Download - Muskogee Spring Visitors Guide 2012

20122012

Spring VisitorsGuide


By Wendy BurtonPhoenix Staff Writer

There’s probably noth-ing that can light up achild’s eyes better thanswirling lights, blaringsirens and gushing waterhoses — except gettingtheir hands on it all.

The Muskogee PublicLibrary and city ofMuskogee are pairing uponce again to bring Touch-a-Truck to children duringthe annual AzaleaFestival.

The inaugural yearturned out great, saidlibrary assistant AubreyBradley.

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2012 Spring Visitors Guide Muskogee Phoenix — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

186482

will be honored asCitizen of the Arts.

Ray said Bare Bones,which has been dubbedthe “friendliest filmfestival in the world,”will launch earlier thisyear. The festival willcoincide withMuskogee’s annualAzalea Parade and thechili cook-off.

“This will give thefolks who visit achance to interact with

the community,” Raysaid. “We are going tohave a float in theparade, this will giveus more of a communi-ty feel.”

The 10-day festival,founded by Ray andher husband, OscarRay, will take place atseveral venues in andaround downtownMuskogee.

Reach D.E. Smoot at(918) 684-2901 [email protected].

Continued from Page 13

‘This will give us more of a community feel’

any family that’s hadfires and are withoutblankets,” Baker said.“We try to give someto the police and firedepartment for peoplewhen they go out oncalls, as well.”

Sue Tardiff, presi-dent of the MuskogeeArea Quilters Guild,said the group isabout 100 membersstrong. Tardiff saidthe event promises tobe fun and interest-ing.

“We are a group ofquilters who meet onthe second Thursdayeach month at theFirst PresbyterianChurch in downtownMuskogee,” Tardiffsaid.

The club welcomesquilters of all skilllevels, she said.

“I’ve only beenquilting for five years,which is not muchcompared to most peo-ple in the club,”Tardiff said. “But theyhave things availablefor beginners and forthose who want tolearn.”

The Guild will alsohave quilts on displayat the MuskogeePublic Librarythrough the month ofMarch — includingthe special quilt thatwill be drawn for dur-ing the show in April.

Reach Wendy Burtonat (918) 684-2926 [email protected].

Continued from Page 1A

QuiltersGuild has

100 members

Kids get hands on trucksIf you go

WHAT: Touch-a-Truck fundraiser forthe MuskogeePublic Library chil-dren’s department.

WHEN: From 9a.m. to 1 p.m. April28.

WHERE:Love/Hatbox Airfield,turn south onto 40thStreet from WestOkmulgee Avenueand follow the roaduntil it ends.

COST: $2 per per-son.

INFORMATION:(918) 682-6657.

Areachildren

and theirfamilies

get up anup-close

experi-ence witha helicop-

ter, above,and a trac-tor-trailer,right, dur-

ing the2011

Touch-a-Truckevent,

sponsoredat

Love/Hatbox Airfield

by theMuskogee

PublicLibraryand the

city ofMuskogee.

Submittedphotos

(See CHILDRENS, 18)

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Muskogee PhoenixPage 22 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

Health Care

Directory NURSING HOMES

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

73125

186460

PLEASANT VALLEY HEALTHCARE

CENTER 1120 Illinois St.

Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-5391

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BRENTWOOD EXTENDED CARE

& REHAB 841 N. 38th Street

Muskogee, OK 74401 918-683-8070

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BROADWAY MANOR HEALTH CARE CENTER

1622 E. Broadway Muskogee, OK 74403

918-683-2851

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EASTGATE VILLAGE RETIREMENT CENTER

3500 Haskell Blvd. Muskogee, OK 74403

918-682-3191

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1033 Hospital Road Eufaula, OK 74432

918-689-3211

EUFAULA MANOR Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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WAGONER CARE CENTER

205 N. Lincoln Avenue Wagoner, OK 74467

918-485-2203

186446

615 S. Co. Club Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403

918-686-8100

COUNTRY GARDENS Assisted Living Community

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4717 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401

918-683-2914

GRACE LIVING CENTER

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MUSKOGEE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

300 Rockefeller Drive Muskogee, OK 74401

918-682-5501

186449

GORE NURSING CENTER 503 S. Main

Gore, OK 74435 918-489-2299

186466

FORT GIBSON NURSING HOME

205 E. Poplar Fort Gibson, OK 74434

918-478-2456

GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE

1145 N. Main Muskogee, OK 74401

918-682-3800

186444

186471

(Non-Profit)

105 Mimosa Tahlequah, OK 74464

918-456-6851

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201 W. Okmulgee Checotah, OK 74426

918-473-0505

(Non-Profit)

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OUTREACH HOME SERVICES

2303 S. York Muskogee, OK 74403

918-682-6400

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918-681-4988

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918-682-4194

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820 North Main Muskogee, OK 74401

918-681-3800

HOSPITAL SOONER SURPLUS

SALES

2300 N. 32nd Muskogee, Ok 918-684-4000

3190 West 21st St. Tulsa, Ok

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THE INSURANCE COMPANIES LOSS IS YOUR GAIN

Televisions • Lap Top PC’s Desk Top PC’s • Printers

DVD Players • Surround Sound’s All Kinds Of Electronics

Groceries • Toys • Apparel Domestics • Hardware • Candy

Furniture • Mattress • Pop Building Material And More 1

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Quilting is a time-honored traditionwhich has creatednumerous family heir-looms throughdecades of popularityin America.

Many love to quilt— creating warm andartistic pieces for pos-terity and to give toloved ones.

For those who enjoyviewing quilts as anart form, or collect orwant to begin quilt-ing, the MuskogeeArea Quilters Guildwill hold its 26thannual “Not YourGrandmother’s Quilt”show duringMuskogee’s AzaleaFestival.

The show will beheld 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.April 20 and 21 at St.Paul UnitedMethodist Church,2130 W. OkmulgeeAve.

Admission is $5, andrefreshments will besold by the MethodistLadies Group to sup-port missions.

More than 150quilts will be on dis-play, and a boutiqueselling handmade pincushions, aprons andother small items willbe available.

The group’s pièce derésistance, anappliqué quilt madeby at least 15 mem-bers of the group, willbe on display as well.

A drawing will beheld to win the quilt,featuring flower bou-quets in a theme ofblues and violets, andthe proceeds will ben-

efit the Guild.Chairwoman of this

year’s event, DebbieBaker, said more than600 people attendedthe 2011 show.

“There are all kindsof quilts, folk artquilts, what we callpiece quilts, appliqué,picture art quilts,”Baker said. “The quiltwe’re holding thedrawing for is justgorgeous.”

Baker began quilt-ing about 10 yearsago and joined theGuild about the sametime, she said. This isher third year aschairwoman of thespring show.

The show will bene-fit the Guild’s activi-ties, including itsReaching Out pro-gram, she said.

“We donate quilts tothe Crisis PregnancyCenter, to the motor-cycle club that helpschildren when they’vebeen abused, toWomen In Safe Home,the Murrow IndianChildren’s Home, and

If you goWHAT: 26th annual

“Not Your Grandmother’sQuilt” show.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.April 20 and 21.

WHERE: St. PaulUnited Methodist Church,2130 W. Okmulgee Ave.

COST: Admission $5.ETC.: More than 150

quilts will be displayed.Vendors will have dis-plays, and lunch will beavailable, as well as doorprizes and hourly demon-strations.

Warm, comfy art on display

Submitted photo

Examples of area quilters’ art will be displayed April 20 and 21 at the “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show atSt. Paul United Methodist Church.

(See QUILTERS, 23)

Azaleas in Honor Heights

Phoenix file photo

The Azalea Festival in Muskogee held annually sinceApril 1968 to celebrate the beauty of the azaleasblooming in Honor Heights Park. Art Johnson, land-scape architect and director of Muskogee Parks andRecreation from 1949 to 1977, introduced azaleas toHonor Heights Park in the 1950s.

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 21Muskogee Phoenix — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

By Mike CarrelsPhoenix Staff Writer

Those who attendthe 2012 AzaleaParade will get severalblasts from the pastwith the theme“Fashions & TrendsThrough the Years.”

The parade is a tra-ditional event for theannual Azalea Festivalthat began in 1967,

said Joel Everett, spe-cial projects coordina-tor with the city ofMuskogee.

This year’s themewill celebrate not justfashion, but other erasof the Azalea Festivalas well, Everett said.

“Although the themeis fashion and trends,you don’t have to paintor decorate clothing;that’s kind of where

your mind goes whenyou hear fashion,”Everett said. “You can

expand on the idea. Itcould be architecture,fashion, music — any-

thing that changes,with kind of anemphasis on the moremodern stuff, since theparade started in1967.”

Thousands from allover the countryattend the AzaleaFestival, and theparade serves as akickoff to the day’sevents.

The parade winds

through Muskogee’shistoric downtownarea, passing theMuskogee Civic Centerwhere parade watcherswill be chowing downon barbecue and chiliat the annual ChiliCook-off.

Former OklahomaAttorney GeneralDrew Edmondson and

Fashion in vogue at Azalea ParadeWHAT: 2012 Muskogee

Azalea Festival Parade.WHEN: 11 a.m. April 14.WHERE: From the inter-

section of Fifth and Denisonstreets east to SecondStreet, south to Broadwayand west to Sixth Street,

finishing at the intersectionof Sixth and Denison.

THEME: “Fashions &Trends Through the Years.”

ENTRY DEADLINE: 5p.m. April 4.

INFO: (918) 684-6302,Ext. 28.

Phoenix file photo

Young people parade in historic fashions in an earlier Azalea Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.”

If you go

(See EDMONDSONS, 7)

Museum, which sitson the hill near theentrance to HonorHeights Park, wherethousands visit totake in the beauty ofblooming azaleaseach spring.

The museum opensits Cultural ArtShow beginningApril 1 and holds theArt Under the Oaksfestival on April 21and 22.

