At their monthly meeting in OKC this week, ODOT Commissioners voted on a full agenda of projects across the state and one of them was approving an 80/20 matching grant to do the engineering on building a pedestrian bridge from the Fairgrounds across the railroad tracks into Downtown. The City Council had also applied for a grant to redo the pedestrian bridge at Shannon Spring Park, but that grant was not approved. Hopefully that one will get approved next year. The significance of a pedestrian bridge for Downtown may be hard for some to understand, but it represents major progress in growing not just Downtown, but also the Grady County Fairgrounds. This first phase of engineering for the bridge will have a positive impact on plans to build a Hotel at the Fairgrounds, which will only add to all the amenities there already. Our Fairgrounds is regarded as the best in Oklahoma outside of OKC and Tulsa and now the future looks even brighter. With the engineering and planning on the bridge expected to start by the end of the year, actually starting construction will require another grant in a couple of years as well as other possible federal funding. So there is still a lot to be done, but the key is that we have moved from “talking about it” to actually planning it. During walking tours last week with both Senator Lankford and Lt. Governor Pinnell, they were both complimentary of the progress we have made in Chickasha and both were encouraged as our vision for the future was shared. To turn dreams into reality takes a lot of hard work and determination as well as celebrating some success along the way. It takes everyone working together! Now for those of you that are concerned the vision for growth is only for Downtown, there is some great news coming soon that doesn’t have anything to do with that area of town. You see our entire town is experiencing progress and growth. So much more to share in the coming months. Like the mural on the fence says: Chickasha Oklahoma…Good Things Happen Here! And that’s #TheGoodStuff!

Halloween enthusiasts in Chickasha can get their spooky fix throughout October with a lineup of themed events and activities. This year, Chickasha Ave. transforms into Pumpkin Lane , a festive corridor from 6th to 1st Street featuring jack-o'-lantern heads atop the lampposts. Throughout the Halloween season, local merchants and organizations have adopted light poles to decorate for the Pumpkin Lane Decorating Contest , which will be judged closer to Halloween. The halloween festivities officially begin on October 11th with the 2nd Annual Fright Night . The evening kicks off with free pumpkin painting at 6:00 PM at Shakespeare Wine Company , followed by the costume parade at 7:00 PM , starting at 6th and Kansas and continuing down Chickasha Ave. to the Leg Lamp. The parade invites everyone in costume to join at Shakespeare Wine Company or simply watch along the avenue. For those with a competitive streak, the Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest is now open, with entries accepted from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on October 11th at the Leg Lamp . Participants are asked to carve their pumpkins at home and drop them off at the Leg Lamp during Fright Night on October 11th . Categories for the contest include Spookiest , Cutest , Funniest , and Most Creative , with winners in each category receiving a $50 prize . Those interested in participating need to register online at www.chickashachamber.com/decoratepumpkin But that’s not all! Save the Date for even more Halloween fun with the Neewollah Fall Festival and the 2nd Annual Chickasha Civic Club Chili Cookoff on October 26th from 4:00 -7:00 PM on the east end of Chickasha Ave . Expect a afternoon filled with delicious chili and plenty of fall festivities to celebrate the season.  Families, thrill-seekers, and Halloween lovers alike will find plenty of activities to enjoy all month long, from costume parades to pumpkin contests. Be sure to keep an eye on the full schedule of events on visitchickasha.com to make the most of the spooky season in Chickasha! For more details on how to participate in any of these events, visit www.chickashachamber.com/spookychickasha or contact the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce at (405) 224-0787.