Taste of the Town

Story & Photos by Nancy Laffey/Contributing Writer

If you were to ask the Internet where the BBQ capital of the world is, it will tell you it’s Kansas City. But I must respectfully disagree. Due to my own personal bias, I know that in my heart Ponca City and Kay County will always be the BBQ Head Quarters of the world. That’s why during National BBQ Month, I made the short trip to our local BBQ capital: Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters. The restaurant has had a name change and a nice remodel, but you can still find that same nostalgic ambiance, coupled with the friendliest and most hardworking championship BBQ’ers behind the counter ready to serve.

I can never decide on just one of the meat selections, but thanks to my dinner date, we were able to sample all of them! Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters has a semi cafeteriastyle layout. When you approach the counter, a large menu on the wall lists all the combinations and meaty selections your carnivorous heart could desire. We ordered a combination that allowed us to sample ribs, ham, hot links, chicken breast and brisket. The kind man behind the counter meticulously cuts your meat choices with his skillful knife moving effortlessly like a hot knife through butter. Each portion is weighed, tenderly adjusted and placed on your plate. I respect that kind of order and regularity; that kind of attention to detail must go into the seasoning and smoking of each dish. I like that the hot links are split down the middle lengthwise and how the whole chicken breast is sliced right in front of you. Everything was cooked right, but the best meat that evening was the chicken. I’m not normally a chicken eater. I go for more interesting meats and flavors. Chicken breasts can easily be overcooked and dry, so I usually don’t order them at restaurants. I knew, however, that I could trust Danny’s staff to cook chicken right. This chicken breast was so very tender and smoky. I was a little sad that we weren’t there on a Thursday to order the half chicken on the bone. If you have not been to Danny’s on a Thursday, you need to mark your calendar and get there next week for this special! The main show is the BBQ and all the different meats. They are the reason to show up; however, I am all about the sides too. The new-to-me side I tried this time was the fried okra, and I have to say all these years I have been missing out. They were perfectly crispy and deep-fried to perfection! My go-to, must-have side at Danny’s are the hot and fresh French fries. They have a great crispy texture and flavored with the perfect seasoning. I must assume that they are seasoned with Head

Country Original Championship™

Seasoning. To my delight, you can buy bottles of this amazing stuff right inside the restaurant, along with the Head Country™ BBQ sauces and marinade. Just like the bottle of seasoning says, “apply liberally and win the day.”

I love how you can pick up all the favorite Head Country products at Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters.

I love the marinade and all the

Head Country sauces. In my mind there isn’t a reason to ever buy anything else. If you are new to Ponca City, traveling through or have been here since 1986 or earlier, you know you can satisfy your craving for excellent BBQ right here by going straight to Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters!

FREE Summer Movie - The LEGO Movie 104 East Grand Poncan Theatre 10 AM - NOON 9 AM - 11AM

Ponca City Farmers Market 701 Monument Road. Ponca City 8AM - 10:30AM Open Seasonally June -September Tuesday 4 pm to 6 pm Saturday 8 am to 10:30 am Fruits, Vegetables, Eggs, Homebaked Bread and Rolls, Jams and Jellies, Artisan Goats’ Milk, Soaps, Lotions, Fresh Herbs, Spice Blends, Herbal Teas, Honey and So Much More!

Cruizin’ Grand & Liverpool Legends! 312 East Grand Ponca City 6PM - 9PM TICKETS $20 Purchase tickets at Provisions Coffeehouse & Eatery FOOD TRUCKS/CASH BARS

DXDT Central Fare 210 S. 4th St Ponca City 6PM - 9PM Sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, come to the heart of downtown Ponca City every FIRST FRIDAY for food trucks and live music in a beautiful green space. Beer and wine will be available. Free to the enter. Must be 21+ to get in.

Come Support JuJu 1101 North 4th Ponca City All Day Event Come support JuJu on Satruday June 5th at the 1st Lutheran gym in an all day basketball tournament with a show to follow featuring Little Mike and Funny Bone. The hog mob ministry boys will be guest speakers for the event. The House FM will be broadcasting the event live. Various #prayforjuju and #ju-justrong apparel and Indian tacos will be available for purchase. Please join us in supporting JuJu and the Aguilar family. All proceeds and donations will go towards the gofundme account. For any questions Terry Pappan 580-352-4301 Amanda Cain 580-716-8409

28th Annual Ponca City Herb Festival 1500 East Grand Ponca City 8AM - 4PM The Ponca City Herb Festival is held the first Saturday in June each year with free admission on the grounds of the beautiful Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens, a 10-acre showcase of exquisite landscape architecture. You will enjoy the radiant colors and aromas of blooming flowers, brick walkways, water features and a variety of ornamental plants, shrubs and trees during your visit to the festival.

