouth Valley Winery Label
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Check out this label from Plymouth Valley Cellars, one of Oklahoma's newest wineries, near Fairview, Oklahoma. Now why not taste the wine?

Stop by their vineyard on Thursday October 26th for lunch, a ribbon cutting ceremony, wine tasting, door prizes, wine tours and more! This is a free event starting at noon.

www.plymouthvalleycellars.com

OKC Myriad Gardens Halloween Event

OKC Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge
Originally uploaded by AdamLogan.

Dare to come hair-raisingly close to snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlers at the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Creepy Conservatory on October 28 from 1 - 4 p.m.

They plan to have wooley-boogers, creepy crawlers and other scary critters we share the earth with up close and personal with any brave kids that show up at the Crystal Bridge.

From 1 – 4 p.m., snakes, spiders and centipedes will scare guests silly as they go hands-on with some of the most feared creatures in the world. Tony Baum, of Guthrie’s Fat Frog Pets, will bring along creatures like ball pythons, emperor scorpions, giant centipedes and Mexican red leg tarantulas.

Tamer activities will be offered in the Conservatory’s south lobby for the faint of heart. Pumpkin decorating and other fun crafts, along with a scavenger hunt, will keep kids busy and are free with admission. All activities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

'We’d love to see all the kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes,' said Holli Wallner, program specialist with the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is located at Reno and Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12.

The Crystal Bridge is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon – 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (405) 297-3995 or log on to www.myriadgardens.com.

Onion Burgers and Kite Surfing in OKC

Kite Surfing OKC
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

This weekend our family visited Oklahoma City for a few good meals and some driving around. For lunch, we hit Kansas City Blues, Barbeque & Burgers.

The Quest for the Perfect Onion Burger - episode one.

The name alone was nearly enough to make us stop and the large sign offering 'Super Onion Burgers' definately closed the deal. I'd kill for one of those SOB's, I told my wife murderously.

In addition to Super Onion Burgers, catfish, dry rub BBQ and a great jukebox, KCBB&B offers live accoustic blues music over the lunch hour! Dress casual and expect to get lunch for less than $7. The top notch food and entertainment at Kansas City Blues Barbecue & Burgers means I'll be back. After a meal that could not be beat, we headed out to windy ol' Lake Hefner, but those SOB's haven't seen the last of me! .

Kansas City Blues Barbecue & Burgers
36B W Memorial Rd-Suite B4
Oklahoma City, OK 73114.
(405) 751-6557

Lake Hefner Wind Riders

Lake Hefner is well known among those daring types that harness the wind. There were several folks both wind surfing and kite boarding on the lake. The next time we visit, I plan to take a tripod so my zoom lens will work a little faster. Kite surfing is extremely fun to watch, but tough for a novice like me to photograph.

Tulsa Octoberfest Begins This Thursday

20060925_190420_OctoberFest
Originally uploaded by Gil-ad Arad.

Tulsa Oktoberfest October 19-22

Head out to the River West Festival Park to get your fill of sauerkraut, bratwurst and beer...lederhosen and chicken dancing will be optional.

For more information visit their website: www.tulsaoktoberfest.org

StoryCorps Visits Lawton, Oklahoma

StoryCorps in Austin 2
Originally uploaded by -Dons.

Tell Your Story in Lawton
StoryCorps, the national oral history project, will be visiting Lawton, Oklahoma on October 23 - November 20, 2006. The mobile recording studio will be parked on the campus of Cameron University near the corner of Gore Boulevard and University Drive. You may have heard of the Storycorps from NPR regular radio programs.

Bring a loved one and tell your story. Then, take a CD home and leave one for history. It is a great way to preserve the most powerful memories of your family, while improving our national historic archives.

Reservations will begin October 12. On that day, simply call the toll free telephone number: 1-800-850-4406 (it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma History, StoryCorps, Oklahoma Events, Oklahoma

Bugling Elk Tours September 28 and 30

5-6-06 Oklahoma elk
Originally uploaded by simpsonstan.

SEPTEMBER 28 & 30 at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Bugling Elk Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $3 fee will be collected. Did you know Oklahoma has Elk? See them now!

Call (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register.

Free Entry to Oklahoma Museums Sept. 30

On September 30, 2006, museums all across America will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors.

The following Oklahoma museums will be participating :

In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma History Center

Omniplex Science Museum

In Tulsa, Oklahoma

Philbrook Museum of Art

Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium

Gilcrease Museum

In Norman, Oklahoma

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

In Sand Springs,Oklahoma

Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum

Don't miss this very special opportunity to visit some of Oklahoma's finest museums!

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Museums, Smithsonian, Oklahoma Events, Oklahoma

Greenfield Vineyards Fall Festival September 23

Head to Chandler, Oklahoma for a relaxing evening of food and jazz on Saturday, September 23, 2006. Enjoy a delicious buffet of roast pig with all the trimmings served in Greenfield Vineyard's new outdoor amphitheater. Or, for a few dollars more, be pampered by their staff and enjoy your meal served on the balcony. This succulent fare will catered by B and B Catering of Oklahoma City. During dinner, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the jazzy sounds of the Tyler Grice Trio from Edmond.

After dinner comes the main event! The musical stylings of the Larry Hammett Band. Check out a sample of the Larry Hammett Band's music here. Larry Hammett - is the director of guitar studies at the University of Oklahoma. A recognized expert in both classical and jazz guitar, Hammett is in constant demand to fill both genres as a performer and accompanist.
Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner served at 7:00pm. Enjoy Larry Hammett from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.

