Lifesaving Heart Transplant

Story Contributed by Christina Rich-Splawn and Kat Long

HOLY CREATIVE COMMUNITY! Several downtown organizations are joining forces to bring our favorite caped crusader and his cast of friends and foes to Downtown Ponca City for a city-wide arts and culture celebration June 3rd – 5th. The weekend promises a little something for fans of every age to don their cape and cowl and wander Grand Ave.

The project is a creative one-two punch by Kat Long with the City Development Authority and the Ponca City Playhouse and local artist Christina “X-tina” RichSplawn. Meeting in the dynamic duo’s secret lair high above Ponca City’s main street, the two discussed how the idea for a creative comic book themed weekend took shape.

"For several years, Kat and I have bemoaned that getting all the arts and culture organizations to cooperate on a project wasn't on anybody's radar. So, we put our heads together and came up with an initial proposal which would do just that, as an experiment,” said Christina. “It is generally acknowledged that Kat and I are dangerous when we work together. We are also very determined!" she added with a laugh.

Dangerous and determined are two very important components to being a good superhero, but they didn’t need their superpowers to make this event happen. Kat explained the once the idea took shape it did not take long for the whole city to come together behind the idea.

“It started with talk of a Ponca City weekend event and when The Arts Center, Main Street, RecPlex, Poncan Theatre, Playhouse and Christina came together in the first meeting, a Batman theme with Gotham Comes to Ponca City was chosen. The Ponca City Arts Council and PC Tourism joined the group as well as Survivor Resource Center, whose organization hosts Herb Festival and our little Weekend in Ponca City Collaboration was formed.” On Saturday June 5th at 7:00pm Christina will lead a superhero cast presenting “Batman in The Courtyard” at the City Central Courtyard. The show will be a live production of the classic Batman TV sitcom using both talents from the Ponca City Playhouse along with a little audience participation. But do not be surprised if you run into Poison Ivy or other characters around downtown popping up at various events.

"This weekend will showcase so many of Ponca CIty's art organizations and give those visiting Ponca City for Herb Festival or The Art Crawl other reasons to stay in town and love Ponca City as much as we do," explained Christina.

And loving Ponca City is the real theme hiding behind the mask of all the weekend's planned happenings. Kat said she is excited to be able to present most of this year’s events for free thanks to $1000 donation made by a local arts supporter and a grant from Oklahoma Arts Council that will cover the cost of the movie royalties, costuming, lighting, and marketing. Check out the full list of events to the right.

"These types of events assist to recruit workforce to our area," stated Kat. "Quality of Life is important when looking for a new community and this collaboration hopes to showcase the arts organizations and events that our wonderful town has to offer someone visiting or seeking a new place to live."

Get your friends on the Bat-phone and make plans to attend all the exciting events planned for the weekend of June 3rd -5th. Don’t forget to check the Ponca City Monthly events page at poncacitymonthly.com for this and other great events happening in Kay

County. Starting at Dusk - Free “Batman and Robin” Movie (1997) with costume contest. RecPlex, 1604 W. Grand Ave. Presented by Ponca City Parks and Recreation.

6-8pm “Batman Lego Movie” Special Child Care package for the evening. Poncan Theatre, 104 E. Grand Ave. $5 per child, includes special craft session, photos with Bat-Man and movie.

9pm “Batman” (1989) Special admission price of $5 per person. Presented by Poncan Theatre and Ponca City Parks and Recreation. SAT. JUNE 5

8am-4pm Herb Festival, a celebration of gardening at LA Cann Garden, 1500 E. Grand Ave. Presented by Survivor Resource Network. Noon-7pm Arts Crawl on Grand Ave. Spotlighted artists and shops in the Grand Arts District. Presented by Ponca City Art Association.

7pm-9pm “Bat-man in the Courtyard” free audience participation performance of the TV series, City Central Courtyard, 400 E. Central Ave. Presented by Ponca City Development Authority and Ponca Playhouse.

9pm-11pm Free Concert/Dance with Mark Galloway and Jerry Wilson, City Central Courtyard, 400 E. Central Ave. Presented by Ponca City Arts and Humanities.

Bat-Chow - Food Trucks Available, City Central parking lot, 400 E. Central Ave. Organized by Ponca City Main Street.

7pm-11pm Cash Bar, Central Fare 210 S. 4th St. Organized by Ponca City Main Street and Ponca City Art Association.

Please note: All times and locations are subject to change due to weather