September 2023

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F E AT U R ES

VOLU ME NINE ISS U E N I N E

28

40

With sprawling fields and spacious skies, Oklahoma is perfect pasture for horses and those who love them. Three equine enthusiasts share their special bonds and experiences with the magnificent animal.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams are golden on the greens, from past to present and future.

The Equestrian Life

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SEPTEMBER 2023

Pokes on Par

4 2 0 0 W M E M O R I A L R OA D, S U I T E 1 0 1 , O K L A H O M A C I T Y

P H YS I C I A N S - O P T I C A L .C O M

4 0 5 -74 9 - 4 2 8 5

D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLU ME NIN E I S S U E N I N E

Culture 58 ARTS Rodin’s expressive, lively sculptures arrive at OKC Museum of Art 60 SPORTS Catch the last Bedlam and other crucial college football matchups 62 IN CONVO WITH Vivid self-reflections shine through Traxler’s words and paintings 64 TRAVEL Journey through this quirky and classic American tourism city 68 LOOKING BACK How Oklahoma’s first schoolhouse was rediscovered

Trending

Dining

16

STYLE Give your looks a new spin with balletcore

48 GOOD TASTE The east side’s latest eatery is a breakfast bash

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

50 THE DISH Remix Ramen puts inventive twists on the noodle

18

20 PERSON OF INTEREST Children’s author Mariana Llanos delivers strength in stories 22

8

HEALTH How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can heal

SEPTEMBER 2023

52

THE DRINK This elevated sparkling red wine has a rich, versatile flavor.

54 MY TOP 10 Savor these State Fair classics and curiosities

70

ONE MORE THING Fall leaves and festivals across the state

12

FROM THE EDITOR

72

WHAT’S ONLINE

ON THE COVER Photo by Lauryn Wachs.

SEPTEMBER 2023

VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 9

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Kendall Morgan Hammack

Lavinia Creswa, Jake Durham, Addam M. Francisco, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Evie Klopp Holzer, Helen Jacob, Matt Kirouac-York, Linda Miller

Meagan Matthews

kendall.morgan@405magazine.com VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com C L I E N T C O O R D I N ATO R

Jennifer Cote production@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com ART DIRECTOR

Cadence Ramos

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Jesse Edgar, Kimberly Martin, Rachel Maucieri, Justin Miers, Charlie Neuenschwander, Matt Payne, Lauryn Wachs, Shevaun Williams

Lisa Munson DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith

cadence.ramos@405magazine.com

drew.smith@405magazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL

Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

Kiara Francisco kiara@hilltopmediagroup.com

READER SERVICES

SUBSCRIPTIONS

405 Magazine 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435 info@405magazine.com, 405magazine.com

405 Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues).

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Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

Volume 9 / Number 9, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

405 Magazine Volume 9, Number 9, September 2023. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2023 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. singlecopy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

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F R O M

T H E

ED I TO R

A Fall Frame of Mind H E L L O, DE A R R E A DE R S , A N D W E L C OM E T O September! Those of you familiar with the publication know that I await the season of autumn like an eager child on Christmas — and it is finally and wonderfully upon us!

For our cover feature this month, we dive into Oklahoma City’s rich relationship with all things equestrian. We knew horses were a massive part of our community culture that does not get enough contemporary attention, but as we barely scratched the surface of this topic, we unearthed mountains of information. I knew it was a scene and lifestyle here — but I didn’t know how huge. Evie Klopp Holzer, Managing Editor Evan Musil and I were honored to interview residents and capture their equestrian stories (or horse tales). It surprised me, but I have never cried writing a story like I did this one. As I listened to the recording of the interview with Paula Love, I could hear the emotion in her voice discussing her horse and the bond they have … and it struck a nerve. It is the pet lover in me who understands how deep, defining and genuine animal and owner soulmate relationships can be. So whether you are an equine aficionado yourself or not, I hope you enjoy this beautiful feature, “The Equestrian Life” (pg. 28).

In our second feature this month, Dr. Jake Durham breaks down the dominance of the OSU Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams and how they became two of the strongest programs in the country, producing some of the highest caliber players (pg. 40).

With this issue we are also welcoming our updated Dining section, bringing in diverse voices and fresh perspectives.

Our new food contributor is one of my favorite writers, Matt Kirouac. You have probably read his work, either in our magazine as an Arts or Travel story, or at one of the many international organizations to which he contributes such as Thillist, Conde Nast Traveler and BBC. My first interaction as a reader

with Matt was a viral story he wrote entitled, “This Former Flyover City Is Having a Serious Cultural and Culinary Renaissance.” In the closing paragraph he spoke of OKC’s “wide-ranging cultural identity, one that meets at the convergence of the American east, west and south; modern and historic; Indigenous and immigrant; industrial and artistic; highbrow and low. And if you’re still dismissing OKC's unique and immersive culture as 'flyover country,' well, you’re truly missing out.” His glowing review of our city moved me, and I knew I would love to have him on the team in any capacity. Even though he now travels the world, his homebase is here and his background is in culinary writing (pg. 47). We are also going to be featuring a different local foodie’s recommendations each month (pg. 54)—so please hit me up if you would like to be considered to write that article in a future issue !

You will also meet the children’s book author helping kids sleep at night (pg. 20), read about the groundbreaking — almost literally — exhibition making waves at the OKC Museum of Art (pg. 58), jump into a college football season preview (pg.

60) and get ready for fall with a statewide activity fun guide (pg. 70).

Thank you as always for being a part of our 405 community, through all the seasons!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

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SEPTEMBER 2023

2024

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TRENDING STYLE 16

SOCIAL HOUR 1 8

PERSON OF INTEREST 2 0

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Open Book, Open World

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

With her writing, Mariana Llanos helps kids find courage, comfort and creativity. p. 20

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T R E N D I N G

Raising the Barre

2 1

Balletcore can make you look en pointe

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

F ROM T H E DA N C E S T U DIO T O T H E S T R E E T S , balletcore has made its way into many people’s closets, and not just in the workout drawer. The nostalgic trend brings a rediscovered playfulness to the sometimes monotonous routine of everyday life. Take a spin in a flowing skirt and explore new paths in a classic, stylish ballet flat. Hints of pink radiate the femininity of the trend, but neutrals work just as well. As you take center stage this month — whether on the dance floor, in the boardroom or at home — your inner ballerina will be thanking you.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

JOIN US AT OKCMOA FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 7–10 PM Featuring local breweries, light bites, live entertainment, and skyline views on our Roof Terrace.

Tickets will go fast — scan this code or visit O K C M O A . C O M to get yours for just $50 ($65 for non-members).

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S O C I A L

T R E N D I N G

Steve Waddell

H O U R

Rumble the Bison

Loyal OKCPHIL patron Terri Cooper, Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate and Jacob Mickelthwate

Claire and C.C. Partin

Red, White & BOOM! P H O T O S BY J E S S E E D G A R

Julianne Reynolds and J. Warren Mitchell

The OKCPHIL treated the public to a free patriotic event at Scissortail Park in downtown OKC. Guests enjoyed Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate and the philharmonic playing classics and patriotic pieces alongside vocalists J. Warren Mitchell, tenor, and Julianne Reynolds, soprano. Though the event was directly preceded by a large storm, the skies parted and made way for a sunset-lined downtown cityscape backdrop. The evening concluded with a huge firework display.

Bennett Brinkman and Moony

OKCPHIL Guest Artist Liaison Allison Demand and fiancé Mac Carson

Mickelthwate and Philharmonic

Event attendees

Maggie Sermersheim and catering team

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SEPTEMBER 2023

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T R E N D I N G

Shelter in Stories Mariana Llanos on culture and strength in children’s literature

BY K R I S T E N G R A C E P H O T O BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

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SEPTEMBER 2023

P E R S O N

O F

I N T E R E S T

M A R I A NA L L A NO S H A S BE E N A W R I T E R H E R whole life. The Peruvian-born Oklahoma author remembers being accused of copying an assignment in third grade — except she had written it entirely on her own. “I was always a big reader,” she said with a smile. “I had all the words.”

Having grown up in Lima, Peru, in the 1980s, Llanos recalled years of armed conflict between the government and two domestic terrorist groups. “I would hear bombs blasting near my house,” she said. “I often went to the news studio with my parents — both journalists — and I was always aware of the violence happening close to me, as well as other places in the world. I was afraid that my mom might not come back from work one day. I found my shelter in books.”

Her childhood fear inspired the theme of her upcoming picture book for children, Benita and the Night Creatures, which tells the story of a girl who encounters monsters from Peruvian folklore while she reads at night in bed. “The monsters are trying to terrify this child, and she will not be scared,” Llanos said.

The book will be released Sept. 5, just before Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. The author’s previous book, the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award-winning Run, Little Chaski!, addressed the significance of Indigenous Peruvian culture with the goal of inspiring young readers to learn more about the Inca Empire.