The art show, openduring regular muse-um hours throughoutthe month, featurestextiles, pottery, bas-ketry, gourds, knap-ping and jewelry —

all reflecting the cul-ture and history ofthe five tribes, saidMuseum DirectorMary Robinson.

“Every year I amamazed at the cre-ative talents of thisgroup of artists,”Robinson said. “It isa beautiful showwith lots of textureand color.”

The museum isopen from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday. Admissionis $3 for adults and$1.50 for students,$2 for seniors 65 andover.

The Art Under the

Oaks Market andFestival will be heldApril 21 and 22 atthe museum. The fes-tival is free to thepublic and featureseverything from re-enactors dressed inperiod clothing,demonstrating primi-tive tool making andbasket weaving tostorytellers and arti-sans marketing theirwares.

Historic re-enac-tors Mike Berryhill,Muscogee (Creek),and Noel Grayson,Cherokee, willdemonstrate whatlife was like in the1800s.

Mary Edwards

Smith, a traditionalriver cane basketweaver, will demon-strate basket weav-ing and providematerial for thosewho would like to trytheir hand at thetraditional craft.

Storyteller andauthor Greg Rodgers,Choctaw, will be fea-tured both days andwill share tradition-al tribal stories withthe audience.

The CherokeeBaptist Choir willperform in theirnative language at 1p.m. Saturday, and,weather permitting,a gospel singing willbe held at 2 p.m.

Sunday on the southporch of the muse-um.

Food offeringsinclude a traditionalCreek meal andIndian tacos.

The Arts Under theOaks Market andFestival is held withthe assistance of theOklahoma ArtsCouncil. All familyentertainment is freeand open to the pub-lic.

Information:www.fivetribes.org or(918) 683-1701.

Reach WendyBurton at (918) 684-2926 or [email protected].


Show reflects art, culture of tribesIf you go

WHAT: Five Civilized TribesMuseum Art Under the OaksMuseum and Festival.Includes arts and crafts show,storytelling, live music andmore.


COST: Free.WHAT: Cultural Art Show at

the Five Civilized TribesMuseum.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday andclosed Sunday.

COST: Adults $3; Seniors65 and over $2; Students$1.50; Children under 6 arefree.

INFORMATION: 683-1701or www.fivetribes.org.

Why? SHOP LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

Because it really makes a huge difference. When you shop local, you invest in your community, in your neighbors, and in yourselves. In this economic climate, the best return on investment is in local business. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store.

186761

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186630

The run comes inthree versions: A 15Kfor the hardcore runner,a 5K and a one-mileFunRun/Walk for thosewho want a lighter takeon the festivities.

The 15K will cover theentirety of theCentennial Trail. Thestarting line, Everettsaid, is in front of theMuskogee Swim andFitness Center. The runends just north ofArrowhead Mall, wherethe awards ceremonywill take place.

“It’s pretty coolbecause there’s so much

going on that day,”Everett said. “It’s a pret-ty unusual run as far asthat goes.”

But before runnerscelebrate at the mall,they have to conquer“The Hill.”

“There’s not a namefor the hill yet, but I’dimagine there will besoon,” Everett said, ref-erencing a steep inclinenear the end of the run.“Runners like to nameobstacles like that. TheTulsa Marathon has onecalled the ‘Hill fromHell’ and the BostonMarathon has‘Heartbreak Hill.’ Iguess this one is our

own little ‘HeartbreakHill.’”

Everett said neighbor-hoods got into the eventa year ago.

“Last year while wewere out marking trails,we would see people inthe neighborhoods wewere near asking uswhat was going on,”Everett said. “There wasexcitement in regards tothat, some from peoplethat didn’t know the runwas happening, so weexpect to get some moreinterest from that, too.”

At 9.3 miles, the runis the longest inMuskogee, Everett said.The length helps attract

runners from all over.“You might not get

people from other statesto come to a 5K — youcan find 5Ks anywhere,”Everett said. “But a 15Kis more substantial. Bythe day of the run, Iexpect we’ll have run-

ners for four or fivestates, anyway.”

Registration is possi-ble up until the day ofthe run, but a $5 latefee is applicable afterApril 4.

“We’ll be goingthrough neighborhoods

and crossing streets andgoing through town onthe run,” Everett said.“It should be a prettygood time.”

Reach Dylan Goforth at(918) 684-2903 or [email protected].


2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 19Muskogee Phoenix

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‘Runners like to name obstacles’

BINGO NIGHT, AmericanLegion Post 15, 5:30 p.m.Mondays and Thursdays and7 p.m. main session onThursdays.

DODGING FOR DISAS-TER ADULT DODGEBALLTOURNAMENT, 10 a.m.March 31, Muskogee HighSchool gym. Cost: $60 perteam of six. Proceeds benefit

the Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

TASTE OF HOME COOK-ING SCHOOL SHOW, 6:30p.m. April 5, Muskogee CivicCenter. Tickets: $15 per per-son, or a group of 10 or moreis $10 each. Culinary expertJamie Dunn will demonstrate10 new recipes to recreate athome. The first 500 paid cus-tomers will get a free gift bag.Information: (918) 684-6363.

BARE BONES INTERNA-TIONAL FILM AND MUSICFESTIVAL, April 13 to 22,downtown Muskogee.Information: www.barebones-filmfestivals.org.

BATFISH BOOT CAMP,9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April14, Muskogee War MemorialPark. Five presenters, includ-ing author of “Leader of thePack” Mark Allen, will attend.Allen will present an overview

of the USS Batfish’s wartimeexploits. After completing theseminar you will be qualifiedto conduct historical tours ofthe museum and submarine.Space is limited to 20 people.Cost: $20 per person, whichincludes lunch, a copy of“Leader of the Pack” and asubmarine patch. Information:(918) 682-6295.

PARTY IN THE PARK,1:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 21,Honor Heights Park. Winetasting provided by nineOklahoma wineries, foodtasting provided by sixMuskogee-area restaurants,live jazz and an art for showand sale by the MuskogeeArt Guild Admission with sou-venir glass: $15 in advanceor $20 at the door. Ticketsavailable at http://rotarypar-tyinthepark.org

JUNIOR ACHIEVE-MENT’S BOWL-ARRGH-THON, 6 to 8 p.m. April 26,Green Country Lanes.Presented by OG&E, the

event will help provide JuniorAchievement programs(financial literacy, entrepre-neurship, and work readi-ness) to more than 2,000Muskogee students. Sponsor,individual and team bowlingavailable. Raise $100 perbowler. Information: BrianJackson (918) 663-2156.

AZALEA LINE DANCEJAMBOREE, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. April 28, Hatbox DanceBuilding. Sign-in starts at 9a.m. Open to the public.

TOUCH A TRUCK, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. April 29, Love-Hatbox Field runway. Event isfor children of all ages can.They can get in, get on, andhonk the horn of all kinds ofvehicles — not just trucks!Presented by MuskogeePublic Library and the city ofMuskogee, the cost is $2 perperson, but no child under 12will be turned away.Proceeds will benefit theMuskogee Public Library’sChildren’s Department.

Information: (918) 682-6657.

ReunionsMUSKOGEE HIGH

SCHOOL CLASS OF 198230th REUNION, June 29-30.Information: (918) 913-0008or www.muskogeeclassof82.com.

MUSKOGEE HIGHSCHOOL CLASS OF 200210-year reunion, 7 p.m. May12, Kilharen’s Lodge. Cost:$30 per person, pay withPaypal by April 20.Information:[email protected]

TheaterTHE SOUND OF MUSIC,

8 p.m. April 13-14, 17 and19-21 and 2 p.m. April 15 and22, Muskogee Little Theatre.Tickets: $14 adults, $10 stu-dents available atSoundWorld, (918) 683-4901.

“Oh the kids justloved it. They wereclimbing in and out ofthe vehicles,” she said.“And they really lovedturning the ambulancesiren on and off.”

A Life Flight helicop-ter was a big hit too,she said — especiallywhen it got a call andhad to take off halfwaythrough the event.

“It was so exciting forthe kids, watching ittake off,” Bradley said.

The event, a fundrais-er for the children’s sec-tion of the library, fea-

tures fire trucks, policecars, airplanes, militarytrucks and more.

Plus, the communitymembers who drive thevehicles are in atten-dance to answer ques-tions as the childrenhonk horns, flip switch-es and pretend to besuperheroes, too.

The event hasexpanded this year,with new activities anda chance for children tohelp promote the eventduring the AzaleaParade.

“We’re hoping to havemore vehicles this year,and we are also going to

have a giant inflatablemonster truck slide forkids to play on,”Bradley said. “Peoplealso asked last yearabout T-shirts, so we’regoing to be selling kidsT-shirts for $10 apiece.”

To possibly get a seaton the parade float,children can attend thelibrary’s Lego Buildersgroup, which meets thefirst Thursday of everymonth.

The children will bebuilding Lego trucksduring the April meet-ing, Bradley said.

Children get a chanceto ride by filling out col-

oring sheets in the chil-dren’s department ofthe library.

Names will be drawnfrom all the partici-pants in both activities.

The $2 entry fee perperson benefits theMuskogee PublicLibrary children’s sec-tion, Bradley said.



his wife Linda willserve as the parade’sgrand marshals.Everett said both areinvolved in LeadershipOklahoma, which ismarking its 25thanniversary this year.

“Fashions & TrendsThrough the Years”also serves as thetheme for the AzaleaBanner Project. About100 banners will linedowntown Muskogeestreets during theparade and will laterbe auctioned for afundraiser.

Everett said localartist Taylor Shipmandesigned the “Fashions& Trends Through theYears” logo.

“We wanted to getsomething we couldthat would be decentto paint to as well asfun and easy to deco-rate to,” Everett said.“It’s different, but it’spretty evocative ofthat era. We had a lotof ideas thrownaround. People seem tobe catching on prettygood.”

