BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Team: Back Row: Ricki Perry, Rachel Hamilton, Kimberly Amilian, Heather Skinner, Jenny Golliver, Amber Deal. Front Row: Becky McCune, Judi Burton, Malissa Spacek-McNeal, Terri McAuliff, Alex Hardwick.
Photo courtesy of BA Med Spa & Weight Loss, July 2026.
UP TO $125 MAXIMUM DISCOUNT
OFF
Includes: Service front and rear differential. Service transfer case. Brake Inspection Reg. $632.00, most vehicles, plus shop supplies. Repairs extra if needed. Not valid with any other discount or special. Please present coupon at time of service write-up. Valuenews.com Coupon Expires 9/15/26.
GM Vehicles only, plus tax and shop supplies, if needed. See your service advisor for details. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Valuenews. com coupon expires 9/15/26. Valid only at Group 1 South Pointe Chevrolet. $5995
Maximum discount of $60.00 applied towards alignments. Dual rear wheels and some models cost extra. Please present this coupon at time of write-up. Taxes, disposal fees & shop supplies not included. Some models may require additional processes/programming. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Additional charge may apply to vehicles equipped with stability control systems and ADAS equipped vehicles. Independent 4 wheel suspension and some models cost extra. Valuenews.com coupon. Exp. 9/15/26. 4-WHEEL
MOST GM VEHICLES
• Check A/C air flow temperature. • Check HVAC control panel operation.
• Check compressor operation. • Inspect A/C belt. GM vehicles only. Repairs and Freon extra cost, if needed. Plus, tax & shop supplies. Not valid with any other discount or special offer. Coupon must be presented at time of service write-up. Valuenews.com coupon. Expires 9/15/26.
$12995
GM Vehicles only, plus tax and shop supplies, if needed. See your service advisor for details. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Valuenews. com coupon expires 9/15/26.
IN THIS ISSUE
Value News is distributed throughout
Oklahoma and is published
by Values, Inc., P.O. Box 35525, Tulsa, OK 74153, 918-828-9600.
Value News issues may be viewed online at ValueNews.com.
Value News and ValueNews.com strives to maintain a quality level of accuracy and truth in its printed information and advertising, however, when errors or
GROWING TOGETHER
AVB BANK STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP & LENDING
TEAMS
WITH PROMOTION AND KEY ADDITIONS
BY COOPER RASH
AVB Bank announced several leadership and lending team updates as the Bank continues to expand its commercial, construction development, and mortgage services across the Broken Arrow and Tulsa markets. The announcements include the promotion of Brian Ferrell to Senior Vice President, along with the additions of Nick Wofford and James Dugger to the Bank’s commercial lending and mortgage teams.
Brian Ferrell Promoted to Senior Vice President
Brian Ferrell was promoted to Senior Vice President while continuing to serve as Special Assets Officer. Ferrell earned a business administration degree with a focus in economics from Oklahoma State University. He joined AVB Bank in 2013 and has played a key role in credit administration, portfolio stress testing, appraisal review, loan participation activities, and underwriting complex credits. He brings more than 28 years of banking experience spanning commercial credit, lending, collections, and real estate management.
Nick Wofford Senior Vice President
AVB Bank also announced the addition of Nick Wofford as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender and Director of Construction Development. Wofford earned a degree in marketing and finance from Northeastern State University and is co-founder of Core Society in Bixby. He brings more than 19 years of banking experience with expertise in commercial lending, portfolio management, business development, and residential construction development. In his role, he will support AVB’s commercial lending initiatives and oversee residential construction development efforts throughout the market.
James Dugger Joins the AVB Mortgage Center
Additionally, James Dugger has joined the AVB Mortgage Center as Vice President and Senior Mortgage Officer. Dugger is a graduate of the Oklahoma Bankers Association Consumer Lending, Commercial Lending, and Intermediate Bank Schools and currently serves on the Indian Nations Youth Sports Board. He brings more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, operations, portfolio growth, and risk management. His background includes extensive experience helping individuals, families, and self-employed borrowers navigate the mortgage process while supporting operational efficiency and loan growth.
“These announcements reflect AVB Bank’s continued investment in experienced leadership and relationship-focused banking,” said AVB Bank President and CEO, Ted Cundiff.
“Brian, Nick, and James each bring valuable expertise and strong community banking experience that will help us continue serving our customers, supporting local businesses, and meeting the financial needs of our growing markets.”
Founded in 1905 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, AVB Bank is a sixth-generation family-owned community bank with a legacy spanning more than 120 years. Serving the Tulsa and Broken Arrow markets, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including deposit and lending products, digital banking, treasury management, private banking, mortgage services, and wealth management solutions for individuals and businesses. AVB Bank emphasizes personalized service, sound banking practices, and local decision-making.
Senior Vice President Nick Wofford, Senior Vice President Brian Ferrell, Vice President and Senior Mortgage Officer James Dugger.
Photo courtesy of AVB Bank, July 2026.
Folk festivals. Peach cobbler. Powwow drumbeats.
Drive-in movies under the Oklahoma stars.
Fifteen communities. One unforgettable month.
ONE NATION TURNING 250.
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America turns 250 years old and Green Country is throwing one spectacular party. This is your all-access pass. Inside you’ll find every confirmed event happening across Northeast Oklahoma from July 6 through July 31, 2026. Folk music legends in Okemah. Fresh peach cobbler in Porter. Native American drumming and dancing in Tulsa. Classic Americana films at a historic Route 66 drive-in. History, flavor, culture, and community — all within easy driving distance.
We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Every event includes dates, times, addresses, phone numbers, websites, and admission details, because nobody wants to show up on the wrong night.
These events run all month long. Bookmark them, put them in your phone, and show up as many times as you like.
“Rogers and the Republic” — America 250 Exhibit Claremore • Ongoing Through Summer 2026 Tue–Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Sun 1:00–5:00 p.m. Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore Exhibit FREE • Museum: $7 adults, $5 seniors/students, under 6 free “Rogers and the Republic” honors America’s 250th anniversary through the wit, warmth, and wisdom of Oklahoma’s favorite son. Explore how Rogers’ sharp commentary on democracy, equality, and American character still resonates today.
Centennial Sundays — Teepee Drive-In Americana Film Series Sapulpa • Every Sunday through September 2026 | July: 6, 13, 20, 27 At sundown (approx. 8:45–9:00 p.m. in July)
Teepee Drive-In, 11 E. Mission St. (Historic Route 66), Sapulpa, OK 74066 918-227-4489 • www.teepeedrivein.com
Every Sunday all summer long, the legendary Teepee Drive-In on Historic Route 66 celebrates two centennials at once — Route 66’s 100th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday — with a handpicked lineup of Americana classics.
Woodyfest
— 29th Annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
Okemah • July 8–11, 2026 (Wednesday through Saturday)
Daytime stages from 10:00 a.m. | Evening main stage 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Pastures of Plenty (Main Stage): 1001 E. John Fullbright Loop | Crystal Theatre: 401 W. Broadway St. 918-623-7283 • www.woodyfest.com • info@woodyfest.com
Ticketed | Children 16 & under FREE with adult ticket | woodyfest.com/tickets
Woodyfest is four days of pure, unfiltered American music: 50+ musicians across five stages, from intimate afternoon sets at the Crystal Theatre to sweeping outdoor performances at the Pastures of Plenty under the open Oklahoma sky. Woody Guthrie grew up in Okemah, and every July this little town becomes the folk music capital of America. Children’s programming, on-site camping, and in-person tickets available at the Okfuskee County Historical Society (407 W. Broadway, 10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) and at the main stage box office nightly.