Llanos studied theater at Cuatrotablas in Lima, and she’s also an artist and poet, but she said she found a time in early motherhood when she could not create. “I lost art for a while when I had young children. I loved my children, but I lost myself. I lost art. Then one day a phrase came to me: Tristan was a loner. His long hair, raining.

He was a child raised by wolves. This phrase, this piece of story, came to me in English. And so I wrote it.” The idea developed into her first book, Tristan Wolf, which was released in 2013. Since then, Llanos has written more than a dozen books, with many titles in both English and Spanish.

Llanos came to Oklahoma in 2002 at age 28. “As an immigrant, I had to field so many questions, and I grew a thick skin,” she said.

“I know that I represent my community. I write books that open up the world a little.”

She insists that it’s possible to be an artist and a writer without being published or winning awards. She said she has many teenagers message her on Instagram for writing advice. "I tell tell them that if you want to write poetry, you are a poet. You discover your own voice in writing. Be at peace with not being lauded. Even if you don’t have to have the credentials to call yourself a writer, you are still a writer.”

Through surviving great political unrest and turmoil in her birth country, immigrating to a new country and facing the challenges of early motherhood, Llanos uses writing to fi nd peace in life and reach out to others. “Books are great tools to help children cope with the hard things in life,” she said. “It would mean so much to me if one of my books could be shelter for a child.”

Mariana Llanos can be found on Twitter @marianallanos, Instagram @marianawritestheworld, Facebook @marianallanosbooks and her website marianallanos.com.

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T R E N D I N G

Under Pressure An absorbing look at hyperbaric oxygen therapy

H E A LT H

Other treatments include serious infections and wounds that won’t heal due to diabetes or radiation injury. It reduces gas-bubble obstructions in blood vessels — sometimes seen in miners and deep-sea divers — that can be fatal if left untreated. HBOT also reduces the effects of harmful bacteria by boosting white blood cells that detect infection and disable deadly toxins.

H Y PE R BA R IC OX YG E N T H E R A P Y ( H B O T) I S E S S E N tially breathing pure, 100% medical-grade oxygen in a pressurized environment — in this case, a cylinder called a hyperbaric chamber. The all-natural, noninvasive treatment can increase the oxygen concentration in the body by up to 1,200%.

Why is that helpful? Cells need oxygen to heal and regenerate healthy tissue. The air we normally breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows your body to absorb more oxygen, which is absorbed into the plasma. The blood vessels then deliver these “supercharged” cells throughout the body to encourage the growth of healthy new tissue where it’s needed. This helps wounds to heal, reduces pain and swelling and fights infections, among other uses.

HBOT was originally used to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers. But now, it’s commonly used to treat a slew of issues. It’s been shown to enhance healing in situations such as skin grafts, heat burns and crush injuries. It can also reduce injury swelling, allowing oxygen-rich plasma to penetrate the injury site and speed up the healing process.

It’s also used to treat patients with chronic pain, particularly musculoskeletal pain. A 2018 study published by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health reported increased pain thresholds, physical functionality and health-related quality of life after two months of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The study also found that the treatment decreased tender points and psychological distress in female patients with fibromyalgia at three months post-treatment.

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The Treatment Experience Entering the oxygen chamber can be intimidating. Its likeness to an MRI machine can cause some apprehension at first, but the process is simple, and many people ultimately find it relaxing. Unlike MRI scans, you can move as much or as little as you want. The chambers are often transparent, allowing you to communicate with the technician conducting the therapy if you need to. The process doesn’t require anything from the patient, so you’re free to pass time listening to music or watching a show.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that HBOT will be offered as a treatment option for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms that are resistant to standard options. Paul and Sharon Conrady run Hyperbarics for Heroes, a clinic in Oklahoma that provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy to any veteran with PTSD or traumatic brain injury issues. The clinic offers a 40-session treatment meant to alleviate pain and anxiety and provide a space for reflection. After each session, patients meet around a table to share their thoughts with one another.

“It is an honor to be part of our heroes’ journey when they emerge from a traumatic place and find hope in their future through hyperbaric therapy,” said operator Katy Townley in a written statement. “We strive to provide a safe environment where heroes can experience the physiological benefits of scuba diving without getting wet.”

Researchers are still studying the full effects of using hyperbaric therapy to treat PTSD, but recent studies are promising. The therapy is potent for treating physical damage such as carbon monoxide poisoning and diabetic foot ulcers, and testimonies of mental healing prove encouraging that hyperbaric therapy can help with many ailments.

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PROMOTION

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Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a prevalent yet often overlooked condition that affects thousands of Oklahomans. PAD rarely gets as much attention as other cardiovascular diseases, even though it poses serious health risks. September is PAD awareness month, and it is important now more than ever to shed light on the preventable complications that can arise from this chronic disease.

PAD is a circulatory disorder caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that leads to reduced blood flow to the extremities, typically the legs.

This can cause pain, cramping, and weakness, especially during physical activity.

“PAD is very treatable,” said Dr. Blake Parsons, interventional radiologist with the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City. ”Early detection is the key to preventing progression of the disease. Raising awareness about the risk factors is crucial to helping Oklahomans make healthier lifestyle choices. We encourage people to take the symptoms seriously.”

Common symptoms include leg pain while walking and slow-healing, or non-healing sores or wounds on the feet or legs. Risk factors contributing to the development of PAD include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

“New developments in technology make treatment of PAD much safer and more successful than just ten years ago,” said vascular surgeon, Dr. Sherisa Warren. “ We use minimally invasive procedures, entering the artery through a tiny access by the ankle, from there we utilize catheters, balloons, and other techniques to break up the plaque and open up blood flow.”

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco are vital steps to promote better cardiovascular health overall. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes can play a pivotal role in preventing PAD. “Early detection and proper management of PAD can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected and ultimately reduce the burden of this silent yet serious disease,” added Dr. Jim Melton, vascular surgeon and co-founder of CardioVascular Health Clinic.

For more information on PAD call 405-7019880 or visit cvhealthclinic.com.

405 HOME READ THE LATEST ISSUE AT 405MAGAZINE.COM

Heart of a Home 405HOMEʼs fall issue is all about that one room in your home where you know everyone will gather: the kitchen. It is the hub of activity, from meals to planning and simply being together, and weʼve compiled a bevy of helpful information and beautiful photos for inspiration. Enjoy!

BY S A R A G A E WAT E R S

JUSTIN MIERS

D E S I G N BY K I T C H E N S O C I E T Y D E S I G N

405MAGAZINE.COM

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P ROM OTION

PRODUCED BY 405 MAGAZINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WONDROUS AND WHIMSICAL WALLS Get a sneak peek of the last stop on our home tour This summer, Cadillac sent designer, stylist and star gardener Linda Vater on a home tour adventure around Oklahoma City and Edmond to talk with homeowners about their architecture, design and landscaping. In this captivating three-part video series, we delve intimately into the inspiration and distinctiveness of each home.

Linda cultivated her gardening skills and acumen for 30 years at her Tudor-style home, and she shares her lessons learned with 158,000 subscribers on YouTube and in her book, The Elegant and Edible Garden. We asked Linda for her expert take on this fabulous OKC home — and these are her answers.

405: What did you find remarkable or unique about this home?

VAT E R : Merging different aesthetic sensibilities while maintaining marital harmony can be a challenge. But for this home, Sara Kate [Little], their designer, helped them find a beautiful decorative rapport.

405: In what ways did you see the family reflected in the design of the home?

VAT E R : I loved the way no detail was overlooked, and surprise punches of color appear against a canvas of calm. It has great youthful elegance and synergy that blends modern and traditional items in unique ways to express Will and Hillary’s personalities.

405: What parts of the home do you think will inspire others?

VAT E R : The brilliant, fun, classic use of wallpaper took my breath away!

T O WAT C H T H E 4 0 5 H O M E T O U R S E R I E S , GO TO 405MAGAZINE.COM

Linda Vater @potagerblog

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Interior Designer Sara Kate Little

P ROM OTION

Homeowners Will & Hillary Lightfoot

405MAGAZINE.COM

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THE EQUESTRIAN LIFE

BY E VIE KLOPP HOL ZE R , J ULIE PARTIN & E VAN MU SIL PHOTOS CONTRIB UTE D BY MAT T PAYNE & OTHE RS

405MAGAZINE.COM

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All about Oklahoma City’s love affair with horses and the effect it has on our community len’y of air and plen’y of room. The appeal of the Great Plains is obvious to a person with the right mindset. The type of person who likes to look across a vast horizon and take in deep breaths of fresh air. Even more so to the person who has nature in their bones and longs to experience it with one of Earth’s most majestic animals — the horse.

Indeed, on that fateful Land Run day in 1889, many would-be Oklahoma City residents claimed their homesteads on horseback.

