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.

This week we will welcome tourism professionals from all over the state to Chickasha as they attend Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s Tourism Summit. He works with the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association to put these on and only does two each year. We are honored to host one of them this year. As Lt. Governor, Pinnell has been an outspoken advocate for Tourism throughout Oklahoma and believes that it is the “front door” of Economic Development. Chickasha has long been a tourism destination during the Festival of Light, but in the last few years we have had a more strategic approach to drawing visitors to town. The Fairgrounds and The Sports Complex have also been attracting visitors from out of town, but recently we have worked to market to those groups more so that they are aware of everything we have to offer. We now have tourism brochures to hand out as our visitors arrive as well as rack cards at our state welcome centers when people make their first stop in Oklahoma. This past weekend, our Community hosted the Rock Island Weekend and welcomed visitors from all over Oklahoma as well as Texas, Kansas and Arkansas. Reagan Elkins captured an amazing picture of what Downtown looked like and it was shared all over the place. Wow did Chickasha look amazing! No wonder the Rock Island weekend partnership was recognized with an award from the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association! One of the most important visitors are the ones that grew up here, but now live somewhere else. I read multiple posts on social media from folks who hadn’t been in Chickasha in years and were amazed with what was going on. They enjoyed the event, but they loved what they saw in their hometown. Comments like: “I’m proud of my town and how far we have come in the last few years and look forward to the continued progress to make us a spot you want to visit” and “Proud of my home town and the growth of the community!!! Good things happening in Chickasha!” From the Leg Lamp to Ralphie’s House Airbnb to the Air Show and Christmas in July, we have so many answers to the “Why Chickasha” campaign that we have been promoting. To grow a City you first have to get someone to come and see what you have to offer. That is why our Lt. Governor says that Tourism is the front door to Economic Development. Welcome to Chickasha tourism officials, we are honored that you decided to Visit Chickasha and see all #TheGoodStuff we have to offer!

I think it was back in 2018 that Josh Woods and Zach Grayson decided that anything is possible in Chickasha Oklahoma. As successful entrepreneurs owning and operating Interurban restaurant, they also had a food truck that they had entered into the Texas Food Truck Championship. They thought that if a rural town in Texas could host a state championship, then they could do the same thing here in our Community. This weekend we will celebrate the 7th annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship in Downtown Chickasha. Josh and Zach handed the event off to the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce in 2022. The past couple of years over 15,000 people from all over Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas have enjoyed food from over 30 Food Trucks. There is $10,000 in prize money up for grabs! There will also be live music throughout the day and Summer Breeze from Duncan will be performing classic hits starting at 7:30. But this weekend is about so much more than just food trucks. The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association recognized the Rock Island Weekend as runner up for best partnership of 2023 at the this year’s Red Bud Awards. The Rock Island Weekend includes all the events that start this Friday. The Chickasha Area Arts Council has hosted the Rock Island Arts Festival for many years. Over 100 vendors will fill Chickasha avenue both Friday and Saturday. The Rock Island Ride will again kick things off Saturday morning when an expected 300 bicycle enthusiasts ride all over the Chickasha area before the enjoy the food trucks. There will also be around 300 people participating in the “Together we heel” walk to raise awareness about domestic violence. Josh and Zach were absolutely right, anything is possible in our town when we all work together! Chickasha is hosting the Championship for the entire state of Oklahoma. What a great way to showcase our Community. The City of Chickasha is a big sponsor as well as SaltCreek Casino, but many businesses from all over Chickasha support the event. When we come together as a strong Community and believe anything is possible, incredible things happen. When we work together and support each other, then we can overcome obstacles and showcase our town. Josh and Zach believing anything is possible? I think they understood #TheGoodStuff long before I started writing about it. Let’s have an incredible weekend Chickasha!

CHICKASHA, Okla. (September 23) – Chickasha is gearing up for another unforgettable weekend filled with creativity, flavor, and fun as we present the highly anticipated Rock Island Weekend ! This event brings together four beloved signature events that have become cherished traditions in our community, showcasing the best of Chickasha’s art, food, and camaraderie. Rock Island Arts Festival Friday, September 27 – Saturday, September 28 Celebrating over 15 years, the Rock Island Arts Festival will once again transform Chickasha Avenue (from 4th to 6th Street) into an artistic wonderland. Dozens of local artists, crafters, performers, and musicians will fill the streets for two full days of creativity. This family-friendly event, organized by the Chickasha Area Arts Council, is a must-see celebration of the arts. Oklahoma Food Truck Championship Saturday, September 28 | 11:00 AM Back for its 7th year, the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship invites food lovers from near and far for a culinary showdown! Over 30 food trucks from across the state and Texas will compete in downtown Chickasha for the coveted $10,000 grand prize. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every palate at this food lover's paradise, organized by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Rock Island Ride Saturday, September 28 | 9:00 AM The Rock Island Ride returns for a thrilling charity bike ride, bringing over 300 riders together to explore Chickasha. With six route options catering to all ages and skill levels, this event offers something for casual riders and cycling enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this exhilarating ride for a great cause. Together We Heel Saturday, September 28 | 10:00 AM The Together We Heel walk is back for its 8th year, now starting at the iconic Leg Lamp. This empowering ½ mile fun walk will take participants through downtown Chickasha, finishing at 6th and Chickasha. Organized by the Intervention Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN), this event raises awareness and shows our community’s unwavering support for domestic violence victims. Parking is at the Grady County Courthouse with shuttle service. Rock Island Weekend: Bites, Bikes, and Art Vibes Last year, four of Chickasha's signature events united under the banner of Rock Island Weekend , creating a vibrant celebration of community collaboration and spirit. Whether you're indulging in mouthwatering food, exploring local art, or participating in a charity bike ride, this weekend offers something for everyone. This exciting partnership has even garnered recognition, earning a Merit Award at the 2024 Annual Redbud Tourism Awards for its outstanding contribution to local tourism and community engagement. