For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.
About the Ladies
Welcome to our annual "Ladies" issue. Although the issue focuses on women and covers some content that many consider to be of concern primarily to women, we hope our male readers will also feel welcomed to delve in. After all, women (mothers, sisters, aunts, supervisors, friends, and so on) play a huge role in ALL our lives, right?
Inside, you'll read about Sooners head softball coach Patty Gasso, who was recently selected by USA Softball to become the head coach of the U.S. National team through the 2028 Olympic Games. In this deeply personal story written by longtime OU sports writer Debbie Copp, Gasso shares a poignant account of bringing her mother, a sports enthusiast living with Alzheimer's, earlier this spring to their game at Long Beach State. See page 26.
Here's a peek at three of the other stories featured in this issue:
• Essentials, a boutique located in the heart of Oklahoma City, was launched in 1985 by Mary Ann Grade and, thanks to an ongoing focus on customer concerns and desires, continues to thrive today under owner Kerry Tarman. Page 18.
• There’s nothing quite like a girls’ night to reset your soul, but this time, Lestari and Mel Drake (our intrepid OKC Vibes columnists) decided to trade sleeping bags and late-night pizza for plush beds, decadent dining and skyline views for a memorable stay at the Ellison Hotel and an equally unforgettable evening at Milo. Page 24.
• Move over, white kitchens. According to Urban Kitchens founder/owner Jo Meacham and her business partner, Neila Crank-Clements, the hottest kitchen trends evoke character and charm—and color! Page 14.
Don't forget Mother's Day on May 11. May is also the month of many other national and worldwide traditions, including Cinco de Mayo on the 5th and Memorial Day on the 26th. Some of the lesser-known celebrations include International Harry Potter Day (2nd), World Press Freedom Day (3rd), World Laughter Day (4th), National Nurses Week (6th-12th) and International Museum Day (18th).
So much to celebrate, and so much to do now that spring is full on! Sending best wishes for the month and the months to come!
JERRI CULPEPPER, MANAGING EDITOR
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Harlea Robinson, Mel Drake, Michelle Pipes
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jerri Culpepper, Debbie Copp
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
city scene
1-3: OU Head Softball Coach Patty Gasso was keynote speaker at the Dodgers Baseball Foundation’s “Stepping Up to the Plate” series March 7 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark March 7. 1: OKC Comets President/General Manager Michael Byrne presents Gasso with a T-shirt. 2: Michael Byrnes, Carol Herrick, Allison Flaig (USA Softball), David James (Major League Baseball) 3: Michael Byrnes, Carol Herrick, Ryan Flood (Cameron University), David James (Major League Baseball)
business monthly
Modern Italian Concept Restaurant Opens in Nichols Hills
84 Hospitality, which earlier brought Empire Slice House (Nichols Hills) and Goro Ramen and Burger Punk (Paseo District) to the OKC metro, has evolved its portfolio with the opening in March of modern Italian concept Elisabetta at 7300 N. Western in Nichols Hills. Elisabetta offers elegant comfort foods inspired by the culinary adventures of the hospitality group’s management and is the perfect setting for date night, business dinners, extended happy hours and nightcaps. FMI: ElisabettaOKC.com,
Cirque du Soleil to Present Famous OVO Show
After a long hiatus, Cirque du Soleil returns to OKC this fall with a new version of its famous OVO (“egg” in Portuguese) show. From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts redefining the limits of the human body. Purchase tickets for the production, set for Sept. 11-14 at the Paycom Center, at CirqueDuSoleil.com/OVO.
Photography Courtesy 84 Hospitality
Photography by Marie-Andrée Lemire
The Ultimate Care for Your Ultimate Smile
Cody Fry to Perform with OKCPHIL May 23-24
Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry - whose 2021 cover of the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments & Vocals - will join the Oklahoma City Philharmonic for a live performance scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets for Cody Fry Live with the OKCPHIL are available at OKCPhil.org or by calling 405.842-.5387.
Dr. Roberta Wright
Dr. Lars Bouma
Photography by Cody Fry Photography
This cognac-stained hickory refrigerator/pantry wall brings
Urban Kitchens Says Hottest Kitchen Trends Evoke Character and Charm—and Color!
ARTICLE
BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CROWE
For many years, the all-white kitchen was all the rage. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and to this “beholder,” all that white spelled bland and uninspired, not to mention a challenge to keep looking spic and span.
Fortunately, just as I begin early plans to overhaul my 1950 home’s kitchen and other spaces, kitchen trends have taken a wide turn in the road.
LATEST KITCHEN TRENDS
According to Urban Kitchens founder/owner Jo Meacham and her business partner, Neila Crank-Clements, the hottest kitchen trends evoke character and charm—and color!
“The biggest change for kitchens in 2025 is the style of the cabinets and accessories,” Jo shares. “In contrast to the Shaker style, cabinet doors and drawer fronts are more detailed, with soft greens and blues or dramatic forest greens and navy replacing all-white kitchens. The new styles are being described as ‘cozy’ or ‘comfortable.’”
Move over, white. Today’s homeowners “are choosing riskier colors,” she says. “Bold colors and wallpaper are being incorporated to create a personalized kitchen. Forest and sage green, soft blue and dark blue, taupe, charcoal and cashmere are the forerunners. And wallpaper is making a spectacular revival; for use on ceilings as well as walls, wallpaper introduces a bit of personality and whimsy.”
Jo and Neila also listed other hot kitchen trends:
• Full backsplashes. Extending the countertop to serve as the backsplash provides a timeless, seamless and easy-to-care-for surface.
• Elevated coffee bars or beverage bars designed specifically for drinks. Often a wine fridge or under-counter refrigerator is included. This versatile space can serve as a breakfast station in the morning and a wine bar in the evening.
• Decorative Range Hoods. Custom hoods may feature a combination of wood and stainless steel. Other styles include textured wood hoods and custom stainless steel or copper hoods.
• Warm woods. Natural wood tones are making a move back to the kitchen. Natural materials bring an organic feel and can be contemporary, midcentury or Scandinavian.
• Natural stone countertops. Spectacular natural quartzite and granite are being installed on islands with neutral engineered quartz on the outer countertops.
• Open Shelving. A controversial element in the kitchen—some people prefer a more clean and sparse aesthetic—open shelving allows you to insert some personality into the kitchen and help keep your countertop clutter-free. Floating shelves or shelves with decorative brackets
A full quartz backsplash presents a seamless background while the wall cubby provides a home for oils and spices, freeing up countertop space.
Handmade Spanish tile, pale blue base cabinets, and a custom walnut bar top stand out in this family kitchen.
are popular, but remain a personal choice.
• Integrated appliances with panel fronts. When used, the design theme feels more incorporated and without interruption.
• Statement backsplashes. While full backsplashes are popular, the variety of tile continues to expand. Zellige, a thicker, handmade tile, is very popular and its artistic look and feel complements the moody look that is in style.
“White kitchens are giving way to more warmth and personality,” Jo says. “Moody tones, mixed materials and textured finishes are coming back. Also, matte black hardware and fixtures are being replaced with brass, copper and brushed nickel. Mixed metals are widely popular.”
AN INVESTMENT WITH PAYOFFS
Achieving an elevated look for your kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. For those who are happy with the “bones” of their kitchen, but would like to give it a facelift, she suggests replacing doors and drawer fronts, painting the cabinets, and installing new countertops, the faucet, sink and backsplash. Even a limited remodel on this scale reaps significant returns: an average of 96% return on the investment (according to a 2024 Cost vs Value Report).
The main regret she hears from their clients who took this route was that they did not undertake the project sooner!
While some homeowners have the experience and willingness to tackle their own kitchen remodel, for most of us, calling in a pro is the only way to go. Founded in 1999, this woman-owned design + build kitchen and bath company’s mission is to provide its clients with personalized service and innovative design solutions using premiere products.
“We offer a one-stop shop experience to clients throughout the state of Oklahoma,” Jo says, adding, “Our team of talented and creative staff strive to create a custom look for your home that is sure to inspire. From the craftsmanship that goes into each of our products to our helpful and skilled designers, Urban Kitchens offers every kind of service you would expect from a modern kitchen and bath specialist.”
Urban Kitchens has completed kitchens, bathrooms and wholehouse renovations all over the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including Edmond, Norman, Enid and Clinton. They recently completed a project in the Texas panhandle.
URBAN KITCHENS’ ONE-TO-ONE APPROACH
Whether you’re planning a small remodel or a total remodel of your kitchen, bath or other space, you want it to reflect you: your personality, interests, etc., as well as the specific needs of the household. You won’t find cookie-cutter remodel plans at Urban Kitchens.
Patterned concrete tile was the inspiration for this mudroom. Painted cabinets and a butcherblock countertop are jazzed up by the paneled mustard ceiling and door.
Built-ins are back! This second-floor study reflects the owner’s personality with floral wallpaper and a delicate glass ceiling fixture.
“The biggest change for kitchens in 2025 is the style of the cabinets and accessories.”
“Our design studio is in the heart of the city at 4205 North Western. Each house, neighborhood and city is unique with distinctive architecture and culture. Our clients want kitchens to stand the test of time and we believe designing a kitchen that complements the existing architecture is the answer,” Neila says, noting that over the past several years, their portfolio has expanded to include not only kitchen and baths, but also master suites, whole-house remodels, and additions.
If you’ve been dreaming of and planning for a kitchen remodel, how can you help make it reality? Jo suggests collecting photos of kitchens they like from home and garden or lifestyle magazines, or creating a Pinterest page.
“On the other hand,” Neila says, “we do have clients who have no point of inspiration and rely on our design team to wow them. These projects are a lot of fun!”
Another great idea is to visit Urban Kitchens’ website, UrbanKitchensOK.com, which has numerous images featuring recent kitchen and bath remodels. Urban Kitchens, originally called Vintage Kitchens, specializes in historic remodels. They have completed these remodels for homes in every one of OKC’s historic districts.
Whatever your dreams are for your kitchen, Urban Kitchens is there to help you make that dream come true, from conception to completed project.
Visit Urban Kitchens at 4205 N. Western Ave., OKC, call them at 405.702.7747, or message them off their website to start your conversation on your very own dream kitchen. Even if it’s an all-white kitchen. (LOL)
MEET THE URBAN KITCHENS TEAM
Jo Meacham: Jo has been creating kitchens for distinctive residences throughout the Oklahoma City area for over 26 years. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in architecture, Jo spent over 20 years as a historic preservation consultant.
Neila Crank-Clements: Neila, who joined Jo Meacham as partner in 2019, boasts over 16 years of experience remodeling historic homes and building and designing new homes for OKC’s historic districts.
Megan Crowe: Megan (Neila’s sister) works with clients to design projects, select materials and serves as a project manager. She is also the design studio manager for the company and serves as its Norman designer and project manager.
Jo Meacham, Megan Crowe and Neila Crank-Clements
40 YEARS AND THRIVING
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE PIPES
OKLAHOMA CITY BOUTIQUE, FOUNDED IN 1985, ENJOYS LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE
It’s rare these days to hear about a business that is still thriving after 40 years.
Essentials, a boutique located in the heart of Oklahoma City, was launched in 1985 by Mary Ann Grade. Her attention to customer concerns and desires was rewarded by the growth of an incredibly loyal customer base, many of whom still frequent the business today.
“We strive to preserve the reputation our founder established by keeping strong ties with the local community, providing exceptional and personal customer service, and maintaining a comprehensive selection of unique luxury products,” says Kerri Tarman, Essentials' current owner.
“Essentials is about providing an outstanding and personalized shopping experience for our customers,” Kerri notes, adding that Essentials carries the largest selection of several luxury lines throughout the state, including Nest Fragrances, Lafco New York, and Baobab.
Work by several local artisans also are carried at the boutique, including Felicity Jewelry Designs, painter and mixed-media artist Diane Potter and Tarman Woodwork.
“Essentials is unlike any other, providing its customers with a wide variety of carefully selected products from around the world and around the corner,” Kerri says, adding that “every product we carry is hand-selected by a member of our team” with their customers in mind.
