Rock Island Weekend: Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes in Chickasha

Unveiling the New Rock Island Weekend: Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes in Chickasha

Cassie Poole • Sep 22, 2023

Unveiling the New Rock Island Weekend: Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes in Chickasha

Chickasha, OK – September 5th - Chickasha is gearing up for an extraordinary weekend that promises to be unlike any other. For the very first time, we proudly introduce the Rock Island Weekend, a collaborative effort that brings together four exceptional events, each showcasing a unique facet of our vibrant community.

Rock Island Arts Festival - Friday, September 29–Sunday, October 1

New this year, the Rock Island Arts Festival will transform Chickasha Ave. from 4th to 6th Street into an artistic haven. Departing from its previous location at the depot, this change promises an even more immersive experience. Dozens of local artists, craftspeople, performers, and musicians will converge on this stretch of Chickasha Ave. for a three-day celebration of creativity that appeals to the entire family. This event is organized by the Chickasha Area Arts Council.

Oklahoma Food Truck Championship - Saturday, September 30 | 10:30 AM

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary showdown like no other. Over 30 food trucks from across the state converge in historic downtown Chickasha, all vying for the coveted $10,000 grand prize. From savory to sweet, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship is a food lover's paradise. This event is organized by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce.

Rock Island Ride - Saturday, September 30 | 9:00 AM

Calling all cycling enthusiasts! The Rock Island Ride is an exhilarating charity event that sees 300+ bicycles rolling through the streets of Chickasha. With six distinct routes catering to a variety of ages and skill levels, it's a pedal-powered adventure that supports a great cause.

Together We Heel - Saturday, September 30 | 10:00 AM

Take a stand against domestic violence at the "Together We Heel" walk. New this year, the walk will meet at the leg lamp, departing from its previous starting point at the YMCA. Participants will embark on a 1/2 mile fun walk through downtown Chickasha, ending at 6th and Chickasha Ave. at the Rock Island Arts Festival Main Stage. This empowering event raises awareness and demonstrates our unwavering support for victims of domestic violence. This event is organized by Intervention Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN).

The Rock Island Weekend, aptly tagged as "Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes," is an embodiment of community collaboration. By uniting these four distinct events under one banner, we create an unforgettable experience that showcases the essence of Chickasha's art, food, fitness, and empowerment.

Join us as we celebrate the very first Rock Island Weekend, where creativity, flavor, and camaraderie converge to create a weekend like no other. It's an event that reflects the spirit of our community, and we can't wait to share it with you.

For more information and updates, please visit our website, www.visitchickasha.com/rock-island-weekend

About the Rock Island Weekend

The Rock Island Weekend is a collaborative effort bringing together four outstanding events in Chickasha, Oklahoma: the Rock Island Arts Festival, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, the Rock Island Ride, and Together We Heel. This unique fusion of art, food, fitness, and empowerment highlights the diverse talents and interests within the Chickasha community, offering an unforgettable experience for all.

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How Tourism Impacts Chickasha

by Jim Cowan • 06 May, 2024

Over the past few years, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Chickasha Economic Development Council have teamed up to promote Tourism in our community. We have had the Festival of Light drawing people to Chickasha for the holidays for over 30 years, but now things like the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, the City’s Air Show and of course the Leg Lamp are helping bring people to town all year long. The Sports Complex and the Grady County Fairgrounds also have a huge impact on our hotels and restaurants, the difference that has happened the past few years is that we are telling our story more now. As Oklahoma’s third largest industry, tourism is vital to the state’s economy. The Oklahoma Tourism Department, along with the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, Chickasaw Country and now our Visit Chickasha brand all work together to answer the question: “Why Chickasha?” Besides attracting visitors to town, Tourism also positively impacts economic development. Many of our new businesses that have opened or are scheduled to open, will benefit significantly from travelers stopping off here in Chickasha. California developer Chet Hitt has said many times publicly that seeing the Leg Lamp being constructed helped him decide to invest millions in our community. Promoting Chickasha as a tourism destination is still a somewhat new idea, but I believe that it’s just the beginning for us. More businesses are coming that will shape our City’s future. As a town that originated because of being a stop on the railroad, it should not be a surprise that visitors not only got us started, but will play a major role in the success of our future!

Equilibrium: Inaugural Professional Women’s Summit

by Cassie Poole • 03 May, 2024

Equilibrium, the premier event dedicated to fostering balance and empowerment in the workplace, is set to debut in Chickasha, Oklahoma on June 6, 2024. Presented by the USAO Foundation, City of Chickasha, Liberty National Bank, and Standley Systems, Equilibrium aims to uplift women professionals and promote gender equality in the workplace. Equilibrium marks the progression of the Professional Women's Series, initiated in 2019 by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Since its launch, the series has experienced notable expansion, such as the implementation of Women’s Wednesday networking events in 2022 to foster connections and cooperation. Equilibrium is the latest addition to this series, poised to introduce a heightened educational dimension. The highlight of Equilibrium is the keynote presentation by the legendary Sherri Coale, renowned for her illustrious career in women's basketball and her expertise as an author, speaker, and motivator. Coale’s keynote promises to inspire and empower attendees, drawing from her journey from humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma to becoming the winningest women's basketball coach in the University of Oklahoma's history. Scheduled for June 6, 2024 in the USAO Ballroom, Equilibrium will offer a dynamic agenda designed to foster personal and professional growth. Attendees can also expect a True Colors keynote session with Liz Taylor, County Extension Director and 4-H Educatore, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and special activities aimed at celebrating and empowering women professionals. Breakout sessions will cover diverse interests, including a session with Sally's List, empowering women in politics since 2010, and a mentoring session led by Dr. Kayla Hale, President of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. "We are thrilled to host Equilibrium, the first event of its kind in Chickasha, dedicated to promoting balance in the workplace and celebrating the achievements of women professionals," said Whitney Palesano, Membership Director of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. "Equilibrium represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable professional environment." Registration for Equilibrium is open, with tickets priced at $60. Interested individuals can register on the Chickasha Chamber website at www.chickashachamber.com/pwnetwork or by emailing whitney@chickashachamber.com.