Porter Peach Festival — 60th Anniversary Porter • July 16–18, 2026 (Thursday through Saturday) Thu–Fri 5:00–10:00 p.m. | Sat 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
918-680-0079 • www.porterpeachfestivals.com•
PorterPeachFestivals@gmail.com
Free to attend | Some activities ticketed separately
Three days on Main Street packed with live concerts, arts & crafts booths, a small-town parade, the Peach Classic 5K, an antique tractor pull, car show, and the legendary PEACH AUCTION. You’ll find peach cobbler, peach ice cream, peach sundaes, peach shakes, peach hand pies, and peach preserves. On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., free peaches and ice cream for everybody. The Miss Peach pageant crowns a queen. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you’ll realize this is exactly what American community life is supposed to look like.
Tulsa Indian Club 74th Annual Tulsa Powwow
Tulsa • July 25–26, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday) Grand Entry: Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Arvest Convention Center, Pepsi Exhibit Hall B+C, 100 Civic Center 918-596-2100 (Arvest Convention Center) • www.arvestconventioncenter.com
Admission charged | See arvestconventioncenter.com for pricing
As America celebrates 250 years, the 74th Annual Tulsa Powwow carries especially deep meaning. This is a celebration of cultures and traditions that have thrived on this land for thousands of years, long before any national birthday was counted. The Grand Entry is something you will not forget: the thunder of traditional drums, the flash of regalia in every color, competitive dancers moving with power and precision, arts and crafts vendors, and the warmth of a community.
Still Going Strong — Continuing Through July 31
H Will Rogers Memorial Museum “Rogers and the Republic” — Open Tue–Sun, Claremore
H Centennial Sundays at Teepee Drive-In — Sunday July 27, Sapulpa
H Owasso Farmers & Artisans Market — Saturday July 25, Redbud Festival Park
H Rogers County Farmers Market — Saturday July 25, Downtown Claremore
H Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa — Catoosa. Ongoing live entertainment and special events.
Ongoing live entertainment and special events throughout July 2026
H Will Rogers Memorial Museum — America 250 Summer Programs
Guided tours, classic film screenings, and public events tied to America’s 250th celebrations.
OUR AMERICAN STORY
Share your family’s story at america250.org.
AMERICA GIVES
Complete 250 hours of volunteer service and earn a free national park pass. Register at Volunteer.gov.
AMERICA WAVES
Organize or join a community flag-waving event in your town. Simple, powerful, and memorable.
CONFIDENCE AND POWER IN YOUR OWN SKIN
It is Christmas in July and BA Med Spa & Weight Loss in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is celebrating 16 years of helping Oklahomans look and feel their best.
For most people, the decision to seek out aesthetic medicine is not about vanity. It is about recognition — a quiet, deeply personal desire to see, in the mirror, someone who reflects how they already feel inside. That distinction matters enormously to the team at BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. It is the philosophical foundation upon which the practice was built, and it is the standard against which every patient interaction is measured.
“Our mission is not to change how people look,” says Becky McCune, Chief Executive Officer. “It is about helping them love what they see in themselves.”
Their mission has guided BA Med Spa through 16 years of growth, innovation and community trust and is central to the practice’s annual signature event: Christmas in July.
A Practice Built on Purpose
BA Med Spa & Weight Loss was founded by Malissa SpacekMcNeal with a straightforward but ambitious premise: that every patient is unique, and every treatment plan should be too. Over the past 16 years, that philosophy has shaped what has become one of Oklahoma’s most recognized medical spas — a full-service aesthetic and wellness destination serving patients across the Tulsa metro area and beyond.
In 2026, the practice earned dual recognition as a TulsaPeople A-List Winner and a CommunityVotes Platinum Winner — honors that reflect not only clinical excellence but the kind of enduring patient trust that advertising cannot manufacture. They are earned, appointment by appointment, result by result.
What distinguishes BA Med Spa from the broader landscape of aesthetics providers is something increasingly rare in this industry: physician supervision with physician presence in the clinic. In a market where oversight is often remote or nominal, this model ensures patients receive care backed by genuine medical expertise — not merely a signature on a chart.
Confidence as a Clinical
Outcome
In an industry often reduced to before-and-after photography, BA Med Spa has consistently oriented itself around a more meaningful measure of success: how patients feel. McCune
articulates this with a clarity that speaks to years of patient relationships.
“We do not just provide treatment,” she explains. “We help people find their confidence and power in their own skin. We take pride in helping them gain their confidence and feel good about themselves; not merely from the treatment itself, but from the way the treatment evolves over time.”
That evolution is central to how the practice is structured. From a patient’s first consultation to follow-up appointments months later, the team at BA Med Spa functions less like a transactional service provider and more like a long-term partner in personal wellness. Education is prioritized. Comfort is designed into the experience. Patients results are measured in the quality of their own reflection and not units of product.
Christmas in July: Sixteen Years of a Beloved Tradition
Each year, BA Med Spa hosts what has become one of the most anticipated promotional events in the Tulsa metro aesthetic community: Christmas in July. Now in its 16th consecutive year, the event offers patients exclusive savings on many of the practice’s most requested treatments and products throughout the month of July, including Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra, CoolSculpting, Ultherapy, medical-grade skincare, and weight loss services.
Patients have the opportunity to pre-purchase treatments at event pricing and schedule them at their convenience throughout the year.
The Evolving Landscape of Aesthetic Medicine
BA Med Spa anticipates shifts by consistently evaluating emerging technologies and incorporating those that meet it’s standard of safety. The addition of PRX, the expansion of its physician-supervised weight loss program, and the depth of its biostimulator portfolio are evidence of a practice that evolves deliberately and with clinical purpose.
BA MED SPA AND WEIGHT LOSS
510 N ELM PL, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012 | (918) 872-9999 STORE.BAWEIGHTSPA.COM
The Services: Where Science Meets Self-Expression
BA Med Spa offers one of the most comprehensive treatment menus in Oklahoma, designed to address virtually every aesthetic and wellness concern a patient might bring through the door. The practice’s philosophy is direct: if you have a concern, BA Med Spa has a solution.
Injectable Treatments
Injectable neurotoxins — led by Botox — remain the single most searched aesthetic service in the country, with industry data tracking more than 2.4 million monthly searches in 2026. BA Med Spa’s injectable portfolio centers on Botox for fine lines and dynamic wrinkles, the Juvederm family of dermal fillers for restoring facial volume and contouring lips and cheeks, Sculptra for deep biostimulation and gradual volumization, Bellafill for long-term collagen support, and Radiesse for structural lift and skin quality improvement. Together, these represent a tiered, medically considered approach to facial rejuvenation — calibrated to the patient’s anatomy, age, and individual goals rather than a uniform aesthetic ideal.
Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing
For patients concerned with skin quality, texture, tone, and the cumulative effects of sun exposure and aging, BA Med Spa offers DiamondGlow facials, microneedling with PRP
and exosome enhancements, chemical peels, Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling for skin tightening and remodeling, Ultherapy for non-surgical lifting, and laser treatments targeting pigmentation, vascular irregularities, and unwanted hair. The newest addition, PRX, is an advanced collagenstimulating treatment delivering visible improvements in skin tone and texture with little to no downtime — a standout option for patients seeking meaningful results without the recovery period of more ablative approaches.
Body Contouring and Weight Loss
The practice’s body contouring capabilities include CoolSculpting, the gold-standard cryolipolysis platform for non-surgical fat reduction. Complementing this is BA Med Spa’s physician-supervised weight loss program, which now includes GLP-1 weight loss injections — among the fastest-growing service categories in medical aesthetics nationwide. Patients who have participated in this program have shared compelling outcomes across online reviews, reflecting sustainable results achieved under careful medical supervision.
BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Team: Back Row: Ricki Perry, Rachel Hamilton, Kimberly Amilian, Heather Skinner, Jenny Golliver, Amber Deal. Front Row: Becky McCune, Judi Burton, Malissa Spacek-McNeal, Terri McAuliff, Alex Hardwick. Photo courtesy of BA Med Spa & Weight Loss, July 2026.