“Whether shopping online or in-store, we believe our customers deserve high-end customer service,” she added.
“We are always prepared to answer questions and provide recommendations. As a bonus, we provide complimentary gift wrapping that your friend, family member, spouse or co-worker will instantly recognize.”
Essentials continues to thrive today because it continues to follow the customer-driven philosophy of its founder.
“Many of our customers have been shopping here for years, and their preferences drive our inventory,” Kerri says. “I love finding new things to introduce our customers to that I know they’ll enjoy as much as I do."
With its outstanding selection of home fragrance, gifts and personal care and a continuing commitment to the customer-based philosophy begun by the shop’s founder 40 years ago, it’s likely today’s shoppers will still be coming back for more in yet another 40 years.
MEET KERRI TARMAN
Kerri’s first job, at age 14, was stuffing gift baskets at a local retail shop called Essentials. In 1998, after having worked at Essentials for 10 years, she left to care for her growing family, but continued to frequently visit the store and remained in touch with her former co-workers. She spent the next 20 years raising her family and assisting her husband when he started a business of his own.
“After years of carpool coordination, a few out-ofstate moves, and some independent interior design consulting work,” Kerri found herself searching for a new project and, in 2019, returned to Essentials as owner.
The loving wife and dedicated mother of four shared a recent personal milestone: “I was recently promoted to grandmother!”
ESSENTIALS
9402 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405.842.6401
EssentialsofOKC.com
OKC Vibes
There’s nothing quite like a girls’ night to reset your soul, but this time, Lestari and I decided to level up our tradition. Why not trade sleeping bags and late-night pizza for plush beds, decadent dining and skyline views?
May’s theme for the mag, The Ladies Issue, was practically begging for the ultimate girls’ staycation. Cue the Ellison Hotel and an evening at Milo. Spoiler alert? This was slumber party goals.
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN (AND LUXURY)
It had been one of those weeks. Lestari was on her A-game wrapping up all things OKC Ballet’s Ballet Ball, and I was ready to kick back on Spring Break after a busy week of teaching.
This escape? Needed. Walking into the Ellison, we knew we’d made the perfect choice. The hotel was sleek yet welcoming, with some serious Oklahoma vibes (shoutout to Ralph Ellison).
Ave. |
City, OK 73118 ellisonhotel.com | milookc.com
But let’s talk about that suite! A corner king suite awaited us, complete with floorto-ceiling windows showcasing the best city views, a walk-in closet big enough for all our overpacked luggage, and the coziest kingsized bed that might’ve been heaven-sent. Even the oversized bathtub felt like luxury personified. Honestly, if snapping selfies on our iPhones was a sport, we’d have taken home the gold. Laughs? Unlimited. Girl Talk? Check. Best vibes? Totally unmatched.
SIP & SAVORMILO AT THE ELLISON
If you’re wondering what to order, here’s what we devoured—and what you absolutely can’t skip:
Cocktails
Lovely Pear—Vodka, pear syrup, spiced pear liqueur, lemon and the finishing touch... bubbles. It’s fresh, sparkly and feels like a celebration in a glass.
Cucumber Martini—OK, listen. This isn’t even on the menu, but our amazing bartender whipped it up, and we’re here to say this crisp, refreshing masterpiece deserves its own spotlight.
To-Be-Named Berry Martini—Another offthe-menu surprise crafted custom for us by our bartender. Bright berry flavors, perfectly balanced, and honestly? She could’ve called it Mel & Lestari’s Signature Martini,” and we’d believe her.
Starters
Pimento Cheese Dip —Creamy, indulgent and a little zippy, thanks to the pickled peppers. Pair it with their house-made salt and vinegar chips, and suddenly, you’re wondering why this isn’t a full meal.
Crab Cakes—Golden on the outside, melt-inyour-mouth perfection on the inside. Add the
fennel aioli and fennel radish salad, and you’ve got real fancy food satisfaction!
Smoked Salmon Dip —Creamy smoked salmon served with chow chow and crunchy salt-and-vinegar chips. (A little Southern flair goes a long way!)