Equestrianism is central to the culture of OKC. As perfectly stated by Dr. Kris Hiney, the OSU Extension specialist for horses, “Throughout the state’s history, horses have been closely linked with the livelihood and quality of life of Oklahomans. Those involved with horses have broad ranges of interests and diverse levels of involvement.”

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The horse industry in OKC includes recreational activities, breeding, racing, competing and more. Wildly, a 2017 Oklahoma Equine Alliance study found the gross domestic product produced from the Oklahoma horse industry accounts for a combined direct, indirect and induced effect of a $3.9 billion economic impact and 39,000 full-time jobs.

In stating the numbers, what shouldn’t be lost is the heart. Far more than a hobby or occupation, horses are many people’s deepest passion. In this feature, we profile three such Oklahoma City residents whose lives — their childhoods, presents, futures — have been positively influenced by their horses. Their stories are profound and moving … and may just inspire you to sign up for a riding lesson.

O K L A HO MA STA BL E S

C O L L E C T I V E LY, T H E 4 0 5 houses thousands of horses for racing, working and companionship. The 300-acre Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie is a leading bree der in quar ter horses with over 4 0 0 foal s each year. The Lazy E campus also holds an arena and training center for jockeys to ride an d p ra c tice. O th e r O kl ah o m a s t ab les of fe r eve r yday riders a space to nurture and bond with their horses.

T he family-friendly Stoneridge Acres Stables in Edmond b o a rd s h o r s e s ye a r-ro u n d and holds summer camps for kids to learn how to ride. For work, Yukon’s Express Clydesdales are renowned for their majestic, award-winning draft horses. They’ve made national appearances in the Mac y’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade, but you can al so find the gentle giant s touring Oklahoma or at home at their massive stables dating back to 1936.

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Th e h u m a n - h ors e con n ect i on , st re ng th e n ed b y l ove a n d l os s There have been many Arabian and half-Arabian show horses in Meg Payne’s life, but one stands out. Dutch, a national champion whom she calls her “soul horse,” has been in her life for 21 years.

“Our relationship is so close,” Payne said. “I walk into the barn, I say his name and he whinnies at me. I can go stand out in a huge pasture and yell for him; he comes running to me like a dog.”

He’s stunning — a black beauty towering 6 feet tall (that’s 17 hands, in horse lingo) with white socks. Payne visits Dutch on her 255-acre farm in east Edmond almost every day and often brings her family along to soak up the scene. Though Dutch has retired, Payne continues to show horses, now with her 5-year-old daughter. That’s the age at which she herself began showing horses.

Payne remembers tagging along to her two older sisters’ riding lessons. She would saddle up on a pony, and she absolutely loved riding. Her sisters eventually stopped their lessons, but Payne didn’t. When she was 9, her parents gave Payne her first horse: a gray Arabian.

“I remember I would just go stand in his stall, and I felt better. It was calming to me. It anchored me, and I knew then that I never wanted that to go away,” she said, adding that the same horse helped her through those often-tricky teenage years.

When Payne invested the time, care and practice required to show a horse, she said her relationship with the animal intensified.

“I was riding three days a week, four days a week, every morning or afternoon, taking lessons — just like you do with any sport, you’re working with your horse to hone your craft and skills,” Payne said. “I think what’s amazing about showing horses is this symbiotic relationship that happens. You have this incredibly close relationship, where he knows how you think and you know how he thinks … When it’s just you and your horse — when it’s going right, and you go into the ring and everything goes perfectly — there is not a feeling like it in the world.”

Oklahoma City hosts the Youth & Mid-Summer Nationals every July, but the season begins in February with shows leading up to state and regional competitions. The rider oversees the horse’s diet, exercise and well-being, in addition to practicing for countless hours.

Dutch and Payne won many competitions together. They also experienced loss together: When she was 29, Payne lost her sister suddenly. She turned to Dutch for comfort.

O K L A HO MA RO DEO S

LIFELONG BOND

OKLAHOMA IS STILL a land of cowboys, and it shows in the year-round rodeos that wrangle visitors across the countr y. The 91-year-old Pioneer Days Rodeo in Guymon, as part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, gathers pro riders in early May to start the rodeo season, with barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling. Oklahoma’s other PRCA tradition, the Woodward Elks Rodeo, happens in June with specialt y bullfighters and a morning parade. Boley holds t h e co u nt r y ’s o l d e s t A f r ican American rodeo, which began in 1905 and continues to be a beloved communit y celebration and showcase of tough talent in the historically Black town.

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“I was still trying to compete, and I was still going out and working him every day, but there were times when I would drive out there at like 12 o’clock at night. I would just go sit in a stall, because that’s where I felt calmness — that grounding,” Payne recalled. “He was probably one of the biggest things that got me through one of the greatest tragedies of my life.”

Eleven months after Payne’s sister passed away, Payne was competing at nationals with Dutch when he collapsed.

Gravely ill, Dutch spent the next 30 days in the ICU at Oak Ridge Equine Hospital, but Payne says he never lost the will to keep fighting. It was as if he wasn’t going to give up on her, and she certainly wasn’t going to give up on him.

With the best of care, he survived the illness.

That symbiotic relationship, first initiated through years of training and showing, continues to this day. Payne said she feels it every time they are together — a lifeline for horse and human alike.

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FA MO U S OK L A HO MA HO R SE S

I think whatʼs amazing about showing horses is this symbiotic relationship that happens. You have this incredibly close relationship.”

WITH QUARTER AND thoroughbred horse breeding a meaningful part of Oklahoma’s economy, it makes sense a few of those horses made a mark on the sport. Lady’s S e cret , an O kl ahoma-bre d racemare sired by the famed S e cret a r iat , wo n 2 5 of 45 races, with eight Grade I wins including the 1986 Breeders' Cup Distaff. That same year, she was named American Horse of the Year by the prestigious Eclipse Awards. Clever Trevor, the first winner of the Oklahoma Derby in 1989, also became a star. He competed in the Kentuck y D erby the same year, when he placed 13th. Af ter many wins in a 3-year career, Clever Trevor netted over $1 million — the first officially accredited Oklahoma horse to do so. A statue of him now stands out side Remington Park.

HEART R ACING Pa s s i on a n d gr it col l i d e i n th e ba r rel ra c i ng a re n a For Amanda Clark, the faster the better.

“From the time I was little, I always wanted to go fast,” Clark recalled about growing up and riding horses on her family’s horse breeding ranch in Duncan. “I wanted to run the horse through the pasture.”

With such need for speed, Clark gravitated toward barrel racing at age 5. She’s never slowed down. Today, she is quick to register for a race, whether it’s held in conjunction with a rodeo or a horse show or as the main event.

“You can find a barrel race any night of the week all year long in Oklahoma, probably within a 60-mile radius,” Clark said. “I think it’s fun to be able to compete — and to have barrel racing as kind of my own thing.”

The Norman resident has always competed on horses from her family’s ranch, and Duncan is still where she gets her riding fix. In fact, proximity to the ranch lured her back to Oklahoma from Austin, after she earned a graduate degree from the University of Texas. At that time, she moved to Norman to establish The Clothing Bar, a boutique store.

“People laugh at me and say that I have split lives because I have my store, which is not western at all, and then I have my horse life,” said Clark, adding that opening the store came naturally since she grew up around retail. In addition to the ranch, her family owns Stockman’s The Cowboy Store in Duncan.

Clark has fond memories racing inside Oklahoma City’s Jim Norick Arena, specifically at the annual Better Barrel Races (BBR) World Finals. She’s noticed how barrel racing has gained popularity since she began competing in the sport 35 years ago, mainly because di-

visions (similar in concept to golf handicaps) allow various skill levels to compete in the same arena. A professional can enter the same race as a beginner; finish times are calculated and adjusted accordingly. Last spring, about 2,000 barrel racers entered the BBR. Clark, who competes as an amateur, placed in the top 15.

Last year, Clark’s knack for barrel racing was on national display when she starred on “Guts and Glory,” an elimination-style reality show created by Teton Ridge for the cable network INSP. The program centered around 12 athletes who competed to win prize money and the opportunity to advance to the $2 million jackpot American Rodeo.

“I spent about three weeks in the middle of nowhere, Texas, and took three of my horses with me,” Clark said.

Week after week, Clark advanced while others were sent home. Although she didn’t love the show’s dramatic interviews and pressure-cooker environments, the fast-paced competitions were right up her alley. She placed second in the show.

These days, when Clark returns to her home turf, she brings her two daughters and encourages them to savor the same freedom to roam she discovered as a child.

“I love that my girls get to experience that country life, (where we can) put down the phones and just be outdoors,” she said.