YOUR SAFETY DON’T DIY
When a burglar cases a neighborhood, they’re not looking for a challenge. They’re looking for the path of least resistance, and a blinking blue light from a DIY camera kit bought at a big-box store may be all the invitation they need.
That’s the message Kevin Pentecost has been delivering to Tulsa homeowners and business owners for more than 25 years. As founder and owner of Metro Security USA, Pentecost has built one of eastern Oklahoma’s most trusted security companies from the ground up — and he’s seen firsthand what happens when people gamble on cut-rate protection.
“Our customers receive the fastest response times in the region,” Pentecost said. “Our monitoring is second to none.”
That’s not a marketing slogan. It’s a standard Pentecost enforces with a discipline rooted in his early career in law enforcement and decades of hands-on experience in the security industry.
The Real Cost of a Break-In
Before comparing a $200 DIY kit to professional installation, consider what’s actually at stake. According to the FBI’s 2024 burglary data, the average residential burglary results in losses exceeding $7,800 in stolen goods and that figure doesn’t include structural damage, replacement costs, or the emotional toll on a family. For context, the average loss in 2000 was just $1,382. Today’s break-ins are far more costly, and far more brazen.
Meanwhile, professional security monitoring, the kind Metro Security USA provides, runs a fraction of that risk. A well-equipped professional system with 24/7 monitoring can cost between $500 and $1,000 installed, with monthly monitoring fees ranging from $25 to $50. Against a potential $7,800-plus loss, the math is straightforward.
DIY Security: The Hidden Risks
The appeal of DIY systems is undeniable: lower upfront cost, no contracts, and the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. But security professionals point to a growing list of vulnerabilities that consumers rarely consider at checkout.
• False sense of security. A camera that records but doesn’t alert, or an alarm that notifies only a smartphone, places the entire burden of response on the homeowner. If you’re asleep,
traveling, or simply miss the notification, the system has effectively failed.
• Improper installation. Sensors placed at the wrong height, cameras with blind spots, or control panels installed without regard to entry-point vulnerability can render a system nearly useless. Professional installation performed by licensed technicians accounts for the specific layout, risk profile, and structural nuances of each property.
• No verified response. DIY self-monitoring means law enforcement is called only if you call them. Professional monitoring centers, by contrast, dispatch authorities within seconds of a confirmed alarm often before a homeowner has even been reached.
• Wi-Fi and power dependency. Many consumer-grade systems rely entirely on home internet connections and household power. A burglar who cuts power or jams a Wi-Fi signal can neutralize a DIY system in seconds. Professional systems with cellular backup and battery redundancy are designed to function even when those conditions are compromised.
• System failure goes undetected. This is where the difference between DIY and professional monitoring becomes most stark and most dangerous.
The No-Test-Time Report: A Standard No DIY System Matches
Pentecost runs what he calls a “no-test-time report” which is a weekly protocol in where Metro Security’s monitoring platform receives a test signal from every single system under its umbrella. Pentecost emphasized, “We always want to be certain we receive this important test signal from your system each week.”
The causes of system failure, he notes, are often mundane but serious: a cable accidentally cut during home renovation, intermittent power outages, storm damage, or even a disrupted cellular connection. A DIY system owner may have no idea their protection has gone dark sometimes for weeks. Metro Security customers know quickly.
No consumer-grade DIY platform offers this level of proactive oversight. The homeowner who chooses DIY is not just buying a system they’re accepting the job of monitoring it.
Why Professional Security Monitoring Is the Investment Burglars Hope You Skip
Professional Equipment vs. Consumer-Grade Hardware
The gap between professionally installed equipment and what’s available at retail is significant. Metro Security USA is an authorized installer of industry-leading brands including Honeywell, Avigilon, Hochiki, Firelite, Paxton Access, Vanderbilt, and March Networks, These equipment brands are trusted by security professionals worldwide and generally unavailable through consumer retail channels.
Metro’s commercial fire alarm systems are built to NFPA 72 standards and code-approved. Their surveillance solutions feature HD cameras with night vision and intelligent motion detection. Access control systems integrate keycard, biometric, and PIN entry with full audit trails; systems a Ring doorbell cannot replicate.
The company’s monitoring center carries UL Listing which is considered the gold standard in the industry that meets the stringent standards of Underwriters Laboratories for central station alarm monitoring.
Local Matters More Than You Think
National DIY brands route monitoring through distant call centers that may have little familiarity with Tulsa’s geography, law enforcement dispatch protocols, or even local emergency response times. Metro Security USA is locally owned and operated, and its technicians are neighbors who are committed to protect.
Pentecost’s path to Metro Security is itself a testament to that community investment. After a brief career in law enforcement and years in retail sales (including operating one of Tulsa’s first Dish Network dealerships) he formally launched Metro Security in 1998 as a dedicated residential and commercial security firm. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Northeastern State University.
Over more than 25 years, Metro Security USA has grown to install more than 10,000 systems across Oklahoma, serving residential clients, commercial businesses, industrial properties, retail locations, and property managers. The company holds Oklahoma License AC671 and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
“A consummate industry professional, on top of market technology and trends,” reads one industry colleague’s assessment. “If you want to protect what you have worked for, let Kevin’s Metro Security work for you.”
The Bottom Line
A DIY system may cost less on the day of purchase. But it also transfers the risk of improper installation, undetected failure, slow response, and inadequate equipment entirely to the homeowner. When the average residential burglary costs nearly $7,800 in losses, the question isn’t whether you can afford professional security. It’s whether you can afford to go without it.
Kevin Pentecost has spent more than two decades in Tulsa answering that question for families and businesses. When he’s not protecting his community, he can be found hunting, fishing, piloting helicopters, or camping with the family he and his wife of more than 40 years have built together.
For those ready to upgrade from hope to protection, Metro Security USA can be reached at 918-249-5060 or at metrosecurityusa.com. Metro Security USA is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and serves residential and commercial clients statewide.
METRO SECURITY USA
TULSA, OK | 918-249-5060
Kevin Pentecost, owner
AWARD-WINNING CHEF
LORETTA BARRETT ODEN,
COOKING WITH HERBS AND INDIGENOUS FOODS
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Indigenous chef, restaurateur, and author Loretta Barrett Oden will be the featured speaker at the Tulsa Herb Society’s annual speaker event which will be held at the Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria Ave, Tulsa OK, July 13, 2026. The event is free to the public and begins at 7pm. Topics will include cooking with herbs and pre-contact indigenous foods of America.
Who is Loretta Barrett Oden?
Loretta Barrett Oden, a native of Shawnee, raised by both her native and white grandmothers, is an award-winning chef, native food historian, TV host and cookbook author. She is an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Nation. In 2006 she wrote and hosted the PBS series Seasoned with Spirit: A Native Cook’s Journey. In 1993 Oden opened the successful Corn Dance Café in Santa Fe, NM. She is a founding member of the Native American
Barrett Oden. Photo courtesy of Tulsa Herb Society, July 2026.
Sovereignty Alliance and currently works with Turtle Island USA, a Native American slow food organization. Internationally she has appeared at slow food events in Turin, Italy, has consulted for Crystal Cruise lines, and worked for Monaco Vineyards and Copia-an American Center for Wine, Food and Arts.
Her cookbook “Corn Dance, Inspired First American Cuisine” was written to share native indigenous food, ingredients, traditions, and recipes. At the First American Museum in OKC, Oden helped design the kitchen and menu for Restaurant 39 using Native foods and ingredients and remains a consulting chef.