Mains
Mel’s Pick: Creekstone Ribeye —This dish was the moment. Juicy ribeye with a smoky cowboy rub dressed up with fingerlings, oyster mushrooms, roasted tomato butter and green beans. Honestly, a mic-drop plate.
Lestari’s Pick: Half Duck—Leg confit, pan-roasted breast, broccolini, summer peaches and fingerlings. Savory meets sweet perfection, and yes, Lestari did her little happy wiggle after that first bite.
Harlea’s Pick: Creekstone Beef Tenderloin—Tender and elegant, served with a silky potato purée, broccolini and a rich roasted beef demi-glace.
Sweets & Things
Spoiler alert? We tried all the desserts. Zero regrets. Cheesecake—Creamy, dreamy and paired with seasonal fruit.
Mixed Berry Shortcake —Sweet macerated berries topped with fresh whipped cream. Rustic and magical.
Seasonal Cobbler—Warm, gooey perfection served with vanilla ice cream.
From the first sip of those cocktails to the last spoonful of cobbler, Milo turned “dinner out” into a full-on experience. Every bite and every moment felt special.
SLUMBER PARTY MAGIC - THE ELLISON HOTEL
Back in our suite, we ditched our heels for robes, poured some sparkling water and stretched out on that unreal bed with Oklahoma City glowing outside the windows. Between laughs over our dessert overload and girl talk about life, love and everything in between, it hit us. Nights like this? They’re what it’s all about.
Until Next Month!
OKC fam, don’t wait to make this happen. Book the king suite. Order the Pimento Cheese Dip. And don’t forget to toast the night away with a Lovely Pear martini in hand. Trust us, Milo and the Ellison are calling your name.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @ThisIsMelDrake and @le.star for more insider vibes.
Cheers and hugs, Mel & Lestari
HEADING for home
PATTY
GASSO COMPLETES CYCLE WITH REQUEST TO BE HEAD COACH THROUGH 2028 OLYMPIC GAMES
ARTICLE BY DEBBIE COPP
It’s a sign that most Sooner softball fans understand. A runner is heading to third base and the head coach begins making circles with her arm. The runner hits the bag at third and heads for home.
When University of Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso was asked by USA Softball to become the head coach of the U.S. National team through the 2028 Olympic Games, it was like heading for home, completing the cycle.
The Sooner coaching legend, currently the longest tenured head coach on the OU staff, had heard from USA Softball before about joining the coaching pool for the U.S. team. The coach, who is in her 31st year of the Sooner staff, knew the timing just wasn’t right.
“The kids were young. I was building the OU program and I knew it wasn’t right for me.”
Fast forward to the last year and things had changed.
“USA Softball has changed the way they do a lot of things. I got word of their interest in me. The more I thought about it, things seemed to fit. My sons have their own jobs and families. The word got out that the softball games might be played in OKC at Devon Park, a facility I am very familiar with. It seemed like pieces were coming together, that we could make this work, and I accepted.”
For Gasso, this next step follows a natural progression. She learned to play softball in a park next to the Torrance, California, home where she lived with her single, working mom, and her brother and sister. The siblings had strict instructions: when you get home from school, change out of school clothes into play clothes and head to the park until their mom, usually still dressed in her work clothes, would come play with them if there was still light and teach them the game she loved.
“We lived next to a park that had diamonds and we learned to play. Mom loved any sport team that was from LA. She loves the Dodgers and she taught me to love them. She was a good athlete, but it was uncool in those days for women to play sports so she taught me. She was a closet sports fan and we bonded over sports, especially the Dodgers, much like fathers and sons. Softball can still bring her back,” Gasso explained.
Photo by Morgan Givens
Today, Janet Froehlich, Gasso’s mom, is living with full-blown Alzheimer’s. Softball is one thing that can break through.
Earlier this spring, Gasso took her very young OU team to California for six games in four days in four different cities. The final game was at Long Beach State, and Gasso’s mom was able to come to the game with her caretakers. Former teammates and players showed as Gasso had played at Long Beach State and coached at Long Beach City College before taking the job at OU in 1995.