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R E MI NGTO N PA R K

W H E N R E M I N G TO N PA R K opened in 1988 as Oklahoma’s largest pari-mutuel horse racing track, crowds came in droves — the first few seasons ave r a g e d 13,0 0 0 in at te ndance. Although its experimental synthetic track only lasted a year, Remington Park quickly established its flagship race, the Oklahoma Derby (then named the Remington Park Derby). This 1-1/8-mile competition for 3-year-old thoroughbreds usually holds a $400,000 purse as a Grade III race. To day, Remington Park also houses a casino with 750 slot machines and live entertainment.

KINDRED SPIRITS W h e n l ove of h ors e m a n s h i p d e f i n e s a l i fe Raised on a farm, Paula Love was born into a horse family — her mom showed saddlebreds. “I did not even have a choice to not ride horses,” she said.

“They put me on a horse at 2.” This was usually the family’s walking horse, Laura, who lived to the age of 40. “My mom used to say, ‘I’m so glad you like this, because it would have been difficult if you didn’t.’ It was our passion and it really brought us together.”

At age 8, Love started showing horses, competing locally in saddle seat; then at 10, nationally in the Arabian industry. “The horse industry in general, it’s just such a great life lesson for kids because you’re learning not only competition, but as opposed

to a sport with multiple players, it’s just you and the horse. The horse is relying on you, and you’re relying on this thousand-pound animal. Some days you have a bad day, and some days the horse has a bad day, but when you’re competing you have to get over that,” Love said.

As a girl, she received a horse that would change her life. Her family’s saddlebred mare was bred with her trainer’s Arabian stallion. From that pairing, Love got Rebel.

“There’s nothing better than raising your own show horse. I was with him when he hit the ground,” Love said. The family named him Rebel because when 405MAGAZINE.COM

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He fought through it and went on to become a great show horse. It meant everything to me.

Iʼm trying not to cry because I love him so much; heʼs my family at this point.”

he was just a week old, he was violently attacked in the night by four large neighborhood dogs. They were unsure at the time if he would live. After a month of extensive veterinary care, “he fought through it and went on to become a great show horse. It meant everything to me,” Love remembered tearfully. “I’m trying not to cry because I love him so much; he’s my family at this point.”

While Love’s friends were partying and being kids, she awoke at 6 a.m. every day to practice and train. “It was hard as a teenager, but it was so fulfilling.” This continued through high school and college, and at one point she won a national championship with Rebel.

After college, she started breeding half-Arabian and half-saddlebred horses.

Love currently runs a working cattle and horse ranch called The Chase Farm. She retired Rebel (now 25) and nightly rides him on a western saddle as they gal38

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lop around the property to check the cattle and fences.

“He’s fat and happy on a green pasture. I see him every day. That’s my joy at this point. He’s my hero.”

Passing on the gift that has been given to her, Love now sits on the board at Nexus Equine, a nonprofit that works to connect people and horses through innovative partnerships with other organizations across Oklahoma. It reduces the number of at-risk horses through education, outreach and adoption and foster relationships between horses and the community through youth-focused programming.

From infancy, Paula Love has never known anything other than an equestrian life. Similarly, Rebel has never known anything other than Love’s love, as they ride into the Oklahoma City sunset together the way they have thousands of times.

Photo: Josh Welch / @joshwelch_ Design: Jennifer Welch Designs / @jenniferwelchdesigns

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BY JAKE DURHAM

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Maddison Hinson-Tolchard was the Big 12 Player of the Year for two years in a row.

ith a tradition of excellence that spans nearly seven decades, Oklahoma State University’s Cowboy and Cowgirl golf programs have left an indelible mark on the college game, earning numerous accolades and producing some of the sport’s most remarkable talent. As the legacy continues, the program’s commitment to excellence and all-around development ensures that the next generation of OSU golfers will carry the torch of success for years to come.

Since its establishment in 1947, the OSU men’s golf team has enjoyed remarkable stability, with only four head coaches. Under the guidance of the legendary Labron Harris from 1947 to ’73, the foundation of success was laid. Mike Holder, a former player under Harris, took the reins from 1973 to 2005 before the head-coaching baton was handed to Mike McGraw for the 2005-06 season. In 2013-14, another notable alumnus, Alan Bratton, assumed the role.

The team’s striking success is exemplified by its 65 consecutive NCAA championship appearances from 1947 to 2011. During this incredible run, OSU claimed 10 national team championships. Its golfers also secured 16 runner-up finishes, 51 top-five and 55 top-10 finishes in those years.

Nine Cowboys have received national honors as the top collegiate golfer, including Lindy Miller, Bob Tway, Willie Wood, Rickie Fowler and Alan Bratton. Four Cowboys have received fi rst-team All-America honors three times. And for the ultimate collegiate trophy, OSU has produced nine NCAA individual champions: Earl Moeller (1953), Grier Jones (1968), David Edwards (1978), Scott Verplank (1986), Brian Watts (1987), E.J. Pfister (1988), Charles Howell (2000), Jonathan Moore (2006) and Matthew Wolff (2019).

In 2003, the Cowboys became the fi rst team to capture four Big 12 championships, further solidifying OSU’s status as a golfi ng powerhouse. By 2006, it achieved its record streak of 60 consecutive NCAA championship appearances and clinched its 10th NCAA title. Oklahoma State’s most recent men’s championship came in 2018, when the No. 1 Cowboys capped off the season with a shut-out win at their home course of Karsten Creek Golf Club.

Oklahoma State University has also carved a path of dominance in women’s golf. With an impressive 25 conference titles in 48 years of competition, the Cowgirls have proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the greens.

As they continue to excel and redefine excellence in collegiate women’s golf, the Oklahoma State Cowgirls stand as a shining example of dedication, talent and success. Cowgirls head coach Greg Robertson has his sights set on continuing that legacy.

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COURTESY OF OSU ATHLETICS

W

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Clemence Martin is now top five in career scoring average in OSU women's golf history.

Former Cowboy golfer Rickie Fowler won the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic on the PGA Tour.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OSU WOMEN’S GOLF IS KNOWN FOR? GR: The women’s team has won 25 conference championships (11 in the Big 12 and 14 in the Big Eight), and 27 times has been the individual conference champion. In addition to that, there have been 46 All-American selections. The team has finished second at the NCAA championship twice, and we are working toward getting that national championship. At the professional level, 19 former players have played on the LPGA Tour. Six of them have won on the LPGA Tour (a total of 10 wins), four have been selected for the Solheim Cup and two have represented their countries in the Olympics. Pernilla Lindberg won the 2018 ANA Inspiration, one of the five majors in women’s golf.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF THE TEAM? GR: Our goal is to continue to get better each year and ultimately win national championships. With the renovations to Karsten Creek, we will have one of the best facilities you will find anywhere. That will not only help attract the top junior golfers from around the world, but it will also help them develop their golf games to compete at an elite level in college and beyond.

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WHO IS EXPECTED TO BE A TOP PROSPECT THIS YEAR, HAS THE MOST POTENTIAL, OR IS EXPECTED TO ADVANCE PROFESSIONALLY? GR: Maddison Hinson-Tolchard is returning for her senior season after being named Big 12 Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. She also won the Big 12 Championship individually, was named First Team All-American and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open. Clemence Martin has quietly worked her way into the top five in career scoring average in program history.

However, she has been nursing a back injury that has lingered over the last year and a half, but we are hopeful that she will have a healthy junior year. We have three incoming freshmen that all have the potential to make the lineup: Ellie Bushnell and Sammie Miller are from California, and Marta Silchenko is from Latvia. Marta is the highest freshman at 457 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (as of July 19).

WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU CAN SHARE WITH US ABOUT THE TEAM? GR: In addition to the team’s accomplishments on the golf course, they also achieve at a high level in the classroom. The current team GPA is 3.65, and they had the highest semester team GPA out of every sport at OSU this past fall. Former players have not only done great things as professional golfers but have also excelled in the medical field, as a lawyer, college professor, club professionals, college golf coaches and so on. There is no doubt that Oklahoma State and this golf program are getting the members of this team ready for a successful life after college.

COURTESY OF OSU ATHLETICS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HISTORY WITH OSU AND YOUR INTEREST IN THE SPORT. GREG ROBERTSON: I graduated from Oklahoma State and played golf for Coach Holder on the men’s team from 1993 to 1997. Alan Bratton and I were teammates from 1993 to 1995, and his last two years on the team were my first two years on the team. I fell in love with Stillwater and OSU as soon as I came on my recruiting visit, and it has been a dream come true for me to come back here to coach. My wife also has ties to OSU: She grew up in Stillwater and graduated from Oklahoma State, and her dad was an economics professor at OSU.

ARE THERE ANY CURRENT OR PAST ATHLETES YOU HAVE WORKED WITH WHO HAVE GONE ON TO PLAY PROFESSIONALLY? GR: Maja Stark, Isabella Fierro, Lianna Bailey and Michelle Forsland are all players who have been on the team over the last four years that I’ve been here and have gone on to play professionally. Maja has already won on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, Isabella has full status on the Epson Tour, Lianna just won (July 21) on the LET Access Series, and Michelle is also playing on the LET Access Series. I’ve also been working with Emma Broze, who is playing full-time on the Epson Tour. She played on the team and graduated from OSU the year before I started coaching here.