Shipman, who worksfor the CherokeeNation, will submit abanner for the thirdyear.

“There’s been a widevariety of interest,”Shipman said. “Ithought maybe if welook for retro in thebottom of the banner,we’d get some prettyneat banners this year.

“It will be neat see-ing what everybody’sidea of retro fashionand trends is going tobe this year on thebanners and at theparade.”

Reach Mike Carrelsat (918) 684-2922 [email protected].

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Muskogee PhoenixPage 18 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

Muskogee’s Downtown

Antiques & Chic

Boutiques District

186776

18685

6

186264


Activities in the area


Phoenix file photos

A Boy Scout calls cadence in the traditional campaign hat.

Edmondsons to serve as marshalsThis year’s cook-off

also will offer newinflatable games forkids. Also new areinflatable “pay for play”games for bigger peo-ple, Smith said.

“We also will haveprizes to be givenaway,” he said.

Prizes could includebig screen TVs andXbox 360 games, hesaid.

For a sneak peek ofcook-off fun, come tothe Cook-Off Kick-offconcert April 13 atMuskogee Civic Center.This year’s concert fea-

tures Emerald City, aDallas band that enter-tained at the 2009Cook-Off Kick-off,Smith said. The band’srepertoire covers 50years of popular music,plus current hits andoriginal songs, theband’s website says.

In 2011, theExchange Club distrib-uted $25,000 in cook-off proceeds to sevenprograms, includingKids’ Space, CourtAppointed SpecialAdvocates and 4-H.

Reach CathySpaulding at (918) 684-2928 or [email protected].


Cook-Off Kick-off features Emerald CityChildrens T-shirts will be available at event

Shriners are a perennial favorite at the parade.

Looking for a Good Job?

Questions you should ask your

prospective employer...

Will you guarantee me a pay raise every year? Will you provide free medical and dental care for me? Will you furnish my housing or give me extra tax-free money for rent? If I want to continue my education, will you pay 100% of my tuition? If I get married, will you increase my pay? Can I retire from your company after 20 years and receive a monthly income for the rest of my life? Is the training your company provides college accredited?

The Air Force can

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these questions!

Can your prospective

employer?

For more information contact SSgt Thillet

501 Main St., Muskogee 918-682-1397 or 918-381-9624 [email protected]

72379

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Muskogee PhoenixPage 16 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors Guide

Theater. Cost: $5 per ticket,with donations accepted atthe door. Proceeds benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

HERO CONCERT FEA-TURING THE MUSKOGEECOMMUNITY BAND, 7 p.m.May 15, Boulevard ChristianChurch. Concert is free, withdonations accepted at thedoor. Proceeds will benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

HANK WILLIAMS SR.ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTECONCERT, 7 p.m. June 13,Roxy Theater. Tickets are $1,with donations accepted atthe door. Proceeds benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

DancesSQUARE DANCES, 8

p.m., first and third Fridays ofthe month, Hatbox Field.Sponsor: MuskogeeSwingers Square DanceClub. Caller: CorbetDavidson. Information: (918)478-4571.

AMERICAN LEGIONPOST 15 DANCE, 8 p.m. tomidnight Saturdays, 4021 W.Broadway. Cost: $6. This is anon-smoking event.

LINE DANCING AT HAT-BOX, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays,640 S. 40th St. Cost: $2,beginner, intermediate andadvanced line dances. Allages welcome. Information:(918) 683-3572.

BEGINNERS LINE DANC-ING, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays,Kiwanis Senior CitizensCenter, 119 Spaulding Blvd.Free to everyone.Information: (918) 683-3572.

SENIOR CITIZENSDANCE, 7 to 10 p.m.Tuesdays, Hatbox DanceBuilding, 540 S. 40th St.,sponsored by Kiwanis Senior

Citizens Center. Cost is $2.50per person. Potluck dinner isat 8:30 p.m. Music is provid-ed by the Country CookinBand. Types of dancinginclude: Two-steps, waltzes,rock and roll, square dancing,line dancing and others.Everyone 50 and older arewelcome. Information: (918)430-6236.

BEGINNER’S LINEDANCE LESSONS, 7 to 7:30p.m. Wednesdays, HatboxDance Building, 540 S. 40thSt. Free. Stay for dance-as-you-learn lessons from 7:30to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $2 per per-son. No alcohol or smokingallowed. All ages welcome.Information: (918) 360-2709.

LINE DANCING, 10 to11:30 a.m. first, second,fourth Thursdays, 1 to 2:30p.m. third Thursday, KiwanisSenior Citizens Center, 119Spaulding Blvd. Free.Information: (918) 683-3572or (918) 684-6310.

MUSKOGEE TWIRLERSSQUARE DANCE CLUB,7:30 p.m., second and fourthFridays, Hatbox Dance Hall.Larry Conner is the caller.Information: (918) 684-1718.

Events28th ANNUAL MISS/MR.

AZALEA PAGEANT, March31, Roxy Theater. The pag-eant is held each year in con-junction with the AzaleaFestival in Muskogee. Thepageant is open to girls frombirth to 18 years and boysbirth to 3 years. Everyonewho enters receives a trophy.Winners receive crowns, ban-ners, and trophies and will beeligible to ride in the AzaleaParade. Deadline to haveyour picture included in theprogram book is March 1. Forentry forms and more infor-mation, call Debbie Morganat (918) 463-2693.

AZALEA FESTIVAL, April

1-30, Honor Heights Park,take Honor Heights Drivepast the Jack C. MontgomeryVA Medical Center to thepark. Free, but donationsaccepted.

2012 MUSKOGEE AZA-LEA FESTIVAL PARADE, 11a.m. April 14. From the inter-section of Fifth and Denisonstreets east to Second Street,south to Broadway and westto Sixth Street, finishing atthe intersection of Sixth andDenison. Theme is “Fashions& Trends Through the Years.”Entry deadline is 5 p.m. April4. Information: (918) 684-6302, Ext. 28.

CHILI COOK-OFF KICK-OFF, April 13, doors open at6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert,featuring featuring EmeraldCity, Muskogee Civic Center,$20 at the door.

MUSKOGEE EXCHANGECLUB CHILI AND BARBE-CUE COOK-OFF, April 14,immediately after the AzaleaFestval Parade. Around 11:30a.m to 5 p.m. Entertainment,rides, inflatable toys andgames open all day,Muskogee Civic CenterMarket Square Festival Area,at Fifth and Boston Streets.Taster kits, $6 each.

2012 MUSKOGEE RUN, 8a.m. April 14. Race beginsnear Muskogee Swim andFitness Center, 566 N. SixthSt. Cost is $35 for the 15K,$25 for the 5K, $15 for theFunRun/Walk. Shirts includedin the cost for the 15K and5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walkparticipants are $18. INFOR-MATION: Joel Everett, (918)684-6302, ext. 28 or go towww.muskogeerun.com.

MOTORCYCLE DINNERRUN, 6:30 p.m. Fridays,weather permitting. Everyoneis welcome to meet for a rideand have dinner. For themeeting location, call (918)441-1352 or (918) 913-1690.



(See ACTIVITIES, 18)

By Cathy SpauldingPhoenix Staff Writer

A person can work upa powerful appetitewatching floats andcars go by at the annu-al Azalea FestivalParade.

Let not your tummybe troubled.

The MuskogeeExchange Club willseek to satisfy hungryvisitors with all sortsof chili, hot links, bar-becue, ribs and othertreats.

The 28th AnnualExchange Club Chiliand Barbecue Cook-offis set for around 11:30a.m. April 14 at theMarket Square festivalarea, just west of theMuskogee Civic Center.

“We start up eachcook-off right after theparade ends,” saidcook-off coordinatorRobert Smith.

The parade begins at11 a.m. April 14 andproceeds through down-town Muskogee. Part ofthe parade marchesright in front of theCivic Center, just theright spot to dash overfor some hot eats andcold beverages.

Each year, the cook-off draws between10,000 and 20,000 hun-gry visitors, Smithsaid.

“It’s our 28th yeardoing this for the localcommunity,” Smithsaid. “We raise moneyto help fight childabuse and to help otherprograms. Plus, it’s thebest food in Oklahoma.”

People can buy ataster kit for $6. Theytake the plastic dishand eating utensilaround to differentbooths. Cooks at thebooths then dish outsamples of their delica-

cies.Officially, there will

be contests for bestchili through the ChiliAppreciation SocietyInternational and bestchicken, pork ribs, hotlinks, brisket and otherfoods through theInternational BarbecueSociety. There also willbe contests for the mostcrowd-pleasing dishand best booth.

Chili cook-off big draw downtown

WHAT: Chili Cook-offKick-off featuringEmerald City.

WHEN: Doors open at6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m.concert, April 13.

WHERE: MuskogeeCivic Center, Fourth andBoston streets.

PRICE: $20 at thedoor.

WHAT: MuskogeeExchange Club Chili andBarbecue Cook-Off.

WHEN: Immediatelyafter the Azalea FestivalParade. Around 11:30a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14.Entertainment, rides,inflatable toys andgames open all day.

WHERE: MuskogeeCivic Center MarketSquare Festival Area, atFifth and Boston streets.

COST: Taster kits, $6each.

INFORMATION: (918)360-6006.

Phoenix file photos

Visitors to the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off visit Advanced Workzone’s tent for homemade baked beans.

If you goJimmy“Roho”Rowan ofFortGibsonhawks hisbarbecuechickenand chiliat the2011MuskogeeExchangeClub ChiliandBarbecueCook-Off.

(See COOK-OFF, 18)

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 15 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

186638

of Wagoner off Oklahoma 51.No cover charge. Information:485-1810 or www.thecane-brake.com.