“The trip was, in large part, to introduce our very young team to the day-to-day of college softball and how we did it. We had 14 newcomers, five who were transfers, and we have a way of doing things that is successful,” Gasso said.
“It was a trip to get them used to playing a game, then getting on a bus and heading to the next destination. We wanted to test these young athletes, and I saw how much they grew on the trip. They had to learn how to take care of themselves, how to take care of their bodies at this level. It’s just so different from travel ball, and we threw them out there for a very unique experience. They learned a lot and they grew up a lot.
“Mom was as involved as she could be,” Gasso continued. “When she is trying to communicate but can’t remember the words, she just says ‘black ... white ... blue” and I know what she is
trying to say. Watching us play, I heard she said those words quite a bit. I think she liked what she saw. That and seeing people I had started this career journey with made the game extra special.”
There was another thing that gave the trip extra significance. Gasso arranged to play six different opponents. Her hope was that each school would sell out the game with the four-time NCAA champion, adding money to their budgets.
“I wanted to help the California schools build their programs,” she continued. “I hoped we could do something to promote the game, bringing the four-time national champion to their field, while we did some much-needed team building for us. I think we succeeded on all counts.”
[Ed. Note: The Oklahoma softball coaching staff was named the 2024 ATEC/NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year for the third straight season. The Sooner coaching staff, also including associate head coaches Jennifer Rocha and JT Gasso and assistant coach Falepolima Steele, guided the program to its fourth consecutive and eighth overall national title in 2024. It marks the third straight and seventh overall national coaching staff of the year honor for Gasso and her staffs, also receiving the award in 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023.]
Photo by Peyton Martin
Photo by Peyton Martin
Photo by Morgan Givens
Photo by Morgan Givens
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Florals and Fruit
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 2ND
Cinco De Mayo
Scissortail Park, OKC | 4:00 PM
This vibrant cultural event will showcase the talents of the Oklahoma City Hispanic community and beyond. Watch exciting dance and musical performances as you tap your feet to the catchy rhythms. Be sure to bring your appetite to sample a variety of delicious foods at this fun event. ScissortailPark.org/Events
MAY 2ND
Taste of OKC
Oklahoma City Convention Center | 6:00 PM
Local breweries will serve beer and cocktails alongside dishes from restaurants around Oklahoma City. Hit the dance floor and jam to live music or bid in the silent and live auctions. Taste of OKC is an annual event benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma to match volunteer mentors with participating children. BBBSOk.EJoinMe.org/MyEvents/TasteOfOKC2025
MAY 3RD - 4TH
Oklahoma Orchid Society's 75th Anniversary Show & Sale
Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center, OKC
Oklahoma Orchid Society members and vendors will be available to answer any questions about growing and re-blooming these beautiful flowers. Guests will have a chance to purchase their favorite orchids and all necessary growing supplies. Before you leave, grab a raffle ticket or learn how to become an Orchid Society member. OkOrchidSociety.org/Event/Oklahoma-Orchid-Society-2025-Show-Sale
MAY 18TH
Calderón Dance Festival
Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC | 12:00 PM Festival-goers will have a chance to celebrate Calderón's vision for community dance through free dance classes, performances and artist panels. Classes will range from various styles and levels of difficulty to traditional and specialized forms taught by experts. Stick around to hear discussions led by local dance instructors, studio owners, teachers and dancers. CalderonDanceFestival.org
MAY 24TH
Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival
Oklahoma State Fair Park, OKC | 1:00 PM
Grab your friends and get ready to sample your favorite brews and seltzers, plus discover new recipes. This event at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds offers two different sessions to choose from. Join the fun at the first session (1-4 p.m.) or the second session (6-9 p.m.). Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an epic event. Okcfairgrounds.com/schedule
MAY 24TH - 26TH
Paseo Arts Festival
Paseo Arts District, OKC
The Paseo Arts Festival is one of the largest arts festivals in the state where festival guests can view many types of art. Hear a variety of music, as two stages will showcase local talent of all genres. Enjoy plenty of activities for everyone. Don’t forget to sample the many drinks, snacks and meals available around the festival grounds. ThePaseo.org/Festival