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DINING GOOD TASTE 48

THE DISH 50

THE DRINK 52

MY TOP 10 54

Everyday, Eclectic Ramen

RACHEL MAUCIERI

Rachel Cope’s new concept mixes traditional with unconventional. p. 50

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Sunrise on the East Side A brand-new breakfast at Scrambl’d

BY M AT T K I R O U A C | P H O T O S BY R A C H E L M A U C I E R I

I N J UST A F EW Y E A R S, OK L A HOM A CI T Y ’S E AST side has gone from an underrated and often overlooked dining destination to one that boasts the state’s first James Beard Award (Florence’s Restaurant), a pizzeria from an Emmy-winning musician (Eastside Pizza House) and a cocktail bar where culture is as central as mixology (Kindred Spirits). The latest business cementing NE 23rd Street as a veritable restaurant row is Scrambl’d, a daytime concept that’s shaking up the city’s breakfast scene with novel takes on morning fare, an energizing ambience and a palpable sense of community.

Located in the same complex as Eastside Pizza House, Scrambl’d marks the culmination of a dream — and a love of breakfast — for owner Cordell Love, a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City’s northeast side. Pointing to the fact that just four years ago his community was labeled a food desert, with residents subsisting out of dollar stores and corner markets, Love wanted to be part of the change.

“It’s been my mission,” he said. “I want to nourish my community and give them better options to eat, rather than have to go west or north.”

Calling breakfast his favorite meal of the day, Love said he wanted to make Scrambl’d a wholly unique destination for a morning meal. He described the vibrant motif, which he designed himself, as a “retro diner put in a time machine” — complete with a sleek bar and a wall of booths under a “Good Morning Eastside” mural along a turquoise wall — and referred to the nationwide trend of “Black brunch” as a key point of inspiration.

“It’s more than just a traditional breakfast experience,” he said, describing Scrambl’d as a kind of brunch, lunch and bar hybrid.

“It’s more of a day party. You come in, eat, listen to louder music and it’s heavy on the bar.” For instance, there’s Hennessy on tap, dispensed from a rare custom-made tap handle from the Cognac brand and used to make atypical brunch drinks like the Henny Given Sunday with orange juice and bubbly.

The food is just as distinct. Like the atmosphere itself, a packed dining room pulsing with music at 1 p.m. on a Thursday — you won’t find a typical breakfast experience here but rather decadent twists on convention. Instead of steak and eggs, try four succulent lamb chops strung up on a tiny clothesline over perfectly cooked over-easy eggs. French toast comes crusted in crushed wafer cookies and deep-fried, strewn with tender apples and a frosting-like cinnamon butter. Chicken and waffles makes way for chicken and pancakes: fluffy flapjacks sharing a plate with plump, smoky wings and brown sugar butter.

And then there’s the mighty Luther burger, a best-seller that sandwiches burger patties between glazed doughnuts — a harmony of sweet and savory comfort in one extravagant bite. Love said: “We have some unique dishes that you can only come here to get, 48

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which was kind of the premise.” He also said Scrambl’d has the best shrimp and grits in the city, a sentiment borne out by the bowlful of plump, seared shrimp juxtaposed with silken, creamy grits.

Love is also out to nourish the community beyond what’s on the menu. In addition to hiring within the community (“so the staff looks like the neighborhood as well”), Scrambl’d looks to continue the economic upswing happening on the east side. “During my lifetime, we’ve never had anything on this side of town that people can take ownership in and be proud of on the food side,” he explained. “I took my experiences from other major cities, and internationally, and brought it back to my side.”

It’s not just breakfast that’s unique, fun and delicious — it’s breakfast that builds community.

Bloody Mary and Henny Given Sunday (orange juice, Hennessy, sparkling wine)

G O O D

TA S T E

(Counterclockwise, from top) Oaty’s Lamb Chops with eggs, Deez shrimp and grits, deep-fried French toast and a waffle

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An All-Around Noodle

D I S H

(From top) Thai Fighter, Birria and House Ramen

Remix Ramen re-envisions a classic

BY M AT T K I R O U A C P H O T O BY R A C H E L M A U C I E R I

F RO M P I Z Z A T O B U R G E R S , T H E 8 4 Hospitality restaurant group excels at remixing comfort food, as evidenced by the veritable empire of Empire Slice Houses scattered around Oklahoma and the imminent expansion of Burger Punk to the Britton District. Then there’s Gorō Ramen, the Paseo’s Tokyo-tinted homage to Japanese noodle houses, whose enduring popularity has cemented the restaurant as the foremost slurp shop in Oklahoma City.

It also helped pave the way for a new style of ramen restaurant in the 405: Remix Ramen, which opened inside the Edmond Railyard at 23 W. First St. in June, offers a savory style distinctly its own.

Following the success of Gorō, 84 Hospitality founder and CEO Rachel Cope said she wanted to try something new and fi ll a ramen niche in Oklahoma. Describing Gorō as “very chef-driven,” she envisioned Remix as something more fun, fast-casual and poised for duplication and expansion. “It’s sort of like the Empire (Slice House) of ramen,” Cope said.

“The base of what we’re doing is very traditional, but we take it and play with it. And when it comes down to it, ramen is just a noodle; it can do anything.”

And the menu proves just that. In addition to some traditional offerings, vegetarian and vegan options and Japanese-style sandos stacked on Martin’s potato rolls (“made famous by Shake Shack,” Cope noted), the menu sports a “remixed” section that exemplifies that noodles-can-do-anything ethos by using ramen as a blank canvas for unexpected ingredients and fusion flavors.

A highlight is the birria ramen, which Cope described as basically birria tacos in a bowl, adding meltingly tender braised short rib, cotija cheese, cilantro and pickled red onions to a heady beef broth.

The Thai Fighter, Cope said, is the sleeper favorite, capturing the sensation of pad thai by adding peanut butter to the broth and fi lling it out with togarashi tofu, Thai chili, lime, cilantro, crushed peanuts and 50

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green onion. All the ramens originate with a shio chicken-broth base because, as Cope explained, it conjures a kind of chicken noodle soup nostalgia.

Filling the vacant El Camino space in the Edmond Railyard and outfitting the dining room with poppy colors and quirky fish cake logos, Cope sees her latest ramen venture as an experiment in marketing and a testing ground for potential future locations.

Crediting Remix’s chef Brianna Shear, kitchen manager Payton Jons and director of operations Britton Stewart (“without them this is not possible”), Cope said this is just the beginning of Remix Ramen — and, it might be only a matter of time before she has another Empire-like dominion on her hands.

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D R I N K

Lambrusco di Sorbara at The Study

Rise of Red Bubbles Lambrusco sparkles on the 405’s beverage horizon

BY M AT T K I R O U A C | P H O T O BY R A C H E L M A U C I E R I

A MONG C H A M PAGN E , PRO SE C C O, C AVA A N D BRU T RO SÉ , T H E sparkling wine market is pretty much cornered by white and pink, but a red contender from Italy is on the rise with a bold take on bubbles. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine, typically served chilled, that hails from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and in many ways, defies expectations and assumptions about red wine.

Historically produced in places like Modena, a city known more for its prosciutto and balsamic vinegar than its wine, the crimson bubbly has come a long way from its supermarket boom in the 1960s, when it became stereotyped as a syrupy-sweet bottom-shelf bottle typified by brands like Riunite.

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“It became considered sort of trash in the ’80s and ’90s,” explained Ian Bennett, certified sommelier and co-founder of The Study wine bar at 701 W. Sheridan Ave. on Film Row. “It was just sweet wine, and there were no producers making traditional Italian Lambrusco in the States for a long time.”

But times have changed, as evidenced by the nuanced Lambruscos being poured at places like The Study, that offer a new kind of sparkling wine that hits tasting notes — and more affordable price points — you won’t find from Champagne.

“In the mid-’90s and early 2000s, you had these younger Italians that were like, ‘Hey, man, we’re tired of people thinking our wine is sweet and trashy; we want to try and take it back,’” said Bennett, pointing to Lambrusco di Sorbara, the name of the grape and the bottle that he pours at The Study, as an exemplar.

Like most wines, Lambrusco ranges from dry to sweet, and it’s more multifaceted than its cloying Riunite tropes. For Bennett, the best Lambruscos are those that bridge the gap, served chilled and paired with anything from appetizers to desserts.

He describes his Lambrusco di Sorbara as having balsamic notes on the nose and dark plum, strawberry and cranberry on the palate. Some of his go-to pairing suggestions span from blue cheese salad and asada tacos to gazpacho and chocolate peanut butter pot de creme. It also pairs perfectly, he noted, with a Bar Arbolada cheeseburger.