OKAY GOSPEL SINGING,6 p.m., first Saturday of eachmonth, Okay CommunityCenter. Singers/musiciansare Anew Direction. Dinnerwill be served at 6:30 p.m.Donations welcome.Information: (918) 360-1968.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPOT-LIGHT, 7 p.m., thirdSaturday, The Roxy Theater,220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Doorsopen at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5,adults, and free, children 12and under. It is open to thepublic. Information: (918)807-1278.

HERO SPOTLIGHT CON-CERT, 7 p.m. April 28, Roxy


Activities in area



Every Saturday andSunday, beginningApril 28 and ending onMemorial Day, visitorscan play with pirates,knights, sorcerers andfair maidens at the17th annualRenaissance Festival.

This year’s festivalhas some surprises instore for visitors — TheCastle has been raidedby pirates — so slap ona pirate’s hat andblend in, “lest ye fin’yerselves in walkin’ t’plank.”

Actually, the annualRenaissance Festivalisn’t all about pirates.However, this year’scelebration does fea-ture a pirate weekendMay 5 and 6, whichincludes a new shipand a “Pirate Feaste”for all “ye landlubbers”to enjoy.

Additionally, “TheCave” opens this year,providing a cool, shadyplace to listen to musi-cal acts and enjoyrefreshments on thefar end of The Castlegrounds.

Also new this year —expanded seating forthe living chess gameand belly dancer arena,a new children’samphitheater for story-telling, and severalnew shows and musicalacts.

“We’re really excitedabout the new littleamphitheater for story-telling. Everyone isexcited and just liningup to tell stories,myself included,”Castle Owner JeffHiller said.

The children’s area isfilled with magicalactivities for theyoungsters — a walk-

through dragon, gianttree stump for climb-ing, a gypsy caravan,and much more family-friendly activities andfairytale charactersthroughout for thechildren to interactwith.

One of the new actsis the “Cast in Bronze”carillon bells man —the only musical act inthe world featuring afour-ton instrumentcalled a carillon.

“Oh it ’s huge, verytheatrical,” Hiller said.“It will be in the joust-ing area. We’re veryexcited about this act.”

Celtic weekend willbe April 20 and 21,which includes the tra-ditional Ceilioh (pro-nounced “Ka-lee”), a2 1 - a n d - o v e r - o n l yScottish party featur-ing live music fromworld-class perform-ers.

Shows throughoutthe festival include“Noble Cause,” world-renowned knights whowill bring joustingalive for visitors in thejousting arena, TheTribal Circus Show,The Magic of Van Zee,The Jester Rejects andmany more.

For those who won-der why there’s anOklahoma RenaissanceFestival — whereknights in shiningarmor and piratesnever explored —Hiller and his son MattHiller talked abouthow it all came tofruition.

“I had the idea firstin college in Indiana.Basically, every fouryears they had a festi-val,” Jeff said. “Then, Iwent to one inCalifornia about 35years ago. It was won-derful, we had such a

wonderful day.”Matt said he remem-

bered the trip, too. “Tome it seemed like afamily-fun thing to do,as I remember it,” hesaid, smiling at hisdad.

But the biggest impe-tus for the family tobuild the Castle ofMuskogee and beginholding RenaissanceFestivals 17 years agowas the end of theBoarshead Feast atNortheastern StateUniversity.

“I don’t know whythey stopped doing it,but we loved it,” Jeffsaid. “Our first festivalwas really a fair —only two days, but it’sjust grown and grownsince then.”

Reach Wendy Burtonat (918) 684-2926 orwbur ton@muskogeep -hoenix.com.

Above: Jugglers, musi-cians, fairies, acrobatsand dancers strollthrough Castleton at theannual RenaissanceFestival. Visitors to thefestival, in costume or out,can step back in time andexplore RenaissanceEngland at The Castle ofMuskogee every weekendbeginning April 28through Memorial Day.

Left: Capt’n PinkyLaClore, the pink pirate,poses for a picture next toa former crewmember atthe Castle of Muskogee.New this year is PirateFeaste and a new ship andstage modeled from theEnglish “Mary Rose.”

Phoenix file photo

Renaissance Festival opens April 28

Submitted

Arts26TH ANNUAL “NOT

YOUR GRANDMOTHER’SQUILT” SHOW, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. April 20-21, St. PaulUnited Methodist Church,2130 W. Okmulgee Ave.Admission if $5. More than150 quilts will be displayed.Vendors will have displays,and lunch will be available,as well as door prizes andhourly demonstrations.

FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBESMUSEUM ART UNDER THEOAKS MUSEUM AND FES-TIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.April 21-22. Includes artsand crafts show, storytelling,live music and more. Free.Information: 683-1701 orwww.fivetribes.org.

CULTURAL ART SHOW,

Five Civilized TribesMuseum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday andclosed Sunday. Adults $3;Seniors 65 and over $2;Students $1.50; Childrenunder 6 are free.

BenefitsFORE-CHAR-I-TEE

GOLF TOURNAMENT, May4, Muskogee Country Club.Banner auction also will beheld. Lunch starts at 11 a.m.with a shotgun start at 1p.m. All proceeds from thetournament are distributedas scholarships to local highschool graduates.Information: [email protected].

CELEBRITY SERVICES

AUCTION, 6:30 p.m. May 5,Muskogee Country Club.The cost is $35 per personand will include dinner andone adult beverage. All pro-ceeds will benefit Kids’Space. Information: (918)682-4204.

ConcertsROXY TRIBUTE SHOWS,

7 p.m. The Roxy Theater,220 W. Okmulgee Ave., thirdFriday of the month. Ticketsare $10 advance, $15 at thedoor and can be purchasedat the Muskogee CivicCenter, Sweet and Sassy,John Michael Music Storeand Rustic Elegance.Information: (918) 684-6363.

JAM SESSIONS, 6 p.m.Sundays, Down Home Blues

Club, 701 D.C. Minner St.,Rentiesville. Information:(918) 855-0978.

MUSIC AT THE CANE-BRAKE, 6 to 9 p.m.Wednesdays, The

Canebrake, four miles east


Activities in the area(See ACTIVITIES, 15)


Learn the art ofprimitive tool mak-ing, browse throughNative American artand crafts for sale,enjoy live music andstorytelling — all inone place April 21and 22.

The Five CivilizedTribes Museum isholding its annualArt Under the OaksMarket and Festivalduring Muskogee’sAzalea Festival.

Art Under the Oaksis a market and festi-val that highlightsthe culture and histo-ry of the Five

Civilized Tribes ofOklahoma —Choctaw, Muscogee(Creek), Cherokee,Chickasaw andSeminole.

The festival is heldannually atMuskogee’s FiveCivilized Tribe

Submitted photo

Mike Berryhill, Creek, and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, talk about a deer hide.Primitive tool making, Native American art and crafts, music and live storytelling areoffered April 21 and 22 at the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival on the groundsof the Five Civilized Tribe Museum.

Art Under the Oaks highlights Native talent

By Dylan GoforthPhoenix Staff Writer

Are you a caloriecounter? If so, there’sgood news and badnews.

The bad news — ifthis qualifies — is theApril 14 Chili Cook-Offwill provide you withample opportunity togorge yourself with allthe delicious food youcan imagine.

The good news is youcan burn those caloriesoff ahead of time.

The Muskogee Run isin its second year, andJoel Everett, specialprojects coordinatorwith the city ofMuskogee, said afterlast year’s inauguralsuccess, they expect thisyear to be even better.

“Last year we hadabout 650 people regis-ter and run,” Everettsaid. “This year we’rethinking we might getaround 1,000 people.”

Everett said heexpects positive word ofmouth in regards to lastyear’s run to help boostthis year’s numbers.Because the runattracts a differentcrowd than the cook-offdoes, he said the morepeople they attract, the

better.“It’s not the same peo-

ple that come to theparade or the cook-off,”Everett said. “Themajority of them will bedifferent folks. We’vegot the run starting at 8a.m., which means youcan come for the run,stay for the parade andthen go eat. Everybodywins. In fact, the run-ners can even be in theparade if they want to.”

(See SHOW, 21)

If you goWHAT: 2012 Muskogee

Run.WHERE: Race begins

near Muskogee Swim andFitness Center, 566 N.Sixth St.

WHEN: 8 a.m. April 14. ADMISSION: $35 for

the 15K, $25 for the 5K,$15 for the FunRun/Walk.Shirts included in the costfor the 15K and 5K. Shirtsfor FunRun/Walk partici-pants are $18.

INFORMATION: JoelEverett, (918) 684-6302,ext. 28 or go towww.muskogeerun.com.

Second Muskogee Runmay draw 1,000 entrants

Phoenix file photo

Jason Tilton of Oklahoma City leads Tahlequah’sChad McCarter, Katie Kramer of Oklahoma City and ahost of other runners at Broadway and Second streetsduring the 2011 Muskogee Run. Tilton won the 15K race.

(See RUNNERS, 19)

Run offers5K, 15K

races and 1 mile fun run

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 13Muskogee Phoenix

By D.E. SmootPhoenix Staff Writer

Independent film-makers and moviebuffs from around theworld will convergeupon Muskogee inApril when the cur-tains rise on the 13thannual Bare BonesInternational Filmand Music Festival.

The grassroots cul-tural festival hasgrown increasinglypopular since itdebuted in 1999,screening more than3,000 movies since itsinception. Organizerssay the quality of thefilms submitted forconsideration contin-ues to improve.

“The weedingprocess is tremendous— just because a filmisn’t accepted doesn’tmean it isn’t good,”ShIronbutterfly Raysaid about this year’sentries. “In the olddays some of themwould be just awful,but we are having toweed out some filmsjust by a few points.”

Ray said filmmakerssubmitted some 500films for considera-tion, all of themviewed in their entire-ty. About 150 of thoseentries will make thefinal cut and be shownduring the 2012 festi-val.

Bare Bones is dedi-cated to screening fea-ture motion pictureprojects that havebudgets totaling lessthan a million dollars.The festival’s “philoso-phy is to promote andsupport the efforts ofthe small-budget film-makers, screenwritersand producers.”