TULSA HERB SOCIETY
Indigenous chef, restaurateur, and author Loretta
BY VALUENEWS.COM
TTHE COWBOY PHILOSOPHER
he Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, was built and dedicated in 1938 by the citizens of Oklahoma in memory of their favorite son, Will Rogers. Known as the cowboy philosopher, Will Rogers was a true cowboy, performer, trick roper, and entertainer. Known first for his amazing rope tricks, he later became known for his sharp wit and humor. His career bloomed from an on-stage performer to that of a movie star, newspaper columnist, and radio commentator. Loved by millions, he was one of the most well-known figures in the early 20th century. The Museum, located along Route 66, features 12 interactive galleries, two theaters, a hands-on children’s museum, and beautiful green spaces. Come learn about the most popular humorist in American history.
In 1935, following the tragic death of Will Rogers, the US Highway Association dedicated Route 66 as “The Will Rogers Highway.” The road carried this name on travel
guides, road maps, and promotional materials nationwide. In 1952, the road was rededicated as part of a promotion for the Warner Bros. movie “The Story of Will Rogers,” starring Will Rogers Jr. A caravan of stars traveled the entire route, placing bronze plaques at each state border to designate the highway as The Will Rogers Highway. Learn more about this forgotten history at the “Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit, now on display. You won’t find this history anywhere else along the route.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Will Rogers or to plan your visit, go to www.willrogers.com.
Photos courtesy of Will Rogers Memorial Museum, July 2026
FRESH FROM THE FARM TO YOUR PLATE
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Just off Route 66, Piguet’s Prime Time is a true destination for farm-to-table dining in northeast Oklahoma. Opened in June 2022, the restaurant is led by owner Carolyn Piguet, a fifth-generation farmer who sources as much produce as possible from local farms, many just miles away.
Every dish reflects a commitment to quality, transparency and community. From Wagyu beef raised right next door to seasonal ingredients harvested nearby, guests can expect fresh, thoughtfully sourced meals rooted in Oklahoma agriculture.
for meaningful meals and conversation.
Next door, the Piguet’s Farm Store extends that experience. Stocked with inseason produce, fresh and smoked meats, baked goods and ready-made meals, the store is open the same hours as the restaurant. It also features locally made gifts and crafts, making it easy to take a taste of your visit home.
Whether you’re traveling Route 66 or planning a special outing, Piguet’s Prime Time is worth the stop. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by calling the 918-244-0864.
More than a restaurant, Piguet’s offers an experience grounded in heritage and hospitality, bringing people back to the table
PIGUET’S PRIME TIME
440626 E 230 ROAD, VINITA, OK, 74301 918-244-0864 | PIGUETSPRIMETIME.COM
Photo courtesy of Piguet’s
Photos courtesy of Piguet’s Prime Time, July 2026.
WILD BREW 2026 EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Arvest Convention Center | Tulsa, OK
VIP Hour: 4-5 PM | General Admission: 5-8 PM
General Admission, VIP Patron, Ticket Packages, And Sponsorship Opportunities Available At: www.WildBrew.org
WILD BREW 2026 BREWS-UP TULSA’S BEST FOR BIRDS
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Flock together again this year for Wild Brew 2026, Oklahoma’s longest-running craft beer and restaurant festival, returning to benefit the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center. Set for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Arvest Convention Center in downtown Tulsa, the annual event pairs samplings from Tulsa’s top restaurants with a sweeping lineup of craft beers, spirits, and wines from Oklahoma and beyond, all gathered under one roof for a night that’s equal parts food festival, tasting room, and wildlife celebration.
What to Expect at Wild Brew
Beyond the food and drink, Wild Brew’s atmosphere is part of the draw. Live music will keep the energy high throughout the evening, while local artists offer live demonstrations and party photobooths give guests a way to capture the night. One of the most popular attractions returns as well, with live bird meet-andgreet and selfie opportunities giving attendees an up-close look at the Sutton Center’s Ambassador Birds. A silent auction rounds out the evening, with guests competing for one-of-a-kind items and experiences in good-natured bidding wars that have become a Wild Brew tradition.
Sutton Center Interim Director Dan Reinking says “I have attended the majority of the 27 previous Wild Brew events, and it really does continue getting better every year. The Tulsa area has so much to offer for restaurants, breweries, music and silent auction items, and Wild Brew brings them all together for a memorable evening.”
Every all-access ticket purchased directly supports the Sutton Center’s conservation work. Based in Bartlesville, Okla., the nonprofit organization has built a national and internationally recognized reputation for its role in the successful recovery of the once-endangered bald eagle, a conservation success story that remains one of the organization’s defining achievements. What does the Sutton Center do?
Proceeds from Wild Brew help fund the Sutton Center’s
ongoing conservation education outreach, as well as its current recovery efforts for two of North America’s most criticallyendangered bird species: the Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken, a subspecies of the Greater Prairie-Chicken found only in a handful of remnant coastal prairie sites in Texas, and the Masked Bobwhite, a small desert quail once thought extinct in the U.S. and now the focus of intensive breeding and reintroduction efforts in Arizona.
In addition to its species recovery programs, the Sutton Center provides hands-on educational opportunities for students throughout the region, bringing live birds into area classrooms to give kids a firsthand connection to the natural world and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Sutton’s Dan Reinking says “The live birds we have on display at the event are regulars in our education program, and they make as much of an impression on Wild Brew attendees as they do for area students!”
Wild Brew 2026 offers attendees a rare chance to enjoy a festive night out while directly funding work that has helped bring a national symbol back from the brink and could do the same for two of the country’s critically-endangered birds.
Wild Brew Tickets
General Admission tickets are $75 and include one ticket plus unlimited food and beverage tastings throughout the evening, granting full access to all food, drink, music, demonstrations, and the silent auction.
VIP Patron tickets are available for $175 and include exclusive access to the Patron Hour from 4–5 p.m., providing guests with an additional hour to sample brews, enjoy cuisine, and experience Wild Brew before general admission begins at 5 p.m.
Don’t miss Tulsa’s premier craft beverage and food event benefiting wildlife conservation. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket packages are available now at wildbrew.org. Purchase your tickets today and join us on August 22, 2026, for an unforgettable evening supporting the Sutton Center’s conservation, research, and education programs.
Photo courtesy of George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center.
Tulsa’s Only Locally Owned Pet Crematory
SUMMER FUN IN BARTLESVILLE
BY VALUENEWS.COM
July is one of the best times to experience Bartlesville, where family fun, live music, local events, and summer traditions come together just minutes from Route 66.
Families can make memories at Kiddie Park, one of Oklahoma’s most beloved attractions for young children. With classic rides, affordable fun, and generations of nostalgia, it is a must visit during the summer season.
Visitors can also explore the newest exhibition at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, where art, history, wildlife, and the beauty of the Osage Hills create a truly unique destination. Music lovers will not want to miss the OKM Music Festival’s Woolaroc concert, combining unforgettable performances with one of Oklahoma’s most scenic settings.
Downtown Bartlesville stays busy throughout the summer with shopping, dining, and community events. Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market offer fresh food, local products, and a fun atmosphere for the whole family. Later in June, CommUNITY Fest brings cultures together through international foods, performances, and experiences that celebrate diversity and connection.
From weekend getaways to family road trips, Bartlesville offers something new to discover all summer long.
VISIT BARTLESVILLE
300 SE ADAMS BLVD., BARTLESVILLE, OK 74006 | (918) 336-8709
VISITBARTLESVILLE.COM | VISIT@BARTLESVILLE.COM
Only 66 miles from Route 66.
NATURE’S OCEAN OF GRASS AND ALLURING CHARM
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Wide open weekend, two days, and wide-open spaces. Osage County offers bison and bald eagles to cinnamon rolls and ziplines. A great family getaway!
Whether you are taking in the vibrant colors of our sunsets, exploring miles of hiking trails, or experiencing the warm hospitality of our small towns, Osage County is a place where memories are made.
The largest protected piece of tallgrass prairie, with more than 39,650 acres, is home to more than 2,500 bison. Spend the afternoon soaking up mother nature’s finest and watch the buffalo roam.