While Lambrusco is still relatively unknown in Oklahoma City, its versatility and affordability (“a bottle of some of the best Lambrusco you’ll ever taste will be like $30,” Bennett said) engender curiosity from consumers, which signals a sea change in popularity. In addition to The Study, restaurants pouring it by the glass include Blu in Norman, Ludivine and Rococo. Thrown Design & Wine, a boutique at 1712 Spoke St. in the Wheeler District known for its stylish accessories and esoteric wines, also stocks bottles of Lambrusco — the Lini 910 Labrusca Lambrusco Rosso from Emilia-Romagna, to be precise.

“I think we’re entering the beginning phase of Lambrusco,” Bennett said. “I’m glad it’s finding its resurgence. I think before long, I’d like to see it get to the point where everybody has it on their list, so I can go to any restaurant in the city and get a Lambrusco.”

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Top 10 Must-Try State Fair Foods From classic funnel cake to pickle pizza, Oklahoma’s annual fair offers plenty of deep-fried fun

BY A DV E N T U R E S I N O K L A H O M A

I T ’ S T H AT T I M E OF Y E A R : T H E OK L A HOM A S TAT E FA I R IS H E R E! When I hear it’s state fair time, I immediately think of food. I want to try it all — I want to relive childhood memories and make new ones with my daughter. I want to try the newest, greatest and most creative dishes that these talented cooks have come up with. From pickle pizza to apple pie churro bites, the more unique the better!

Don’t get me wrong; the fair is about so much more than just the food. With amazing vendors, crafters, entertainment and fun, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I look forward to this time of year and make multiple trips just to get in as much adventure as possible. I can’t wait to see what this year holds, and especially what new foods will be presented.

As a state fair foodie, these are my top 10 must-haves every year:

COTTON CANDY

PONCHO CORN DOG

TURKEY LEG

ROASTED CORN

This really doesn’t need an explanation … flossy sugar coma, anyone?

A jumbo deep-fried battered hot dog with ketchup and mustard is always an amazing choice.

Nothing screams “state fair” more than everyone chowing down on giant turkey legs.

Another tried and true classic.

The smell of roasted corn in the air definitely lets you know you’ve made it to the fair.

FRIED CHEESE ON A STICK

CINNAMON ROLL

BY SILVER DOLLAR CONCESSIONS

ROOT BEER Ice-cold jugs of root beer are something we always have to get to help wash down all the yummy foods we’ve tried.

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Is this really worth the long wait in line? Yes! Fluffy, gooey, downright sinfully delicious.

HONEY PEPPER BACON DOG This was a new item last year that I truly enjoyed. This hot dog by Project Krave was perfection, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this year’s fair to hopefully grab one again.

NEW FOOD ITEMS Every year I try at least one new food item, especially any fresh creations that are part of the Great TASTE of a Fair contest. I can’t wait to see what the new items will be this year.

Jaclyn from Adventures In Oklahoma creates videos that share her everyday explorations of food and fun in the Sooner State.

She loves supporting local businesses, discovering more of Oklahoma’s beauty and spending time with family and friends. You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook @AdventuresInOklahoma.

COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR

If you’re like me and are a sucker for fried cheese and anything on a stick, this cheesy goodness will definitely put a smile on your face.

FUNNEL CAKE Who doesn’t love funnel cake? Fried batter dusted with powdered sugar, made even better when in fry form and served with a dip.

The Soul Is a Wanderer

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okcontemp.org | 11 NW 11th St., OKC | Free admission Installation view of ArtNow: The Soul Is a Wanderer. Photo: Ann Sherman

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ARTS 58 SPORTS 60 IN CONVO WITH 62 TRAVEL 64 LOOKING BACK 68 ONE MORE THING 70

Life in Pictures and Poetry Traxler pours himself across striking colors, symbolic forms and spirited writing. p. 62 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Sculptural Sensations

Rodin’s Monument to Honoré de Balzac is more symbolic than lifelike.

The OKC Museum of Art showcases masterpieces of Auguste Rodin

BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA

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Auguste Rodin is often considered the founder of modern sculpture.

SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING OKCMOA EVENTS: The Renaissance Ball Friday, Sept. 8, 7-9:30 p.m.

OKC Golf and Country Club Black-tie event Followed by the Late Night After-Party 9:30-Midnight Open bar, light bites, dancing, cocktail attire ArtOnTap 2023 Friday, Oct. 13, 7-10 p.m.

OKCMOA Celebrating 20 years of cheers and beers For more information, visit okcmoa.com.

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M A N Y C ONSI DE R AUGUS T E RODI N T O BE T H E MO S T I M P ORTant sculptor in Western art to emerge following the Renaissance, and after visiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s latest exhibition that celebrates his work, it’s easy to understand why. The pieces on display are part of the permanent collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, but OKC is lucky enough to be one of two American cities to hold the works while that museum is currently under renovation.

True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism features 100 pieces of art, with 50 works by Rodin in a variety of sizes and scales. Everything from smaller pieces under glass to monumental sculptures historically viewed outdoors is represented, and other famed artists and contemporaries of Rodin, such as Monet, Degas and Renoir, are also featured throughout the exhibition.

The first work of Rodin’s that visitors encounter as they enter is the realistic sculpture Saint John the Baptist Preaching, which features the subject caught in a state of movement, preaching mid-stride. Rather than use a model in a traditional stationary pose, Rodin hired an Italian peasant named Pignatelli to model John the Baptist to give movement to the sculpture and bring it to life. This unique and influential nontraditional point of view is evident as you explore the collection.

By 1900, Rodin had roughly 100 artisans working under him, allowing him the flexibility to work on a large volume of pieces. Rodin was known for taking fragments from other projects and combining them to create new sculptures, as seen in Female Centaur, which combines a female torso with a horse body, also on display.

The exhibition explains the process of casting a sculpture in bronze step by step, from the sketches to the final product. Rodin worked in plaster, clay and marble, and while he did cast some of his works in his lifetime, many were not cast until after his death in 1917.

“Rodin gave the works that were meant to be cast to the French government a year before he died,” said Michael Anderson, OKCMOA president and CEO. “The Musée Rodin was established and, to this day, are in charge of casting his work and preserving his legacy. The French government has set up a series of laws that dictates what is or is not an official work of Rodin. There can only be 12 castings in bronze of a specific size that have to be signed and dated. The first eight are put on the market and sold, and the other four are reserved for museums or institutions. In many cases, they are cast from the same plasters that existed in Rodin’s lifetime.”

True Nature is on the third floor of the OKCMOA, a location that provides more space and natural light to highlight the beauty of Rodin’s bronze sculptures. There are three major commissions in the exhibition: The Gates of Hell, The Burghers of Calais and Monument to Honoré de Balzac. These heavy, larger-than-life sculptures were originally intended to be viewed outside.

As visitors round the last corner of the exhibit, the incredible 9-foot-tall, 1,900-pound Monument to Honoré de Balzac is displayed prominently in a nearly empty room. This contemplative piece took six hours to install and is positioned on the most structurally sound area of the third floor. Paired with bright green arched walls and a sculpture of Rodin himself by his student Antoine Bourdelle, this masterpiece is truly something inspiring.

True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism is on display through Oct. 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. For more information, visit okcmoa.com.

WHO WAS

auguste rodin?

CLOSING 10/22/23 Discover one of history’s most renowned sculptors and see other world-famous Impressionist artists at this larger-than-life exhibition.

True Nature: Rodin & The Age of Impressionism was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Photo © Museum Associates / LACMA.

Scan this QR code or visit O K C M O A . c o m to get your tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition while you still can!

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A Feast of College Football Three mouthwatering matchups for Oklahoma’s main schools

BY A D DA M M . F R A N C I S CO

Senior OSU cornerback Korie Black returns after starting every game last season.

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma State Cowboys

2022 season record: 6-7, lost to Florida State in Cheez-It Bowl

2022 season record: 7-6, lost to Wisconsin in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl

At Cincinnati Bearcats, Sept. 23 The Sooners’ last go-round in the Big 12 begins against the conference newcomer Cincinnati Bearcats, which is expected to be quite the test.

Yes, Cincinnati took a small step back in 2022 by finishing 9-4 following its College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, but its offense is still high-powered, averaging 29.2 points per game in 2022. However, they’ll be playing a (fingers crossed) much-improved Sooners squad, so it should be exciting to see whose upswing will prevail.

Vs. Cincinnati, Oct. 28 Something about the Bearcats coming off two highly competitive seasons makes me nervous about this matchup. OSU head coach Mike Gundy tends to be iffy going into unknown games like these, and this could easily be a tricky late-season blunder for the Cowboys, who don’t have the highest of expectations in 2023 after a 7-6 record in 2022.