MoviemakerMagazine named BareBones among its “25

Festivals worth theentry fee” in 2010. Ayear earlier BareBones was cited asone of the top 20 festi-vals for new andemerging filmmakers.

In addition to the150 films that will beshown, Ray said thisyear’s festival willfeature a number ofspeakers, some “hot

actors” festival-goerswill recognize, musicthroughout the week,and tributes to hon-orees.

“These are the realpeople who have doneit — wrote, shot, edit-ed it and everything,”Ray said. “The audi-ence can ask themquestions, and theywill know a little bit

— or a lot since theyhave done it all —about everything.”

While the festival isnot “celebrity driven,”Ray said festival-goers will recognizesome of the actorswho plan to attend. Inaddition, two north-east Oklahomans willreceive festival hon-ors.

Tulsa-based musi-cian and OklahomaMusic Hall of Fameinductee Rocky Friscowill be recognized forhis work on a docu-mentary exploringRed Dirt music, agenre that grew fromof the Stillwaterscene. Jerry Whitlock

If you goWHAT: Bare Bones

International Film andMusic Festival.

WHEN: April 13-22.WHERE: Downtown

Muskogee.INFORMATION: (918)

616-1264; www.bare-bonesfilmfestivals.org.

Staff photo by D.E. Smoot

ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-founder of Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, prepares for the 13th annual event at her DarkwoodFilm Arts Institute office.

Festival turns Muskogee into independent film Mecca

(See THIS, 23)

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Muskogee Phoenix

By D.E. SmootPhoenix Staff Writer

Independent film-makers and moviebuffs from around theworld will convergeupon Muskogee inApril when the cur-tains rise on the 13thannual Bare BonesInternational Filmand Music Festival.

The grassroots cul-tural festival hasgrown increasinglypopular since itdebuted in 1999,screening more than3,000 movies since itsinception. Organizerssay the quality of thefilms submitted forconsideration contin-ues to improve.

“The weedingprocess is tremendous— just because a filmisn’t accepted doesn’tmean it isn’t good,”ShIronbutterfly Raysaid about this year’sentries. “In the olddays some of themwould be just awful,but we are having toweed out some filmsjust by a few points.”

Ray said filmmakerssubmitted some 500films for considera-tion, all of themviewed in their entire-ty. About 150 of thoseentries will make thefinal cut and be shownduring the 2012 festi-val.

Bare Bones is dedi-cated to screening fea-ture motion pictureprojects that havebudgets totaling lessthan a million dollars.The festival’s “philoso-phy is to promote andsupport the efforts ofthe small-budget film-makers, screenwritersand producers.”

MoviemakerMagazine named BareBones among its “25

Festivals worth theentry fee” in 2010. Ayear earlier BareBones was cited asone of the top 20 festi-vals for new andemerging filmmakers.

In addition to the150 films that will beshown, Ray said thisyear’s festival willfeature a number ofspeakers, some “hot

actors” festival-goerswill recognize, musicthroughout the week,and tributes to hon-orees.

“These are the realpeople who have doneit — wrote, shot, edit-ed it and everything,”Ray said. “The audi-ence can ask themquestions, and theywill know a little bit

— or a lot since theyhave done it all —about everything.”

While the festival isnot “celebrity driven,”Ray said festival-goers will recognizesome of the actorswho plan to attend. Inaddition, two north-east Oklahomans willreceive festival hon-ors.

Tulsa-based musi-cian and OklahomaMusic Hall of Fameinductee Rocky Friscowill be recognized forhis work on a docu-mentary exploringRed Dirt music, agenre that grew fromof the Stillwaterscene. Jerry Whitlock

If you goWHAT: Bare Bones

International Film andMusic Festival.

WHEN: April 13-22.WHERE: Downtown

Muskogee.INFORMATION: (918)

616-1264; www.bare-bonesfilmfestivals.org.

Staff photo by D.E. Smoot

ShIronbutterfly Ray, co-founder of Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival, prepares for the 13th annual event at her DarkwoodFilm Arts Institute office.

Festival turns Muskogee into independent film Mecca

(See THIS, 23)

Arts26TH ANNUAL “NOT

YOUR GRANDMOTHER’SQUILT” SHOW, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. April 20-21, St. PaulUnited Methodist Church,2130 W. Okmulgee Ave.Admission if $5. More than150 quilts will be displayed.Vendors will have displays,and lunch will be available,as well as door prizes andhourly demonstrations.

FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBESMUSEUM ART UNDER THEOAKS MUSEUM AND FES-TIVAL, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.April 21-22. Includes artsand crafts show, storytelling,live music and more. Free.Information: 683-1701 orwww.fivetribes.org.

CULTURAL ART SHOW,

Five Civilized TribesMuseum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday andclosed Sunday. Adults $3;Seniors 65 and over $2;Students $1.50; Childrenunder 6 are free.

BenefitsFORE-CHAR-I-TEE

GOLF TOURNAMENT, May4, Muskogee Country Club.Banner auction also will beheld. Lunch starts at 11 a.m.with a shotgun start at 1p.m. All proceeds from thetournament are distributedas scholarships to local highschool graduates.Information: [email protected].

CELEBRITY SERVICES

AUCTION, 6:30 p.m. May 5,Muskogee Country Club.The cost is $35 per personand will include dinner andone adult beverage. All pro-ceeds will benefit Kids’Space. Information: (918)682-4204.

ConcertsROXY TRIBUTE SHOWS,

7 p.m. The Roxy Theater,220 W. Okmulgee Ave., thirdFriday of the month. Ticketsare $10 advance, $15 at thedoor and can be purchasedat the Muskogee CivicCenter, Sweet and Sassy,John Michael Music Storeand Rustic Elegance.Information: (918) 684-6363.

JAM SESSIONS, 6 p.m.Sundays, Down Home Blues

Club, 701 D.C. Minner St.,Rentiesville. Information:(918) 855-0978.

MUSIC AT THE CANE-BRAKE, 6 to 9 p.m.Wednesdays, The

Canebrake, four miles east


Activities in the area(See ACTIVITIES, 15)


Learn the art ofprimitive tool mak-ing, browse throughNative American artand crafts for sale,enjoy live music andstorytelling — all inone place April 21and 22.

The Five CivilizedTribes Museum isholding its annualArt Under the OaksMarket and Festivalduring Muskogee’sAzalea Festival.

Art Under the Oaksis a market and festi-val that highlightsthe culture and histo-ry of the Five

Civilized Tribes ofOklahoma —Choctaw, Muscogee(Creek), Cherokee,Chickasaw andSeminole.

The festival is heldannually atMuskogee’s FiveCivilized Tribe

Submitted photo

Mike Berryhill, Creek, and Noel Grayson, Cherokee, talk about a deer hide.Primitive tool making, Native American art and crafts, music and live storytelling areoffered April 21 and 22 at the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival on the groundsof the Five Civilized Tribe Museum.

Art Under the Oaks highlights Native talent

By Dylan GoforthPhoenix Staff Writer

Are you a caloriecounter? If so, there’sgood news and badnews.

The bad news — ifthis qualifies — is theApril 14 Chili Cook-Offwill provide you withample opportunity togorge yourself with allthe delicious food youcan imagine.

The good news is youcan burn those caloriesoff ahead of time.

The Muskogee Run isin its second year, andJoel Everett, specialprojects coordinatorwith the city ofMuskogee, said afterlast year’s inauguralsuccess, they expect thisyear to be even better.

“Last year we hadabout 650 people regis-ter and run,” Everettsaid. “This year we’rethinking we might getaround 1,000 people.”

Everett said heexpects positive word ofmouth in regards to lastyear’s run to help boostthis year’s numbers.Because the runattracts a differentcrowd than the cook-offdoes, he said the morepeople they attract, the

better.“It’s not the same peo-

ple that come to theparade or the cook-off,”Everett said. “Themajority of them will bedifferent folks. We’vegot the run starting at 8a.m., which means youcan come for the run,stay for the parade andthen go eat. Everybodywins. In fact, the run-ners can even be in theparade if they want to.”

(See SHOW, 21)

If you goWHAT: 2012 Muskogee

Run.WHERE: Race begins

near Muskogee Swim andFitness Center, 566 N.Sixth St.

WHEN: 8 a.m. April 14. ADMISSION: $35 for

the 15K, $25 for the 5K,$15 for the FunRun/Walk.Shirts included in the costfor the 15K and 5K. Shirtsfor FunRun/Walk partici-pants are $18.

INFORMATION: JoelEverett, (918) 684-6302,ext. 28 or go towww.muskogeerun.com.

Second Muskogee Runmay draw 1,000 entrants

Phoenix file photo

Jason Tilton of Oklahoma City leads Tahlequah’sChad McCarter, Katie Kramer of Oklahoma City and ahost of other runners at Broadway and Second streetsduring the 2011 Muskogee Run. Tilton won the 15K race.

(See RUNNERS, 19)

Run offers5K, 15K

races and 1 mile fun run

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 10 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

186638

of Wagoner off Oklahoma 51.No cover charge. Information:485-1810 or www.thecane-brake.com.

OKAY GOSPEL SINGING,6 p.m., first Saturday of eachmonth, Okay CommunityCenter. Singers/musiciansare Anew Direction. Dinnerwill be served at 6:30 p.m.Donations welcome.Information: (918) 360-1968.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPOT-LIGHT, 7 p.m., thirdSaturday, The Roxy Theater,220 W. Okmulgee Ave. Doorsopen at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5,adults, and free, children 12and under. It is open to thepublic. Information: (918)807-1278.

HERO SPOTLIGHT CON-CERT, 7 p.m. April 28, Roxy


Activities in area



Every Saturday andSunday, beginningApril 28 and ending onMemorial Day, visitorscan play with pirates,knights, sorcerers andfair maidens at the17th annualRenaissance Festival.