Head over to Skiatook and have lunch at one of the favorite local eateries, spend time at Skiatook Lake enjoying the scenery or
rent a boat and test the water-refreshing in the summer.
Hominy is a place where oil and cattle industries blend with Native American influence to create a cultural heritage that is truly unique. Steeped in history, it was once home to the Hominy Indians Profession Football Team, a group of primarily Native American players who beat the New York Giants in an exhibition game in 1927.
Explore visittheosage.com/itineraries for day trips, a weekend away, family activities and a variety of great events, food, accommodations, and things to do!
Off
Any Motorized Patio Screen Enclosure
Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary · Limited Time Only Custom-built for your home · Professional installation included
As America turns 250, we’re celebrating the freedom to live life on your terms, including outdoors. American Patio Enclosures brings premium motorized retractable screens, custom-built for your Broken Arrow home by a local family who knows Oklahoma weather. Touch a button. Screen drops. Bugs stay out. Sun is tamed. When the evening is perfect, it retracts completely and the view is all yours.
H Remote & smart-home controlled (Bond Bridge Pro integration)
H Bug-proof nano insect mesh, no more mosquito-ruined evenings
H Solar & privacy screen options: 80%, 90%, 95%, 97% solar fabrics
H Custom colors & sizes to match your home: white, bronze, black, tan & more
H Family-owned business with 20+ years of experience
H Free in-home consultation & quote
FOLLOW YOUR NOSE BROKEN ARROW’S
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Pull into the parking lot at 91st and Elm on a Tuesday afternoon and you’ll smell it before you see the sign. Hickory smoke. The kind that takes all day to get right. That’s Billy Ray’s Catfish & BBQ Company, and if you haven’t been, there are probably people in your neighborhood who’ve been meaning to tell you about it.
Tyler and Teresa Roberts have run the Broken Arrow location since 2011, carrying on a tradition that Teresa’s stepfather Billy Ray Cooper started back in 1984 with a single spot on Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa. Billy Ray passed in 2018, but the recipes, some of them traced back to a handwritten collection found in Grandma’s silver chest, haven’t changed a lick. His wife Sherry still runs the original Tulsa location. Teresa and Tyler hold down Broken Arrow, and they do it well.
Tyler will tell you, “The best part of the job isn’t the food, it’s our regulars.”
“I love most interacting with our guests,” he said. “We’ve been seeing many of the same people for 15 years and meeting all of the new people who were recommended to our restaurant.”
Fifteen years of the same faces. That’s not customer retention it’s satisfaction.
Why Catfish and BBQ?
Because
Nothing Else Comes Close.
There’s a reason fried catfish has been a staple of Southern and Midwestern cooking for generations. Done right, with mild, flaky filets coated in seasoned cornmeal and dropped into hot peanut oil, it’s hard to improve on. Oklahoma’s Official Travel & Tourism website flat-out calls Billy Ray’s catfish “out of this world.” One TripAdvisor reviewer made the drive from out of town, liked it so much he came back the very next evening, and wrote that it was the catfish specifically that “won me over.”
The BBQ side of the menu operates on a different kind of patience. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, bologna, sausage links, and chopped chicken all spend the better part of a day over hickory wood. You can’t fake that. The meat either earned its smoke ring or it didn’t. At Billy Ray’s, it has, every time, for more than 40 years.
Teresa Roberts puts the philosophy plainly, We love being a town staple and don’t plan to fix what isn’t broken. The recipes are the recipes. We do it right and take care of our diners.”
More Than You Expected
First-timers often come in for the catfish or the ribs and leave surprised by how much else there is to try. The fish tacos have
Photos courtesy of Billy Rays Catfish & BBQ Co. in Broken Arrow, July 2026.
TO BILLY RAY’S: BEST CATFISH AND BBQ
earned “best in polls” recognition around Tulsa. The pork sliders are a regular subject of conversation. There are also loaded baked potatoes, crispy and grilled chicken salads, chicken strips, burgers, and sandwiches, all grounded in that same famous BBQ sauce that’s been a regional staple since Billy Ray first opened his doors.
Hungry crowd coming? The “Dinner for Two” is a generous plate of ribs, chicken, and catfish with five sides, or you can go all catfish if that’s your move. Family packs make feeding a group easy. The kids’ menu goes well beyond the usual: fried shrimp, rib dinners, catfish filets, and the Little Ray Burger. Meat by the pound is there for the people who know exactly what they want and want a lot of it.
“We CATER,” Tyler said. “From small deliveries to full-service events, we can take care of all of your catering needs.”
Their drive-thru window adds convenience for those who want to place a call-in order or order from their website. For nights you don’t feel like leaving the couch, Billy Ray’s delivers through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
The Tulsa Area Has Options. Billy Ray’s Has Regulars. Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa metro aren’t short on barbecue joints and catfish spots. What separates Billy Ray’s isn’t a gimmick or a new concept. It’s the fact that the food is just
consistently good, the portions are honest, and the people behind the counter actually know your name after a few visits.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor keep circling back to the same themes: go early, go hungry, and don’t skip the cobbler. One diner wrote that the food reminded them of their grandmother’s cooking. That’s the kind of compliment that can’t be manufactured. Teresa Roberts said it simply: “What will you see when you dine at Billy Ray’s? Happy guests enjoying great food in a friendly casual atmosphere.”
The western-vibe dining room is the kind of place where you settle in, loosen your belt a notch, and eat until you’re glad you came. No pretense. Just good food and a family that’s been at this a long time.
Come Hungry
Billy Ray’s Catfish & BBQ Company is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
BILLY RAY’S CATFISH & BBQ COMPANY 1904 S. ELM PL., BROKEN ARROW, OK | 91ST & ELM | 918-286-8585
The Chelsea Area Historical Museum and Gift Shop in the newly renovated Bank of Chelsea is open Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., located at 200 West 6th Street, Chelsea, Oklahoma.
The members of the Chelsea Area Historical Society invite you to come visit the Museum and Gift Shop. You will be impressed with Chelsea’s unique collections and the amazing transformation of this building.
The museum is housed in the restored historic Bank of Chelsea originally opened in 1896, likely one
of the first Banks in Indian Territory. Explore Chelsea’s history through interactive touch-screen videos, artifacts and historic photographs. From the Cherokee Nation’s reestablishment in Indian Territory to Route 66 travelers passing through town, the museum brings generations of stories to life.
Chelsea area citizen exhibits include: Chief J.B. Milam - Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Admiral Joseph “Jocko” Clark, Andy Payne - winner of the 1928 Trans-Continental Foot Race, Ralph Terry – NY Yankee Pitcher, 1962 World Series MVP, Clem McSpadden – ProRodeo Hall of Fame, State Senator and US Congressman, and many other famous and legendary figures.
Historic sites in and around Chelsea include: Oklahoma’s first oil well, the legendary Sears catalog home, RT 66 Pedestrian underpass and mural, and RT 66 Pryor Creek Bridge.
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Historical Museum, July 2026.
Photo courtesy of Lexi Odam,
PROTECTION FROM PESTS, HEAT, AND THE ELEMENTS OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES:
American Patio Enclosures’ professionally installed patio enclosures are a touch of luxury that complete your outdoor living spaces for year around enjoyment.
BY VALUENEWS.COM
If you’ve ever wished you could spend more time on your patio without the heat, bugs, or wind getting in the way you’re not alone. Tulsa and Broken Arrow homeowners are discovering a smarter way to enjoy the outdoors year-round, and the secret is simpler than you might think.
American Patio Enclosures specializes in high-end motorized retractable screens and custom enclosures that make outdoor living genuinely comfortable in more conditions whether that’s a breezy afternoon, a buggy evening, or a little light rain. Patios, porches, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and even barns can become beautiful, functional extensions of your home that you’ll actually use every season.