Last season, Oklahoma State started strong at No. 7 with a 6-1 record before a K-State blowout loss and quarterback Spencer Sanders’ injuries marked a devastating downfall. Now, with new quarterback Alan Bowman and a slew of offensive transfers, OSU looks to stay solid in a shifting conference.

At Texas Longhorns, Oct. 7 The bad news is remembering last year’s brutal 49-0 shutout in the Red River Rivalry. The good news is that, unlike last season, Dillon Gabriel will (hopefully) be healthy, and OU’s team stands to be all-around better.

That includes transfers Walter Rouse and Caleb Shaffer, who were both major contributors to their respective teams’ offensive lines last season.

Wide receiver Austin Stogner, who started his college career at OU and then transferred to South Carolina alongside Spencer Rattler in 2022, is returning to Norman for his final season.

Defensively, OU’s additions of Reggie Pearson, Davon Sears, Jacob Lacey, Rondell Bothroyd, Kendall Dennis, Dasan McCullough and Da’Jon Terry should go a long way to address issues from OU’s defense from last season.

And as we know, nine times out of 10, this particular game will provide immaculate rivalry vibes.

At Oklahoma State, Nov. 4 The last Bedlam we’ll see in the foreseeable future will surely be full of fireworks, suspense and memorable moments. But this isn’t the first rodeo for OU transfer Trace Ford, a star defensive lineman who transferred from OSU this offseason. With a rivalry line crossed and legacy at stake for the final winner of the bout (for the time being, anyway), this should be a great night of football in Stillwater.

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Vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 4 Yes, this is the last Bedlam appointment for the foreseeable future, so there’s a ton of anticipation there, but there’s also been some animosity between the two squads since the Sooners made their decision to move to the SEC. “When Oklahoma decided to leave the Big 12, they chose to end Bedlam — it’s a one-sided deal,” Coach Gundy told reporter Brett McMurphy with Action Network this July. “People were trying to decide what happened and what needs to happen to make it go on. They kept pushing Oklahoma State into it. We didn’t have jack to do with that. They left the conference. Bedlam goes with it.” That means both teams will be especially motivated to end the series properly.

At UCF, Nov. 11 Nov. 11 against Central Florida will surely be an entertaining road matchup for the Cowboys after Bedlam; this could allow the Cowboys to either bounce back from a loss to OU or go on a late-season surge following a Bedlam win and end the season on a run.

Central Florida went 9-5 last season, finishing second in the American Athletic Conference, and will offer an excellent test for the Cowboys.

COURTESY OF OSU ATHLETICS

T H E WA I T IS OV E R . T H E C OL L E GE FO O T BA L L SE ASON has finally arrived, which means thrilling weekends in Oklahoma are on the way — especially for Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and University of Central Oklahoma fanatics.

If you’re a fan of all football in Oklahoma, this could be a busy fall for you. 405 Magazine has the top three games from our three most prominent state schools to help you schedule your Saturdays.

S P O R T S

Sophomore OSU running back Ollie Gordon II finished last season with 308 rushing yards.

University of Central Oklahoma 2022 season record: 6- UCO’s marquee games include a home matchup against Nebraska-Kearney to kick off the season, an always-tough matchup against NW Missouri State in Week 6, followed by a season finale against Pittsburg State.

Vs. Nebraska-Kearney, Aug. 31 After a narrow 18-20 defeat in 2022, the Bronchos are looking for revenge in a resurgent season. Nebraska-Kearney, meanwhile, is coming off a highly efficient 8-3 season and looking to capitalize on its veteran roster. This will surely be another entertaining game with one more year of experience on UCO’s roster.

At NW Missouri State, Oct. 7 NW Missouri State has been the school that other MIAA teams have complained about for years, as they consistently dominate their Division II counterparts.

However, last season’s biggest upset came when Central Oklahoma knocked off NW Missouri State 23-14 in Edmond. Note that the Bearcats were ranked No. 2 in the Division II AFCA Coaches Poll when that happened, so they’ll surely host the Bronchos with revenge on their mind in 2023.

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At Pittsburg State, Nov. 11 In one of, if not the biggest rivalries in the MIAA, the Bronchos are looking to answer last season’s nightmare on homecoming night by the then-fifth-ranked Gorillas, when they fell 38-7. Pitt State is expected to be at the top of the ranking again next year.

Will UCO upset them?

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Traxler showcased his remarkable, personal paintings at this year’s Marfa Invitational.

Bold Strokes With painted or lyrical musings, Traxler gives his all

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R | P H O T O BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

T Y L OR T R A X L E R ISN ’ T SH Y A BOU T SHOW I NG U P. T H ROUGH his raw rap music, heartfelt poetry and street-meets-cubist style paintings, he reveals his innermost feelings about divinity, love and change. The contemporary artist, who goes by “Traxler” or “Trax,” is also constantly putting his work out to the public to build connections and opportunities, always seeking to answer “What’s next?”

One example occurred on May 6, when Traxler presented an exhibition called The Son Gazes Back at You in Marfa, Texas. He knew the community would be buzzing during the Marfa Invitational art weekend, so he created a new series, packed up his car, rented a location, promoted his presence and inserted himself into the art-loving scene. Thanks to that show, he is now collaborating with Topo Chico to create product labels and has been invited to return to Marfa in October for a month-long residency at the Marfa Open Gallery. We met with Traxler to learn how his life powers his art and vice versa.

What was your favorite part of presenting your work in Marfa?

My favorite part of the Marfa experience was just pulling it off. You know, it proved a lot to me. I knew that I had the capacity to have a show; that’s what I do. I knew that I had art that I enjoyed and that people seem to enjoy, and I knew I was trying to make a career and life out of this, but I hadn’t tested it … I was just really intrigued by a town of artists.

Describe your art.

“Divine interface,” if I had to give a two-word description — just using it as self-reflection and inward-looking, more so than outward aesthetic value. It’s like a shadow of my life, in a dark way and in the lightest possible way. Yeah, the best way to put it is “an interface with the divine.” It’s the closest I’ve come to church in a long time.

What does your creative process look like?

What I’ve been doing lately is I’ll write a narrative. I’ll write a whole story, and a lot of the time these stories are insane, almost like sci-fi novels. And from that I will extract messaging — essentially, what’s the language that’s being spoken? What are the symbols? What do they represent? How does it represent how you’re feeling at the time? How do you plug in photos from your life? There are times when I’ll add a photo from my life … and it takes on its own life when it becomes an art piece.

Plugging in elements from my own life, plugging in elements from these narrative structures … to extract symbolism and flesh that out through color, through form, through mosaics … it doesn’t matter if I’m using oil, acrylic, pastel or pencil, as long as the image is made and the idea is captured.

You produce paintings, poetry and music. You also have clothing lines you’ve developed. Do these various mediums relate to one another in any way?

One hundred percent. It’s all synonymous. Everything that I do is a circle of me …

The poetry goes hand in hand with the art. If you read my poetry, you’ll get the same feeling … It feels good to have it in multiple mediums. My ultimate goal is to have a brick-and-mortar location that’s retail-based that is all of this combined … where I can distribute everything and just give myself as much as I can.

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Faithfully Family-Friendly When you desire a road trip with one-of-a-kind nature and wholesome entertainment, Branson has you covered

BY J U L I E PA R T I N

Tucked into the gorgeous Missouri Ozarks, Branson has been a premier destination for family reunions and middle American tourists since the late 1880s. There is truly no other city like it, the closest probably being Atlanta … if that metro were a little less Southern and a bit more PG. The mix of breathtaking natural sights and activities and endless large-scale shows and entertainment leaves travelers with an abundance of options — all of which are also viable for bringing along your kids and grandparents and guaranteeing some wholesome family memories.

Where to Stay

Those looking for a resort experience will appreciate Grand Country Resort and Big Cedar Lodge.

But to truly get the full Branson understanding, you’ll want to find somewhere unique, where families from all over the country gather and feel like chatting in the common areas. The Ozarker Lodge (theozarkerlodge.com) recently remodeled into a boutique hotel experience. The rooms are standard and give modern Ozark vibes; what guests will find truly special are the mountainside heated outdoor pool, cedar soaking tubs and guest community engagement activities — movies and board games — in the common areas.

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Fireman’s Landing at Silver Dollar City

T R AV E L

CU LT U R E

Sight & Sound Theatres’ Queen Esther

Where to Play

There is no shortage of things to do in Branson. In fact, one could attend a play, show, amusement park, adventure zone, museum, cave tour, etc. every single day for many months if not years without having to consider repeating an activity. To get the most out of Branson, we recommend carving out a full day for one or both of the major theme parks, White Water and Silver Dollar City, the latter of which (silverdollarcity.com) remains a great American staple and wonderfully frozen in time. Every inch of its seven districts feels like an 1880s Ozark mountain town. The extensive rides (both thrilling and chilling), to the shows, to the dining stay faithful to the bluegrass heritage vibe. The highlight of the experience is the insane Marvel Cave, which takes the brave deeper into the earth than most people will ever go.