This year’s festivalhas some surprises instore for visitors — TheCastle has been raidedby pirates — so slap ona pirate’s hat andblend in, “lest ye fin’yerselves in walkin’ t’plank.”

Actually, the annualRenaissance Festivalisn’t all about pirates.However, this year’scelebration does fea-ture a pirate weekendMay 5 and 6, whichincludes a new shipand a “Pirate Feaste”for all “ye landlubbers”to enjoy.

Additionally, “TheCave” opens this year,providing a cool, shadyplace to listen to musi-cal acts and enjoyrefreshments on thefar end of The Castlegrounds.

Also new this year —expanded seating forthe living chess gameand belly dancer arena,a new children’samphitheater for story-telling, and severalnew shows and musicalacts.

“We’re really excitedabout the new littleamphitheater for story-telling. Everyone isexcited and just liningup to tell stories,myself included,”Castle Owner JeffHiller said.

The children’s area isfilled with magicalactivities for theyoungsters — a walk-

through dragon, gianttree stump for climb-ing, a gypsy caravan,and much more family-friendly activities andfairytale charactersthroughout for thechildren to interactwith.

One of the new actsis the “Cast in Bronze”carillon bells man —the only musical act inthe world featuring afour-ton instrumentcalled a carillon.

“Oh it ’s huge, verytheatrical,” Hiller said.“It will be in the joust-ing area. We’re veryexcited about this act.”

Celtic weekend willbe April 20 and 21,which includes the tra-ditional Ceilioh (pro-nounced “Ka-lee”), a2 1 - a n d - o v e r - o n l yScottish party featur-ing live music fromworld-class perform-ers.

Shows throughoutthe festival include“Noble Cause,” world-renowned knights whowill bring joustingalive for visitors in thejousting arena, TheTribal Circus Show,The Magic of Van Zee,The Jester Rejects andmany more.

For those who won-der why there’s anOklahoma RenaissanceFestival — whereknights in shiningarmor and piratesnever explored —Hiller and his son MattHiller talked abouthow it all came tofruition.

“I had the idea firstin college in Indiana.Basically, every fouryears they had a festi-val,” Jeff said. “Then, Iwent to one inCalifornia about 35years ago. It was won-derful, we had such a

wonderful day.”Matt said he remem-

bered the trip, too. “Tome it seemed like afamily-fun thing to do,as I remember it,” hesaid, smiling at hisdad.

But the biggest impe-tus for the family tobuild the Castle ofMuskogee and beginholding RenaissanceFestivals 17 years agowas the end of theBoarshead Feast atNortheastern StateUniversity.

“I don’t know whythey stopped doing it,but we loved it,” Jeffsaid. “Our first festivalwas really a fair —only two days, but it’sjust grown and grownsince then.”

Reach Wendy Burtonat (918) 684-2926 orwbur ton@muskogeep -hoenix.com.

Above: Jugglers, musi-cians, fairies, acrobatsand dancers strollthrough Castleton at theannual RenaissanceFestival. Visitors to thefestival, in costume or out,can step back in time andexplore RenaissanceEngland at The Castle ofMuskogee every weekendbeginning April 28through Memorial Day.

Left: Capt’n PinkyLaClore, the pink pirate,poses for a picture next toa former crewmember atthe Castle of Muskogee.New this year is PirateFeaste and a new ship andstage modeled from theEnglish “Mary Rose.”

Phoenix file photo

Renaissance Festival opens April 28

Submitted

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Page 9Muskogee Phoenix — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors Guide

Theater. Cost: $5 per ticket,with donations accepted atthe door. Proceeds benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

HERO CONCERT FEA-TURING THE MUSKOGEECOMMUNITY BAND, 7 p.m.May 15, Boulevard ChristianChurch. Concert is free, withdonations accepted at thedoor. Proceeds will benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

HANK WILLIAMS SR.ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTECONCERT, 7 p.m. June 13,Roxy Theater. Tickets are $1,with donations accepted atthe door. Proceeds benefitthe Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

DancesSQUARE DANCES, 8

p.m., first and third Fridays ofthe month, Hatbox Field.Sponsor: MuskogeeSwingers Square DanceClub. Caller: CorbetDavidson. Information: (918)478-4571.

AMERICAN LEGIONPOST 15 DANCE, 8 p.m. tomidnight Saturdays, 4021 W.Broadway. Cost: $6. This is anon-smoking event.

LINE DANCING AT HAT-BOX, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays,640 S. 40th St. Cost: $2,beginner, intermediate andadvanced line dances. Allages welcome. Information:(918) 683-3572.

BEGINNERS LINE DANC-ING, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays,Kiwanis Senior CitizensCenter, 119 Spaulding Blvd.Free to everyone.Information: (918) 683-3572.

SENIOR CITIZENSDANCE, 7 to 10 p.m.Tuesdays, Hatbox DanceBuilding, 540 S. 40th St.,sponsored by Kiwanis Senior

Citizens Center. Cost is $2.50per person. Potluck dinner isat 8:30 p.m. Music is provid-ed by the Country CookinBand. Types of dancinginclude: Two-steps, waltzes,rock and roll, square dancing,line dancing and others.Everyone 50 and older arewelcome. Information: (918)430-6236.

BEGINNER’S LINEDANCE LESSONS, 7 to 7:30p.m. Wednesdays, HatboxDance Building, 540 S. 40thSt. Free. Stay for dance-as-you-learn lessons from 7:30to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $2 per per-son. No alcohol or smokingallowed. All ages welcome.Information: (918) 360-2709.

LINE DANCING, 10 to11:30 a.m. first, second,fourth Thursdays, 1 to 2:30p.m. third Thursday, KiwanisSenior Citizens Center, 119Spaulding Blvd. Free.Information: (918) 683-3572or (918) 684-6310.

MUSKOGEE TWIRLERSSQUARE DANCE CLUB,7:30 p.m., second and fourthFridays, Hatbox Dance Hall.Larry Conner is the caller.Information: (918) 684-1718.

Events28th ANNUAL MISS/MR.

AZALEA PAGEANT, March31, Roxy Theater. The pag-eant is held each year in con-junction with the AzaleaFestival in Muskogee. Thepageant is open to girls frombirth to 18 years and boysbirth to 3 years. Everyonewho enters receives a trophy.Winners receive crowns, ban-ners, and trophies and will beeligible to ride in the AzaleaParade. Deadline to haveyour picture included in theprogram book is March 1. Forentry forms and more infor-mation, call Debbie Morganat (918) 463-2693.

AZALEA FESTIVAL, April

1-30, Honor Heights Park,take Honor Heights Drivepast the Jack C. MontgomeryVA Medical Center to thepark. Free, but donationsaccepted.

2012 MUSKOGEE AZA-LEA FESTIVAL PARADE, 11a.m. April 14. From the inter-section of Fifth and Denisonstreets east to Second Street,south to Broadway and westto Sixth Street, finishing atthe intersection of Sixth andDenison. Theme is “Fashions& Trends Through the Years.”Entry deadline is 5 p.m. April4. Information: (918) 684-6302, Ext. 28.

CHILI COOK-OFF KICK-OFF, April 13, doors open at6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m. concert,featuring featuring EmeraldCity, Muskogee Civic Center,$20 at the door.

MUSKOGEE EXCHANGECLUB CHILI AND BARBE-CUE COOK-OFF, April 14,immediately after the AzaleaFestval Parade. Around 11:30a.m to 5 p.m. Entertainment,rides, inflatable toys andgames open all day,Muskogee Civic CenterMarket Square Festival Area,at Fifth and Boston Streets.Taster kits, $6 each.

2012 MUSKOGEE RUN, 8a.m. April 14. Race beginsnear Muskogee Swim andFitness Center, 566 N. SixthSt. Cost is $35 for the 15K,$25 for the 5K, $15 for theFunRun/Walk. Shirts includedin the cost for the 15K and5K. Shirts for FunRun/Walkparticipants are $18. INFOR-MATION: Joel Everett, (918)684-6302, ext. 28 or go towww.muskogeerun.com.

MOTORCYCLE DINNERRUN, 6:30 p.m. Fridays,weather permitting. Everyoneis welcome to meet for a rideand have dinner. For themeeting location, call (918)441-1352 or (918) 913-1690.




By Cathy SpauldingPhoenix Staff Writer

A person can work upa powerful appetitewatching floats andcars go by at the annu-al Azalea FestivalParade.

Let not your tummybe troubled.

The MuskogeeExchange Club willseek to satisfy hungryvisitors with all sortsof chili, hot links, bar-becue, ribs and othertreats.

The 28th AnnualExchange Club Chiliand Barbecue Cook-offis set for around 11:30a.m. April 14 at theMarket Square festivalarea, just west of theMuskogee Civic Center.

“We start up eachcook-off right after theparade ends,” saidcook-off coordinatorRobert Smith.

The parade begins at11 a.m. April 14 andproceeds through down-town Muskogee. Part ofthe parade marchesright in front of theCivic Center, just theright spot to dash overfor some hot eats andcold beverages.

Each year, the cook-off draws between10,000 and 20,000 hun-gry visitors, Smithsaid.

“It’s our 28th yeardoing this for the localcommunity,” Smithsaid. “We raise moneyto help fight childabuse and to help otherprograms. Plus, it’s thebest food in Oklahoma.”

People can buy ataster kit for $6. Theytake the plastic dishand eating utensilaround to differentbooths. Cooks at thebooths then dish outsamples of their delica-

cies.Officially, there will

be contests for bestchili through the ChiliAppreciation SocietyInternational and bestchicken, pork ribs, hotlinks, brisket and otherfoods through theInternational BarbecueSociety. There also willbe contests for the mostcrowd-pleasing dishand best booth.

Chili cook-off big draw downtown

WHAT: Chili Cook-offKick-off featuringEmerald City.