What Makes These Screens Worth the Investment?
Every system is built with high-grade materials; custom designed to complement your home’s existing style and also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You choose the colors, fabrics, and sizing so the finished result looks like it was always meant to be there. The screens are engineered to hold up against everyday wear and changing Oklahoma weather, making them a lowmaintenance, long-term investment you can feel good about.
A Trusted Local Team
American Patio Enclosures was founded by Wes Mathis in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where the
SCAN HERE FOR VIDEOS AND INFO
American Patio Enclosures - Oklahoma Area Manager and Broken Arrow natives, Curtiss Mathis and wife Robin are here to help you from first meeting and measurement to installation of your new patio enclosure.
Photo courtesy of Robin Mathis, July 2026.
company has spent over 20 years helping homeowners create outdoor spaces they love. Now, that same expertise has come to the Tulsa area thanks to Wes’s father, Curtiss Mathis, a longtime Broken Arrow business owner who serves as the Oklahoma Area Manager. Curtiss and his wife Robin handle everything locally, from your first consultation and measurements all the way through installation.
“Whether you’re enclosing an existing patio or building something entirely new, our team makes sure the finished look is clean, seamless, and blends beautifully with your home,” says Curtiss.
Cost?
“Pricing depends on the size of your space, the materials you choose, and your level of customization, but you’ll never be
left guessing. American Patio Enclosures provides clear, upfront estimates so you know exactly what you’re getting before any work begins,” explained Mathis. “From start to finish, we offer our homeowners accurate information that they can count on.”
Ready to See What’s Possible?
Give Curtiss and Robin a call at (918) 608-2039 to schedule your free estimate. It’s a no-pressure conversation about what your outdoor space could look like and you might be surprised how achievable it is. You can also scan the QR code in this article to watch videos and learn more at www.americanpatioenclosures.com.
AMERICAN PATIO ENCLOSURES
NEW LOCATION IN BROKEN ARROW!
(918) 608-2039 | WWW.AMERICANPATIOENCLOSURES.COM
American Patio Enclosures will provide shade, privacy, and a touch of elegance for your home. Before and After photos courtesy of American Patio Enclosures, July 2026.
CHEROKEE
AMERICA AT 250 AND THE CHEROKEE NATION
BY KEITH AUSTIN
As the United States approaches the America 250 celebration, Cherokee people reflect on this anniversary from a perspective far older than the founding of the United States itself.
For the Cherokee Nation, our history did not begin with the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Long before the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, the Cherokee people governed themselves on land they had lived on for centuries before the United States became a nation.
Celebration and Contradiction
When America celebrates 250 years, Cherokee people recognize both the opportunities for celebration and the contradictions within that history.
The relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the United States has largely been shaped through treaties. The United States entered treaty relationships with the Cherokee Nation because it recognized the Cherokee Nation as a sovereign government.
Those treaties are not historical footnotes. Under the United States Constitution, treaties remain part of the supreme law of the land.
At the same time, the reality is that many treaty promises were broken.
The nineteenth century was heavily influenced by Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand westward. To many Americans, expansion represented opportunity and progress. For Native nations, it often meant the loss of homelands, disruption of traditional ways of life, and the sacrifice of self-determination.
The most devastating example for the Cherokee people came during the 1830s. Despite treaty guarantees and victories confirming their sovereignty before the United States Supreme Court, the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their homelands during the Trail of Tears. Twenty-five percent of the Cherokee population died during the journey west.
Self-Governance and Restored Rights
Instead of fading into history, the Cherokee Nation rebuilt.
The Nation established schools, courts, and a constitutional government in present-day Oklahoma. That progress was later disrupted by the Dawes and Curtis Acts, which weakened tribal governments. With Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Cherokee self-governance entered a period of severe federal restriction.
Yet Cherokee self-government never fully disappeared. Cherokee leaders, communities and families preserved
NATION HISTORY
AMERICA 250 AND THE CHEROKEE NATION
culture, identity, and traditions even during the hardest years.
During the twentieth century, the Cherokee Nation gradually regained greater authority through the modern era of selfdetermination. President Richard Nixon’s support for tribal selfgovernance marked an important turning point in federal Indian policy. The Principal Chiefs Act restored the right of Cherokee citizens to elect their own Principal Chief rather than having chiefs appointed by the federal government.
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
After the United States Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government had been created. He famously replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
The Cherokee experience reflects that same challenge. For generations, Cherokee people fought to keep their government, sovereignty, and national identity alive despite removal, allotment, statehood, and federal policies designed to weaken tribal self-rule. That restoration of self-governance remains one of the great stories of Native resilience in modern America
Today, the Cherokee Nation is legally recognized as a domestic dependent sovereign. The Cherokee Nation is not a foreign country, but neither is it simply another local government. Cherokee sovereignty predates the United States itself and its people are full citizens of both the Cherokee Nation and the United States.
The history between the Cherokee Nation and the United States includes difficult truths. Like much of the United States during the nineteenth century, the Cherokee Nation participated in slavery. Following the Civil War, treaties recognized the rights of Cherokee Freedmen. Yet it took nearly 140 years for the Cherokee Nation to fully affirm the citizenship rights of Freedmen descendants.
Unresolved Tensions
Another unresolved issue remains the promise of a Cherokee delegate to the United States House of Representatives. The Treaty
of New Echota in 1835 promised the Cherokee Nation the right to send a delegate to Congress. Nearly two centuries later, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Yet despite the tensions in that history, Cherokee people have consistently served in defense of the United States. Native Americans serve in the armed forces at a higher per capita rate than any other ethnic group. Cherokee men and women have fought in every major American conflict.
The United States and the Cherokee Nation are strengthened by diversity. Different cultures and traditions make both nations stronger, more resilient, more interesting, and more beautiful. Diversity is not something to fear. It is one of our greatest strengths.
Memory and Optimism
As America marks 250 years, Cherokee people carry both memory and optimism forward. We remember the treaties. We remember the broken promises. We remember removal. But we also recognize extraordinary progress.
Today the Cherokee Nation is the largest tribal nation in the United States, with a growing economy and expanding healthcare. The Cherokee Nation also has a thriving effort to preserve and promote its culture, language and history, and a dedication to educating their youth for a better future.
America at its best strives to become more just, more inclusive, and more faithful to its ideals. The same can be said of the Cherokee Nation.
As the United States turns 250, the Cherokee Nation moves forward grounded in history, committed to sovereignty, and hopeful about the future. Neither nation has ever been perfect, but perhaps the true measure of both is the willingness to continue striving together to become more perfect nations.
•
VISIT HISTORIC VINITA
BY VALUENEWS.COM
America’s Main Street is Vinita’s Main Street, too! Vinita’s Historic Route 66 is lined with a variety of shops, antique stores, cafés and more. In fact, Cyrus Avery, known as the Father of Route 66, called Vinita home just prior to statehood. Vinita is one of the few towns
located on both Route 66 and the famed Jefferson Highway. In addition to authentic aspects of Route 66, visitors can also enjoy a wealth of rich history and close proximity to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
A central part of the Cherokee Nation, Vinita is home to the Anna Mitchell Cultural and Welcome Center.
Visitors can learn about Vinita history and more at the Eastern Trails Museum. While touring town, stop by one of the three municipal parks that boast a variety of activities including a splash pad, swimming pool, disc golf, and skate park. Vinita Lake Park located just north of town, provides a serene place for enjoying nature with activities including fishing, kayaking, and primitive camping.
In addition to the annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo, Vinita’s community spirit and events celebrate the city’s diverse culture. Check out cityofvinita.com for the latest information on attractions, activities, and events.
CITYOFVINITA.COM
Photo courtesy of City of Vinita, Oklahoma, July 2026.
Photos courtesy of City of Vinita, July 2026.