Its history combined with its mind-blowing size is truly unforgettable. As far as shows are concerned, longtime favorites include Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Haygoods and several Hughes Brothers variety shows. We remain stunned by Sight and Sound’s Queen Esther, which features a mammoth of a three-wall interactive set design that broke records with its size and dazzles the audience with its costumes, songs and large selection of live animals.

When filling the time, don’t forget to jump on one of the many blazing mountain coasters and ziplines.

ABOVE: Marvel Cave RIGHT: Seasonal park

decorations BELOW: Silver Dollar

City thrill coaster

Where to Eat

Fresh produce enthusiasts and vegans might be left longing after a few days in Branson. But what the city does boast are Americana buffets, fried food aplenty and roll-tossing experiences. Yes, a few restaurants will literally throw a yummy, hot-off-the-stove roll across the restaurant into your open hands. The highlight of dining experiences included Little Hacienda (littlehaciendabranson.com), a bright and bustling Mexican restaurant with a modern and satisfying menu and creative and classic cocktail list, as well as Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano (florentinasristoranteitaliano.com), which has lines out the door and constant waitlists for good reason. The traditional Italian options from the caesar salad to the lasagna are rich and flavorful.

Given that much of Branson is faith-based in some form, many of its experiences, both shows and parks, are dry. So those craving a wine or craft beer flight will have to deep dive. Coming highly recommended, however, are bar/restaurant combos such as St. James Winery & Restaurant, Waxy O’Shea’s and Old Chicago at the Landing.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

Where to Drink

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An early photo of the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse.

B A C K

The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust purchased the building in 2001 and restored it.

Learning From the Past The long, almost lost history of Edmond’s one-room schoolhouse

FOR DEC A DES , PASSE R SBY DROV E OR WA L K E D BY T H E small, nondescript white-frame building in Edmond without realizing its history and importance. It was clearly old, but it also had an interesting story begging to be heard.

Lucille Warrick, a local historian and member of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, was convinced the building at 124 E. Second St. was the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse, which would make it the last remaining 1889 structure in Edmond.

In 1997, the trust got permission from the Edmond City Council to “investigate, acquire and preserve” the building, which at one time had been a private home and later Sanders Camera Shop.

Warrick and others involved with the project removed the inside walls of the vacant camera store to reveal the original painted blackboards once used by teachers and students more than 100 years earlier.

The schoolhouse was the brainchild of a group of 15 determined women who formed the Ladies School Aid Society in 1889 to provide a suitable school for local children. That summer, Jennie Forster boldly walked into Brown’s Lumber Co. and ordered — on credit — enough lumber to build a school in the newly founded town.

The women asked businesses for donations and organized fundraising dinners and socials, including an ice cream party that netted $25. Located on one of the six future schoolhouse lots, the school was completed by August and the lumber bill was paid by the end of the first school year.

Enough money also was raised to pay Ollie McCormick’s teaching salary for the first year, which allowed students to attend without paying tuition.

It was the first public schoolhouse in Oklahoma Territory, and it’s currently the oldest schoolhouse in Oklahoma County. Nineteen students attended the first day of school on Sept. 16, 1889, and that number quickly rose to 37.

The school’s use often stretched beyond desks and blackboards, though.

Four Protestant churches were established at the schoolhouse, and the first recorded wedding in Oklahoma County took place there.

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Classes were held in it for 10 years, but Edmond was growing, and the one-room schoolhouse was small. It was sold and remodeled into a private residence in 1900, and in 1950, Sanders Camera Shop moved in and stayed through the mid-1970s.

The boarded-up building then sat empty for years with little interest in its past or future until the research and efforts of Warrick and determined others helped reveal the historical remnant sitting on one of the city’s busiest streets.

The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust purchased the building in 2001 and started an aggressive fundraising campaign and restoration project with a formal dedication in 2007. The schoolhouse, now furnished like it might have been originally, was restored as an Oklahoma Centennial Project.

In 2010, the schoolhouse was honored with a place on the National Schoolhouse Registry by the Country School Association of America, whose members work to preserve and protect one-room schoolhouses. At that time, only 22 schoolhouses in the United States had received the registry honor. Some 50 members of the association toured the school while in Oklahoma for a conference. Richard Lewis, then chairman of the registry, said the school was “the prettiest and the best we’ve seen,” according to The Oklahoman in 2010.

The 1889 Territorial School is open Saturday afternoons for visitors. It also hosts field trips and summer camps where children are transported back in time as they write in pen and ink, practice their math on slates and dress in period clothing.

Today, more than 130 years after the first students in Oklahoma attended it, the schoolhouse continues to be a place to learn — and not just for the young.

COURTESY OF EDMOND HISTORY MUSEUM

BY L I N DA M I L L E R

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405-470-9190 www.LegacyAdvisorsOK.com

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Legacy Financial Advisors, LLC and Centaurus Financial, Inc. are not affiliated companies. Supervisory Branch Address: 2300 E. Katella Ave., Ste 200, Anaheim, CA 92806

CU LT U R E

Travel Oklahoma for seasonal scenery, fun and memories

BY J A K E D U R H A M

A S T H E S U M M E R H E A T G I V E S WA Y T O T H E C O O L E R temperatures of autumn, Oklahoma comes alive with vivid colors and festive celebrations from September through November. From arts and crafts markets to pumpkin festivals, there’s no shortage of exciting events for locals and visitors.

Coupled with stunning fall foliage destinations like the Talimena National Scenic Byway and Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma perfectly blends natural beauty and community spirit.

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Robbers Cave Fall Festival

One of the highlights of the fall season is the Robbers Cave Fall Festival in Wilburton, Oct. 20-22. With more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, food and drink and thrilling amusement rides, the festival’s irresistibly vibrant atmosphere attracts over 80,000 visitors annually to the town of 2,334 residents. The Fall Foliage Cruise, a classic car and truck show, adds an extra touch of nostalgia and elegance to the event, showcasing about 500 pre-1986 hot rods, custom vehicles and restored classics.

Cordell Pumpkin Festival

If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, the Cordell Pumpkin Festival is a perfect choice. Taking place Oct. 14 in the downtown square of New Cordell, this festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, from arts and crafts booths to live entertainment and a baking contest. Children can participate in games, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest to create lasting memories in a fun-filled environment.

FROM THE 405 ARCHIVE AND ADOBESTOCK: PAUL KAPISCHKA

Autumn Adventures

O N E

M O R E

T H I N G

Scotfest

Sept. 15-17 marks the 43rd year of Scotfest, a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture held in Broken Arrow. This exciting weekend festival serves visitors a range of activities with delectable food, crafts and captivating live music. The event also showcases the rousing Scottish Highland games, when more than 160 athletes compete in challenging events like the caber toss, Braemar stone, hammer throw and sheaf toss.

Attend Scotfest to learn Scottish clan history, witness impressive performances by local and national musicians, experience Scottish and Irish dance demonstrations and enjoy traditional drumming and pipe band competitions. The festival also features Scottish craft vendors, educational sessions, workshops, wine and whiskey (or whisky, for the Scottish) tastings for adults and an array of children’s activities like sack races, three-legged races and the Scottish ring fling.

Oklahoma State Fair

The Oklahoma State Fair has grown significantly since its inception and has established itself as one of the nation’s leading state fairs. The fair boasts a plethora of attractions, including carnival rides, a family fun zone, a wine and beer garden, a barnyard birthing center, a frontier experience, Disney on Ice performances, a variety of delicious and inventive food options, thrilling Xtreme Bulls events, live music and much more. This year, the fair runs Sept. 14-24.

Fall Foliage Drives

To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Oklahoma in the fall, embark on scenic drives along the Talimena National Scenic Byway. The Talimena Drive is a 54-mile route through the Ouachita National Forest where you can witness breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Take advantage of turnouts along the way to admire the colorful forest and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.

Located south of the Talimena Drive, U.S. Route 259 leads to Beavers Bend State Park, where you can experience the gorgeous hues of the changing leaves in towering trees amid pine forests.

Robbers Cave State Park, once a notorious hideout for legendary outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr, also offers a stunning location to witness the beauty of Oklahoma’s fall leaves. As you hike through the park’s trails, you’ll be surrounded by the picturesque Sans Bois Mountain Range. Marvel at the valleys adorned in the colors of autumn as you rappel down cliffs or explore the numerous scenic walking trails. For an unforgettable experience, embark on an equestrian journey through the park’s rolling hills and captivating bluffs, where you’ll witness a mesmerizing display of scarlet and copper-colored leaves.

For a truly beautiful fall spectacle, head to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. This nature-lover’s paradise holds a variety of trails, streams and lakes to explore.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lake of the Arbuckles, visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn about the region’s history and marvel at the awe-inspiring Turner Falls.

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