WHEN: Doors open at6:30 p.m. with 7 p.m.concert, April 13.

WHERE: MuskogeeCivic Center, Fourth andBoston streets.

PRICE: $20 at thedoor.

WHAT: MuskogeeExchange Club Chili andBarbecue Cook-Off.

WHEN: Immediatelyafter the Azalea FestivalParade. Around 11:30a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14.Entertainment, rides,inflatable toys andgames open all day.

WHERE: MuskogeeCivic Center MarketSquare Festival Area, atFifth and Boston streets.

COST: Taster kits, $6each.

INFORMATION: (918)360-6006.

Phoenix file photos

Visitors to the 2011 Muskogee Exchange Club Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off visit Advanced Workzone’s tent for homemade baked beans.

If you goJimmy“Roho”Rowan ofFortGibsonhawks hisbarbecuechickenand chiliat the2011MuskogeeExchangeClub ChiliandBarbecueCook-Off.

(See COOK-OFF, 18)

BINGO NIGHT, AmericanLegion Post 15, 5:30 p.m.Mondays and Thursdays and7 p.m. main session onThursdays.

DODGING FOR DISAS-TER ADULT DODGEBALLTOURNAMENT, 10 a.m.March 31, Muskogee HighSchool gym. Cost: $60 perteam of six. Proceeds benefit

the Muskogee Red Cross.Information: (918) 682-1366.

TASTE OF HOME COOK-ING SCHOOL SHOW, 6:30p.m. April 5, Muskogee CivicCenter. Tickets: $15 per per-son, or a group of 10 or moreis $10 each. Culinary expertJamie Dunn will demonstrate10 new recipes to recreate athome. The first 500 paid cus-tomers will get a free gift bag.Information: (918) 684-6363.

BARE BONES INTERNA-TIONAL FILM AND MUSICFESTIVAL, April 13 to 22,downtown Muskogee.Information: www.barebones-filmfestivals.org.

BATFISH BOOT CAMP,9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April14, Muskogee War MemorialPark. Five presenters, includ-ing author of “Leader of thePack” Mark Allen, will attend.Allen will present an overview

of the USS Batfish’s wartimeexploits. After completing theseminar you will be qualifiedto conduct historical tours ofthe museum and submarine.Space is limited to 20 people.Cost: $20 per person, whichincludes lunch, a copy of“Leader of the Pack” and asubmarine patch. Information:(918) 682-6295.

PARTY IN THE PARK,1:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 21,Honor Heights Park. Winetasting provided by nineOklahoma wineries, foodtasting provided by sixMuskogee-area restaurants,live jazz and an art for showand sale by the MuskogeeArt Guild Admission with sou-venir glass: $15 in advanceor $20 at the door. Ticketsavailable at http://rotarypar-tyinthepark.org

JUNIOR ACHIEVE-MENT’S BOWL-ARRGH-THON, 6 to 8 p.m. April 26,Green Country Lanes.Presented by OG&E, the

event will help provide JuniorAchievement programs(financial literacy, entrepre-neurship, and work readi-ness) to more than 2,000Muskogee students. Sponsor,individual and team bowlingavailable. Raise $100 perbowler. Information: BrianJackson (918) 663-2156.

AZALEA LINE DANCEJAMBOREE, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. April 28, Hatbox DanceBuilding. Sign-in starts at 9a.m. Open to the public.

TOUCH A TRUCK, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. April 29, Love-Hatbox Field runway. Event isfor children of all ages can.They can get in, get on, andhonk the horn of all kinds ofvehicles — not just trucks!Presented by MuskogeePublic Library and the city ofMuskogee, the cost is $2 perperson, but no child under 12will be turned away.Proceeds will benefit theMuskogee Public Library’sChildren’s Department.

Information: (918) 682-6657.

ReunionsMUSKOGEE HIGH

SCHOOL CLASS OF 198230th REUNION, June 29-30.Information: (918) 913-0008or www.muskogeeclassof82.com.

MUSKOGEE HIGHSCHOOL CLASS OF 200210-year reunion, 7 p.m. May12, Kilharen’s Lodge. Cost:$30 per person, pay withPaypal by April 20.Information:[email protected]

TheaterTHE SOUND OF MUSIC,

8 p.m. April 13-14, 17 and19-21 and 2 p.m. April 15 and22, Muskogee Little Theatre.Tickets: $14 adults, $10 stu-dents available atSoundWorld, (918) 683-4901.

“Oh the kids justloved it. They wereclimbing in and out ofthe vehicles,” she said.“And they really lovedturning the ambulancesiren on and off.”

A Life Flight helicop-ter was a big hit too,she said — especiallywhen it got a call andhad to take off halfwaythrough the event.

“It was so exciting forthe kids, watching ittake off,” Bradley said.

The event, a fundrais-er for the children’s sec-tion of the library, fea-

tures fire trucks, policecars, airplanes, militarytrucks and more.

Plus, the communitymembers who drive thevehicles are in atten-dance to answer ques-tions as the childrenhonk horns, flip switch-es and pretend to besuperheroes, too.

The event hasexpanded this year,with new activities anda chance for children tohelp promote the eventduring the AzaleaParade.

“We’re hoping to havemore vehicles this year,and we are also going to

have a giant inflatablemonster truck slide forkids to play on,”Bradley said. “Peoplealso asked last yearabout T-shirts, so we’regoing to be selling kidsT-shirts for $10 apiece.”

To possibly get a seaton the parade float,children can attend thelibrary’s Lego Buildersgroup, which meets thefirst Thursday of everymonth.

The children will bebuilding Lego trucksduring the April meet-ing, Bradley said.

Children get a chanceto ride by filling out col-

oring sheets in the chil-dren’s department ofthe library.

Names will be drawnfrom all the partici-pants in both activities.

The $2 entry fee perperson benefits theMuskogee PublicLibrary children’s sec-tion, Bradley said.



his wife Linda willserve as the parade’sgrand marshals.Everett said both areinvolved in LeadershipOklahoma, which ismarking its 25thanniversary this year.

“Fashions & TrendsThrough the Years”also serves as thetheme for the AzaleaBanner Project. About100 banners will linedowntown Muskogeestreets during theparade and will laterbe auctioned for afundraiser.

Everett said localartist Taylor Shipmandesigned the “Fashions& Trends Through theYears” logo.

“We wanted to getsomething we couldthat would be decentto paint to as well asfun and easy to deco-rate to,” Everett said.“It’s different, but it’spretty evocative ofthat era. We had a lotof ideas thrownaround. People seem tobe catching on prettygood.”

Shipman, who worksfor the CherokeeNation, will submit abanner for the thirdyear.

“There’s been a widevariety of interest,”Shipman said. “Ithought maybe if welook for retro in thebottom of the banner,we’d get some prettyneat banners this year.

“It will be neat see-ing what everybody’sidea of retro fashionand trends is going tobe this year on thebanners and at theparade.”

Reach Mike Carrelsat (918) 684-2922 [email protected].


Muskogee’s Downtown

Antiques & Chic

Boutiques District

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Phoenix file photos

A Boy Scout calls cadence in the traditional campaign hat.

Edmondsons to serve as marshalsThis year’s cook-off

also will offer newinflatable games forkids. Also new areinflatable “pay for play”games for bigger peo-ple, Smith said.

“We also will haveprizes to be givenaway,” he said.

Prizes could includebig screen TVs andXbox 360 games, hesaid.

For a sneak peek ofcook-off fun, come tothe Cook-Off Kick-offconcert April 13 atMuskogee Civic Center.This year’s concert fea-

tures Emerald City, aDallas band that enter-tained at the 2009Cook-Off Kick-off,Smith said. The band’srepertoire covers 50years of popular music,plus current hits andoriginal songs, theband’s website says.

In 2011, theExchange Club distrib-uted $25,000 in cook-off proceeds to sevenprograms, includingKids’ Space, CourtAppointed SpecialAdvocates and 4-H.

Reach CathySpaulding at (918) 684-2928 or [email protected].


Cook-Off Kick-off features Emerald CityChildrens T-shirts will be available at event

Shriners are a perennial favorite at the parade.

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The run comes inthree versions: A 15Kfor the hardcore runner,a 5K and a one-mileFunRun/Walk for thosewho want a lighter takeon the festivities.

The 15K will cover theentirety of theCentennial Trail. Thestarting line, Everettsaid, is in front of theMuskogee Swim andFitness Center. The runends just north ofArrowhead Mall, wherethe awards ceremonywill take place.

“It’s pretty coolbecause there’s so much

going on that day,”Everett said. “It’s a pret-ty unusual run as far asthat goes.”

But before runnerscelebrate at the mall,they have to conquer“The Hill.”

“There’s not a namefor the hill yet, but I’dimagine there will besoon,” Everett said, ref-erencing a steep inclinenear the end of the run.“Runners like to nameobstacles like that. TheTulsa Marathon has onecalled the ‘Hill fromHell’ and the BostonMarathon has‘Heartbreak Hill.’ Iguess this one is our

own little ‘HeartbreakHill.’”

Everett said neighbor-hoods got into the eventa year ago.

“Last year while wewere out marking trails,we would see people inthe neighborhoods wewere near asking uswhat was going on,”Everett said. “There wasexcitement in regards tothat, some from peoplethat didn’t know the runwas happening, so weexpect to get some moreinterest from that, too.”

At 9.3 miles, the runis the longest inMuskogee, Everett said.The length helps attract

runners from all over.“You might not get

people from other statesto come to a 5K — youcan find 5Ks anywhere,”Everett said. “But a 15Kis more substantial. Bythe day of the run, Iexpect we’ll have run-

ners for four or fivestates, anyway.”

Registration is possi-ble up until the day ofthe run, but a $5 latefee is applicable afterApril 4.

“We’ll be goingthrough neighborhoods

and crossing streets andgoing through town onthe run,” Everett said.“It should be a prettygood time.”