2026 CASA KIDZ
“BATTLE OF THE COUNTIES”
BY DIANA DICKINSON
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this past April, CASA of Northeast Oklahoma (Court Appointed Special Advocates) successfully concluded its annual CASA KIDZ’s “Battle of the Counties,” recently announcing this year’s winner.
Rogers County once again claimed the top honor in the 2026 competition, marking its third consecutive year as the trophy holder.
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma Executive Director Emily Bowling presented the traveling trophy to the Rogers County Commissioners during their regular board meeting.
What is CASA KIDZ?
The CASA KIDZ campaign—formerly known as the Paper Doll Project—is a unique awareness and fundraising initiative that brings together businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals across six counties: Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa, Rogers, and Washington.
Participants sponsored nearly 200 wooden dolls, creatively dressing and displaying them throughout their communities to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in foster care.
In addition to increasing visibility, the project helps generate critical funding so CASA can recruit and train volunteer advocates who serve the growing number of children in need of support.
Counties competed not only in fundraising efforts but also in collecting clothing donations. All donated items remain within each county to directly benefit local children in foster care.
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma remains dedicated to ensuring every child in foster care has a committed advocate to represent their best interests.
The Rogers County Board of County Commissioners will display the traveling trophy in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room until next year’s competition.
For more information about CASA of Northeast Oklahoma or to learn how to get involved, visit www.casaneok.org, email info@casaneok.org, or call (918) 923-7276.
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children in the foster care system. It is the sole provider of Court Appointed Special Advocate services in Oklahoma’s 11th, 12th, and 13th Judicial Districts.
Now celebrating 30+ years of service, CASA’s mission is to advance the welfare of children in northeast Oklahoma through best interest child advocacy and family strengthening efforts that are individualized and culturally sensitive.
L to R: Pictured from left to right: Rogers County BOCC District 2 Commissioner Steve Hendrix; District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier; CASA of Northeast Oklahoma Executive Director Emily Bowling; and District 3 Chief Deputy Jon Brown.
Photo courtesy of Diana Dickinson, Rogers County Public Information Officer, July 2026.
• INSURED
• INSURANCE
• FAMILY
• MORE
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PROJECTS 2026 ROGERS COUNTY
Rogers County OHCE and the OSU Extension Center invite the community to a free fair entry preparation session on August 5, 2026 — everything you need to know to enter, compete, and win.
Inside the exhibition halls of the Rogers County Fair, something remarkable happens every year. A 90-year-old woman brings garments she has sewn herself, every stitch as precise as the last. A craftsman wheels in a working fountain built entirely from glass punch bowls and glassware. Quilts, preserves, hand-thrown ceramics, and heirloom recipes compete for ribbons alongside baskets, baked goods, and knitted masterworks. Each entry is a statement — not of competition for its own sake, but of skill cultivated, creativity expressed, and community celebrated.
If you have ever wanted to enter the Rogers County Fair but did not know where to start, this year presents an ideal opportunity. On August 5, 2026, Rogers County Oklahoma Home and Community Education and the Rogers County OSU Extension Center will host a free fair entry preparation session — open to anyone with a project, a question, or simply a curiosity about what it takes to compete.
About the August 5 Fair Entry Session
The session will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rogers County Building, 416 S Brady, Claremore. Attendance is free. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch or something to share.
The session is facilitated by the Oowalla OHCE Group. General Superintendents for the Fair Mary Bacon and Nancy Ferguson plus many of the OHCE Members who server as Division Superintendents will be on hand to answer question. Their experience with the fair spans decades of entries, judging, and category expertise. Bring your projects, bring your questions, and plan to leave with clear direction.
What You Will Learn
This session covers every aspect of the fair entry process, including:
• How to register your projects, including how to submit multiple entries
• A complete overview of all eligible entry categories
• Tips and techniques for strengthening your entry within your specific category
• Honest feedback and informed opinions on the projects you bring
• The camaraderie of a community that takes its craftsmanship seriously and joyfully
Eligible Entry Categories
The session addresses a broad range of fair entry categories,
including sewing, knitting, quilting, crocheting and other threadbased work, baking, canning, crafts of all kinds, antiques, and basket weaving. If your project fits within these disciplines — or if you are unsure whether it qualifies — this session is the place to find out.
No Entry Fees. Real Prizes. Genuine Recognition.
One of the most common misconceptions about county fair competition is that entry involves a cost. At the Rogers County Fair, it does not.
“There are no fees to enter the fair,” said Carolyn Dormier. “Accolades are ribbons and money for five places: first place earns $10, second $8, third $6, fourth $4, and fifth $2 — and big bragging rights!”
The prize structure rewards depth of field, encouraging entrants to submit across categories and multiple entries within the same discipline. The financial awards are modest by design — the true currency of the Rogers County Fair is recognition, craftsmanship, and the pride of placing among the best that Rogers County has to offer.
The Spirit of the Fair: Craft, Community, and Continuity
What makes the Rogers County Fair home arts and crafts exhibition meaningful is not the competition — it is the continuity. Generation after generation, Rogers County residents bring the work of their hands and the products of their kitchens, studios, and sewing rooms into a shared space where those efforts are seen, evaluated, and honored.
Carolynn Roberts offered a vivid illustration of that spirit: “We witnessed a 90-year young woman, Lois Summers, who is a longtime fair participant and sews her own clothes. It is amazing to see that her sewing is perfect in every stitch. She continues to enter every year, still drives, and remains involved.”
That story is not exceptional — it is emblematic. There are categories for kids in PreK and Kindergarten up to Seniors in Nursing Homes who compete.
Each entry exemplifies what fair competition can be when participants are encouraged and well informed.
That encouragement is precisely what the August 5 session is designed to provide.
Important Dates and How to Enter
The deadline for Rogers County Fair entries is August 28, 2026. The official Fair Book which contains complete category descriptions, entry rules, and registration forms — is available
FOR THE FAIR
online at https://rogerscountyfair.com or in print at the Rogers County OSU Extension Center Office at 200 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd., Claremore.
For those who want expert guidance before the deadline, attending the August 5 session is strongly advisable. The difference between a well-prepared entry and a great one often comes down to a single conversation with someone who has stood on both sides of the judging table.
About Rogers County OHCE
The Rogers County Oklahoma Home and Community Education program has served the county since 1937. Operating under the umbrella of the Oklahoma State University Extension office, OHCE is open to everyone and organized around five core commitments: gaining useful skills through research-based educational programs, developing leadership in a social setting, giving back through meaningful community service, participating in monthly local meetings and quarterly county council meetings as well as an annual state meeting, and building friendships that endure.
Rogers County currently hosts six active OHCE groups. Programming varies year to year and has encompassed topics ranging from food preparation and preservation, home arts, health and fitness, and resource management to environmental issues, military family support, and leadership development.
The organization’s community service record reflects the breadth of its commitment. Recent OHCE projects in Rogers County include the creation of 340 mastectomy pillows for patients in need, decorated pillowcases for children with cancer at St. Francis Hospital, tray favors for Meals on Wheels and Claremore’s Hillcrest Hospital, grocery collections for children, Salvation Army bell ringing, Becky’s Bears for newly diagnosed cancer patients, and the beloved Literacy at the Fair initiative, through which children receive hand-crafted book bags at no cost.
Membership is straightforward. Contact the OHCE office at 918-923-4958 and ask for Penny King. She will connect you with the right group within the Rogers County network.
EVENT DETAILS & CONTACT
Free Fair Entry Preparation Session
Tuesday, August 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blue Area, Workshop is at Rogers County Building 416 S Brady, Claremore, OK
Entry Deadline: August 28, 2026
Rogers County OHCE | Rogers County OSU Extension Center 918-923-4958 | Ask for Penny King oces.okstate.edu/rogers
Rogers County OHCE members created mastectomy pillows for those in need. Photo courtesy of Rogers County OHCE, July 2026.