More details on the Grenfield Vineyards website Events Page
This is a fair weather event. In case of rain, the winery capacity is greatly reduced; attendees will be selected by lottery from those with a reservation. Those not selected to attend will receive a full refund and 10% off our next event in October.

Oklahoma Winery Law Under Attack

Wine Tasting
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Oklahoma winemakers, liquor distributors and consumers will get a taste of Oklahoma justice as U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot hears arguments from lawyers representing Jarboe Sales Company, Action Wholesale Liquors and Central Liquor. They hope to overturn an Oklahoma voter approved law from 2000 that allows state winemakers to sell their wares directly to liquor stores and restaurants.

For more details on their fight to kill the newborn Oklahoma winery industry keep an eye on the Oklahoma Wine News blog.

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Wineries, Free Trade, Oklahoma Wine Business, Deregulation

Sailing Horse Vineyards 1st Festival Sept. 30

Farm Abstract ARt
Originally uploaded by mrnrmslvr.

FarmArt Festival at Sailing Horse Vineyards
Saturday, September 30, 2006 from Noon until 11pm

To commemorate the end of their first summer of winemaking, Sailing Horse Winery at Lake Eufaula would like to invite everyone to their first wine festival!

Enjoy:

A Taste of the Farm
Natural Local Foods
Free Concert
Traditional Rural Arts & Demonstrations
For more information or visit the festival website at: www.farmartfestival.com

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery, Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma Vineyard

Greenfield Vineyards Fall Festival Sept. 23

Vineyard (11)
Originally uploaded by silke82.

Celebrate the harvest and a great summer with a Pig Roast and Jazz Concert. Don't miss this great chance to visit one of Oklahoma's newest wineries. The fun will last from 2pm until 10pm in Chandler, OK September 23, 2006.

Of course, September is the big month from Oklahoma winery harvest festivals. Look for Nuyaka Creek's festival on Sept. 16.

September 30th will be BOTH festivals at Stone Bluff Winery and Canadian River Winery.

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery Event, Chandler, Oklahoma Wineries, Oklahoma, Nuyaka

Tulsa Film and Music Festival Sept 9-10

TULSA OVERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL – Sept 8, 9, 10

Now in its 9th year, the Tulsa Overground Film Festival has become an edgy Tulsa tradition.

The annual nonprofit, non-competitive film and music festival showcases the freshest, most innovative artists from around the world with three days of short films, bands and legendary after-parties.

Location: Chapman Music Hall and the Admiral Twin More Info: http://www.tulsaoverground.com/main.html

Checotah KOA Offers More Than Parking

Checotah KOA Entry
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Oklahoma's I-40 is one of the main highways for travel through and around the Sooner State. If you are looking for a place to stop and park your RV for a night or a week, I can heartily reccomend the Checotah KOA.

In addition to shady RV sites, a nature trail, barnyard zoo, pool and restaurant...this KOA has kayaks! Rent one for each member of the family and spend a few peaceful hours paddling on the enormous Lake Eufaula or slip down the road a piece and paddle the sandy banked North Canadian River.

Technorati tags: campsites, Oklahoma

Labor Day Fireworks in Henryetta

Welder
Originally uploaded by Mnemonix.

The small town of Henryetta, Oklahoma always celebrates Labor Day with their biggest festival of the year. Marching bands, horses, shriners, fireworks the whole shebang. Our State's motto 'Labor omnia vincit' - Labor Conquers All Things... truly comes alive in Henryetta.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.

It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country. All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation. -- Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor.

Don't waste the day!

Oklahoma Wine, Coffee and Blues

All the News That's Fit To Taste

There are lots of events and updates to announce as we reach the end of summer in Oklahoma.

On September 1st through the 3rd, Oklahoma nightowls can enjoy the annual Dusk till Dawn Blues Festival in the tiny town of Rentiesville, Oklahoma. www.dcminnerblues.com

September 30th wine lovers will gather in Haskell, Oklahoma for the annual Green Country Wine Festival that Stone Bluff Cellars puts on. www.stonebluffcellars.com/

Blogosphere Updates

The Oklahoma Wine News Blog has posted some good news on Oklahoma wineries that recently participated successfully in the Toast of Taos wine event in New Mexico.

The PaddleTales Blog has briefly diverted from the normal area kayaking news to detail the popular new trend of home coffee roasting - Oklahoma style.

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Blues Awards How To Oklahoma Wine Oklahoma Coffee

Cool Reggae Music Event in Jenks Aug. 26

Green Country Eco-Expo Reggae Fest 2006

Date: Saturday August 26, 2006
Time: 11 AM – 6PM
Location: Jenks Riverwalk Crossing & Amphitheater

Come enjoy the music of local and regional Reggae bands at the amphitheater, then take a stroll down the Riverwalk to the Eco-Expo where you’ll find all sorts of healthy products and information on living the green life.

2006 ReggaeFest Music Schedule

3:30 Tincture
4:30 Citizen Mundi
5:30 Kinky Slinky
6:30 Outlaw Nation
7:30 Sam & the Stylees
8:30 Local Hero
9:30 Jah Roots

Admission is FREE & you are welcome to bring your own ice chest full of beverages, your pets, children, neighbors, and friends! No glass containers. All pets must remain on a leash at all times and must be people friendly.

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Music, Oklahoma Event, Oklahoma Reggae, Jenks