Reach Dylan Goforth at(918) 684-2903 or [email protected].


2012 Spring Visitors Guide Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Muskogee Phoenix

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By Mike CarrelsPhoenix Staff Writer

Those who attendthe 2012 AzaleaParade will get severalblasts from the pastwith the theme“Fashions & TrendsThrough the Years.”

The parade is a tra-ditional event for theannual Azalea Festivalthat began in 1967,

said Joel Everett, spe-cial projects coordina-tor with the city ofMuskogee.

This year’s themewill celebrate not justfashion, but other erasof the Azalea Festivalas well, Everett said.

“Although the themeis fashion and trends,you don’t have to paintor decorate clothing;that’s kind of where

your mind goes whenyou hear fashion,”Everett said. “You can

expand on the idea. Itcould be architecture,fashion, music — any-

thing that changes,with kind of anemphasis on the moremodern stuff, since theparade started in1967.”

Thousands from allover the countryattend the AzaleaFestival, and theparade serves as akickoff to the day’sevents.

The parade winds

through Muskogee’shistoric downtownarea, passing theMuskogee Civic Centerwhere parade watcherswill be chowing downon barbecue and chiliat the annual ChiliCook-off.

Former OklahomaAttorney GeneralDrew Edmondson and

Fashion in vogue at Azalea ParadeWHAT: 2012 Muskogee

Azalea Festival Parade.WHEN: 11 a.m. April 14.WHERE: From the inter-

section of Fifth and Denisonstreets east to SecondStreet, south to Broadwayand west to Sixth Street,

finishing at the intersectionof Sixth and Denison.

THEME: “Fashions &Trends Through the Years.”

ENTRY DEADLINE: 5p.m. April 4.

INFO: (918) 684-6302,Ext. 28.

Phoenix file photo

Young people parade in historic fashions in an earlier Azalea Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Fashions & Trends Through the Years.”

If you go

(See EDMONDSONS, 7)

Museum, which sitson the hill near theentrance to HonorHeights Park, wherethousands visit totake in the beauty ofblooming azaleaseach spring.

The museum opensits Cultural ArtShow beginningApril 1 and holds theArt Under the Oaksfestival on April 21and 22.

The art show, openduring regular muse-um hours throughoutthe month, featurestextiles, pottery, bas-ketry, gourds, knap-ping and jewelry —

all reflecting the cul-ture and history ofthe five tribes, saidMuseum DirectorMary Robinson.

“Every year I amamazed at the cre-ative talents of thisgroup of artists,”Robinson said. “It isa beautiful showwith lots of textureand color.”

The museum isopen from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday. Admissionis $3 for adults and$1.50 for students,$2 for seniors 65 andover.

The Art Under the

Oaks Market andFestival will be heldApril 21 and 22 atthe museum. The fes-tival is free to thepublic and featureseverything from re-enactors dressed inperiod clothing,demonstrating primi-tive tool making andbasket weaving tostorytellers and arti-sans marketing theirwares.

Historic re-enac-tors Mike Berryhill,Muscogee (Creek),and Noel Grayson,Cherokee, willdemonstrate whatlife was like in the1800s.

Mary Edwards

Smith, a traditionalriver cane basketweaver, will demon-strate basket weav-ing and providematerial for thosewho would like to trytheir hand at thetraditional craft.

Storyteller andauthor Greg Rodgers,Choctaw, will be fea-tured both days andwill share tradition-al tribal stories withthe audience.

The CherokeeBaptist Choir willperform in theirnative language at 1p.m. Saturday, and,weather permitting,a gospel singing willbe held at 2 p.m.

Sunday on the southporch of the muse-um.

Food offeringsinclude a traditionalCreek meal andIndian tacos.

The Arts Under theOaks Market andFestival is held withthe assistance of theOklahoma ArtsCouncil. All familyentertainment is freeand open to the pub-lic.

Information:www.fivetribes.org or(918) 683-1701.

Reach WendyBurton at (918) 684-2926 or [email protected].


Show reflects art, culture of tribesIf you go

WHAT: Five Civilized TribesMuseum Art Under the OaksMuseum and Festival.Includes arts and crafts show,storytelling, live music andmore.


COST: Free.WHAT: Cultural Art Show at

the Five Civilized TribesMuseum.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday andclosed Sunday.

COST: Adults $3; Seniors65 and over $2; Students$1.50; Children under 6 arefree.

INFORMATION: 683-1701or www.fivetribes.org.

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Muskogee Phoenix — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

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Quilting is a time-honored traditionwhich has creatednumerous family heir-looms throughdecades of popularityin America.

Many love to quilt— creating warm andartistic pieces for pos-terity and to give toloved ones.

For those who enjoyviewing quilts as anart form, or collect orwant to begin quilt-ing, the MuskogeeArea Quilters Guildwill hold its 26thannual “Not YourGrandmother’s Quilt”show duringMuskogee’s AzaleaFestival.

The show will beheld 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.April 20 and 21 at St.Paul UnitedMethodist Church,2130 W. OkmulgeeAve.

Admission is $5, andrefreshments will besold by the MethodistLadies Group to sup-port missions.

More than 150quilts will be on dis-play, and a boutiqueselling handmade pincushions, aprons andother small items willbe available.

The group’s pièce derésistance, anappliqué quilt madeby at least 15 mem-bers of the group, willbe on display as well.

A drawing will beheld to win the quilt,featuring flower bou-quets in a theme ofblues and violets, andthe proceeds will ben-

efit the Guild.Chairwoman of this

year’s event, DebbieBaker, said more than600 people attendedthe 2011 show.

“There are all kindsof quilts, folk artquilts, what we callpiece quilts, appliqué,picture art quilts,”Baker said. “The quiltwe’re holding thedrawing for is justgorgeous.”

Baker began quilt-ing about 10 yearsago and joined theGuild about the sametime, she said. This isher third year aschairwoman of thespring show.

The show will bene-fit the Guild’s activi-ties, including itsReaching Out pro-gram, she said.

“We donate quilts tothe Crisis PregnancyCenter, to the motor-cycle club that helpschildren when they’vebeen abused, toWomen In Safe Home,the Murrow IndianChildren’s Home, and

If you goWHAT: 26th annual

“Not Your Grandmother’sQuilt” show.


WHERE: St. PaulUnited Methodist Church,2130 W. Okmulgee Ave.

COST: Admission $5.ETC.: More than 150

quilts will be displayed.Vendors will have dis-plays, and lunch will beavailable, as well as doorprizes and hourly demon-strations.

Warm, comfy art on display

Submitted photo

Examples of area quilters’ art will be displayed April 20 and 21 at the “Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt” show atSt. Paul United Methodist Church.

(See QUILTERS, 23)

Azaleas in Honor Heights

Phoenix file photo

The Azalea Festival in Muskogee held annually sinceApril 1968 to celebrate the beauty of the azaleasblooming in Honor Heights Park. Art Johnson, land-scape architect and director of Muskogee Parks andRecreation from 1949 to 1977, introduced azaleas toHonor Heights Park in the 1950s.


There’s probably noth-ing that can light up achild’s eyes better thanswirling lights, blaringsirens and gushing waterhoses — except gettingtheir hands on it all.

The Muskogee PublicLibrary and city ofMuskogee are pairing uponce again to bring Touch-a-Truck to children duringthe annual AzaleaFestival.

The inaugural yearturned out great, saidlibrary assistant AubreyBradley.

186479 186848

2012 Spring Visitors Guide Muskogee PhoenixPage 2 — Sunday, March 25, 2012 2012 Spring Visitors GuideMuskogee Phoenix

186482

will be honored asCitizen of the Arts.

Ray said Bare Bones,which has been dubbedthe “friendliest filmfestival in the world,”will launch earlier thisyear. The festival willcoincide withMuskogee’s annualAzalea Parade and thechili cook-off.

“This will give thefolks who visit achance to interact with

the community,” Raysaid. “We are going tohave a float in theparade, this will giveus more of a communi-ty feel.”

The 10-day festival,founded by Ray andher husband, OscarRay, will take place atseveral venues in andaround downtownMuskogee.

Reach D.E. Smoot at(918) 684-2901 [email protected].


‘This will give us more of a community feel’

any family that’s hadfires and are withoutblankets,” Baker said.“We try to give someto the police and firedepartment for peoplewhen they go out oncalls, as well.”

Sue Tardiff, presi-dent of the MuskogeeArea Quilters Guild,said the group isabout 100 membersstrong. Tardiff saidthe event promises tobe fun and interest-ing.

“We are a group ofquilters who meet onthe second Thursdayeach month at theFirst PresbyterianChurch in downtownMuskogee,” Tardiffsaid.

The club welcomesquilters of all skilllevels, she said.

“I’ve only beenquilting for five years,which is not muchcompared to most peo-ple in the club,”Tardiff said. “But theyhave things availablefor beginners and forthose who want tolearn.”

The Guild will alsohave quilts on displayat the MuskogeePublic Librarythrough the month ofMarch — includingthe special quilt thatwill be drawn for dur-ing the show in April.


Continued from Page 1A

QuiltersGuild has

100 members

Kids get hands on trucksIf you go

WHAT: Touch-a-Truck fundraiser forthe MuskogeePublic Library chil-dren’s department.

WHEN: From 9a.m. to 1 p.m. April28.

WHERE:Love/Hatbox Airfield,turn south onto 40thStreet from WestOkmulgee Avenueand follow the roaduntil it ends.

COST: $2 per per-son.

INFORMATION:(918) 682-6657.

Areachildren

and theirfamilies

get up anup-close

experi-ence witha helicop-

ter, above,and a trac-tor-trailer,right, dur-

ing the2011

Touch-a-Truckevent,

sponsoredat

Love/Hatbox Airfield

by theMuskogee

PublicLibraryand the

city ofMuskogee.

Submittedphotos

(See CHILDRENS, 18)

20122012



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