Rogers County OHCE and the OSU Extension Center invite the community to a free fair entry preparation session on August 5, 2026. Value News VN Values Inc. July 2026 photo.
ROGERS COUNTY FAIR RETURNS!
BY VALUENEWS.COM
The 112th Rogers County Fair is coming to the Claremore Expo Grounds, 400 Veterans Pkwy., Claremore, Sept. 17-20, and organizers say this year’s event is shaping up to be the best one yet.
This year’s theme celebrates two milestones at once: America’s 250th anniversary and the Route 66 Centennial. It is a fitting tribute for a northeast Oklahoma community that sits squarely on the Mother Road and takes its American heritage seriously.
Fairgoers can expect both indoor and outdoor activities, shopping and entertainment across the four-day event, blending the charm of a classic county fair with a few modern surprises. The indoor spaces will house the popular County Square vendor area, where food vendors of all kinds will set up alongside a full section dedicated to Made in Rogers County Oklahoma artisans offering one-of-a-kind, locally crafted products.
“If you’re looking for the famous Blue and Gold Sausage, Mr. Boyer and Claremore FFA will be inside the County Square vendor area,” said Rogers County Fair board member Susan Gebhart.
Expanded Carnival
New this year is an expanded carnival, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights will feature live music. Returning crowd favorites include Tulsa Balloons’ “Bubble Guy” with his foam cannon for kids and Mini Cuddles Ranch. Admission and parking are free, with plenty of room for families to navigate comfortably. Thursday night’s opening fireworks show will be something to remember. “This year our opening night fireworks display will be synced to music and will be an amazing experience,” said Rogers County Fair Co-Manager Wendy Woody.
The fair’s animal barn remains one of its most beloved traditions. Exhibitors will show animals ranging from a half-pound up to 1,800 pounds, and local youth will compete across livestock categories throughout the weekend.
“It’s fascinating to watch the kids with their animals and all of the care they give them to reach the county fair,” Gebhart said.
Deep Agricultural Roots
What some visitors may not expect is the fair’s deep agricultural education component. FFA and 4-H projects are displayed throughout the fairgrounds, from award-winning ag sciences posters to complex welding projects. Open competition categories in gardening and other areas invite both youth and adults to show off their best work.
“There is something for everyone here,” said Rogers County Fair Co-Manager Maggie DeBoer.
No fair visit is complete without picking up one of the annual commemorative posters. Minnesota-based professional photographer and graphic design artist Maverick Englehart has created the Rogers County Fair poster every year for a decade, and this year’s America 250 and Route 66 design marks his 10th. The collectible prints, measuring 17 by 28 inches, are available at the
Claremore Expo Grounds for $5 to $10 each. Those who want to view all 10 years of Englehart’s Americana artwork can find the complete collection on display at the Rogers County Clerk’s Office, Buddy’s Diner and Spectrum Paint in Claremore.
For a full schedule and information, visit RogersCountyFair. com or call (918) 342-5357.
Rogers County Fair Co-Managers Wendy Woody and Margaret DeBoer with Susan Gebhart, Rogers County Fair Board member. Value News VN Magazine and Values, Inc. photo, July 2026.
September 17-20
Bigger Carnival, New Vendors and Opening Night Fireworks
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Indoor/Outdoor Archery . . . . . . . . Competition—9:30 a m .
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Shooting Sports/Shotgun– First Safety Meeting . . . . . . 9:20 a m .
Check in one hour prior to shooting time Shooting times assigned after online entries closed
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
12:00 p m
1:00 p .m .
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
. Fair Board, Expo Staff, Exhibitors—Setup
. Livestock Setup
2:00 p m -7:00 p m . . . . All Exhibits Check-in, except Livestock & Flowers
5:00 p m -7:00 p m FFA Agriscience Project Display Setup
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
8:00 a m -11:59 a m Flower Division Entry
9:00 a m .
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
12:00 p .m - 9:00 p m . . . . .
. . Horse Show Check-In
4:30 p m Rogers County 4-H Horse Club Cloverbud Fair Show
6:00 p m (Check-in 5:00 p m -5:30 p m ) Dog Show followed by Dog Fun Show
6:00 p m . . . . . . . . . . Horse Speed Events
6:00 p m -10:00 p m Carnival Midway Open
6:30 p m . . . . Quilts of Valor Presentation at Entertainment Stage
7:00 p m . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beef Tie Out
9:00 p m All Exhibit Buildings Close
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
7:30 a m Rabbit Check-In
8:00 a m . . . Rabbit Judging & Rabbit Fun Show following Showmanship
8:30 a m . . . . . . . . . . Poultry Showmanship
9:00 a m Official Opening All Exhibit Buildings
. . Judging begins in Exhibit Building
12 Noon . Livestock Allowed in the Barns No animals allowed until this time 1:00 Flower Division Judging 3:00 p m -7:00 p m .
6:00 p m .
. Commercial Booth Set-up
. Sheep & Meat Goats in Place
6:00 p m -8:00 p m Sheep & Meat Goats Weigh-In & Check-in
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
9:00 a m Official Opening All Exhibit Buildings
9:00 a m
9:00 a m
4:00 p m .
Jr
Farm Equipment Operators Contest
Sheep Show
Lamb Lead Show or 30 minutes after Sheep Show, if Sheep Show is still going at 4:00 30 Minutes after Lamb Lead (No earlier than 5:00 p m ) . . Meat Goat Show
1:00 p .m — 8:00 p m
5:00 p m .
5:00 p m — 7:00 p m
6:00 p m —10:00 p m
9:00 p m
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
9:00 a m
9:00 a m . . .
9:00 a m – Noon
Poultry Check-In
Swine In Place
. Swine Weigh-In & Check-in Cards
Carnival Midway Open
All Exhibit Buildings Close
Official Opening All Exhibit Buildings
. . Dairy & Beef In Place
. Scales Available for Beef Weigh-In
12-Noon Dairy & Beef Entry Cards must be turned in
9:00 a m —2:00 p m
9:30 a .m
. Poultry Check-In
. Swine Show
4:00 p m - 4:30 p m Cavy (Guinea Pig) Check-In
5:00 p m . . . . .
. . . Cavy (Guinea Pig) Show
9:30 a m . . . . . . . . . . . Poultry Judging 9:00 a m . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Beef Show
9:00 a m Horse Show
9:00a m -10:00 a m . . . . . . . Gravy Making Contest Check-in
10:00 a m . . . . . . . . Gravy Making Contest Judging 1:00p m -5:00 p m Carnival Midway Open 6:00p m .-10:00 p m . . . . . . . . Carnival Midway Open
2:30 p m . . . . . . . . . . . Bucket Calf Check-In
3:00 p m Bucket Calf Show
30 Minutes after conclusion of Beef Show (announcement will be made) . . Sheep & Goat Release
4:00 p m Dairy Show
30 minutes after conclusion of Dairy Show . . Senior Showman Showdown
4:30 p m .-5:00 p .m . . . . . . . . . . Pet Show Check-in
5:30 p m . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pet Show
6:30 p m . . . . Quilts of Valor Presentation at Entertainment Stage
9:00 p .m . . . . . . . . . . . All Exhibit Buildings Close
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
7:00 a m . . . . . . All Animals Must be moved out by 10:00 a m
12:00 p .m . . . Livestock Premium Sale Paperwork must be turned in
1:00 p m —3:00 p m . . .
. . . . Indoor Exhibits Released 1:00 p m -5:00 p m Carnival Midway Open 6:00 p m -10 p m . . . . . . . . . . . Carnival Midway Open 2:00 p m . . . . Livestock Premium Sale Participants & Parents Meeting
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
6:00 p m . . . . . . . . . . . . Presentation of Awards 6:30 p m Jr Livestock Premium Auction