Schooners Car & Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet 1688 L.A. Cann Drive Ponca City 8AM - 3PM Please join us at Lake Ponca beginning at 8:00 a.m. for the Schooners Car Club Car Show and Swap Meet. All year vehicles are welcome for this event but vehicle must be driven in to register/enter. Registration fee is $20 per vehicle. Awards will be presented for the Top 25 cars and Top 5 motorcycles. Don’t forget to get your event t-shirt available for purchase during the event. Contact: 580-716-3908 For questions you can call Michael Wynn @ 580-716-1175 or contact us at www.facebook.com/ SchoonersCarClub

Dye Another Day 220 E. Central Vortex Alley Brewing Ponca City 5PM - 9PM VAB is hosting its second VAB Tie Dye shirt night but this time we have tank tops and t-shirts to dye. $25.00 gets you a tank top or t-shirt, your first pint. We will supply the rubber bands and dye. We ask that you prepay for the event and pick out the shirt you would like to dye. We have limited spots available and if we have enough

Visit PoncaCityMonthly.com for a full list of events.

people wanting to dye after we hit 49 we will extend it to a second night. Looking forward to dying another day with you all.

JUN 15

Business on the Balcony 400 East Central Ponca City 7AM - 8PM Business on the Balcony is back! A come & go networking opportunity for small businesses, employers and employees to chat and get to know each other. Have a little breakfast, make a new business connection. On the Balcony at City Central, PCDA Office Suite #200 Future Dates Tuesday, July 13 Tuesday, August 10

JUN 18

Greg Demyon @ Astoria 217 East Grand Ponca City 8PM - 11PM New artist Greg Demyon will play during his first visit to Ponca City, we hope you will come take a listen and enjoy some tasty beverages. Feel free to invite your friends and share!!!

Ponca City 7th AnnualFish Fry for the Small Fry 601 Standing Bear Parkway.

6PM - 8PM Benefiting the services of Dearing House for abused kids A fun, family-friendly tail-gating event where local business teams serve fried fish and other goodies to compete for your vote for People Choice Awards! Games, music, and great food at beautiful Standing Bear Park! Tickets $10 for all you can eat and kids under 10 eat free with grownup! Tickets · $10

Brunch @ The Ponca City Country Club 1101 N. Pecan Road Ponca City 10AM - 2PM Ponca City Country Club is having a brunch the third Saturday each month and it’s open to the public.

Cornhole Tournament & Music with Matt & Mason 101 Marina Drive Kaw City 4PM - 11PM 75% Payout: Cash prizes awarded for 1st through 3rd, & additional prizes for 1st & 2nd of Dropdown Bracket. $40/team of two. Bring your own partner or sign up individually & be matched. Matches are 1 game to 21 points in Winners’ Bracket, & 1 game to 21 in Losers’ Bracket. Double elimination format with Dropdown Bracket. **No outside alcohol allowed. Beverages & food will be for sale on-site. Live music with Matt & Mason Williams starts at 8:00pm. Pre-register for this event at Pioneer Cove Marina 785-9848116 or with Chris at 580-6032270

Annual Tonkawa Tribal Pow Wow 1 Rush Buffalo Road Tonkawa All Day Event Tonkawa Tribe is the Host/The Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club is the Co-Host Celebrating 136 years at Fort Oakland

Ashanti & Ja Rule First Council Casino 2875 N. Highway 77 Newkirk OK 8PM Doors: 7:00 PM This event is All Ages The two artists are longtime friends and business partners — the duo has recorded at least 10 songs together, starting with the hit single, “What’s Luv?” in 2001 PLEASE NOTE: Use the “Pick Your Own Seats” option after clicking on “Buy Now” to choose specific seats! 101 Wild West Rodeo 2021 Schedule of Events Thursday, June 10th “Family Night & Tough Enough To Wear Pink” 6:30PM to 7:30PM Community Appreciation - come out early and enjoy a free barbecue dinner with ticket purchase on the east-side of the rodeo grounds 8PM 101 Wild West Rodeo Performance - Family Night 10PM FREE - Live Concert and Dance immediately following Rodeo 10PM Rodeo Slack immediately following Regular Rodeo Performance

Friday, June 11th “First Responders Appreciation Night” 8PM 101 Wild West Rodeo Performance 10PM FREE - Live Concert and Dance immediately following Rodeo

Saturday, June 12th “Military Appreciation Night” 10AM 101 Wild West Rodeo Parade in Downtown Ponca City 10AM Steer Roping at the 101 Wild West Arena 8PM101 Wild West Rodeo Performance 10PM FREE - Live Concert and Dance immediately following Rodeo

Ticket Information “Family Night” is Thursday with adults just $15 in advance, $18 at the gate, & kids ages 12 & under FREE. Friday and Saturday performances are adults just $15 in advance, $18 at the gate, kids ages 7-12 $5 in advance, $8 at the gate, & kids ages 6 & under FREE, or buy a weekend pass and enjoy all 3 nights for $30 in advance, $25 at the gate.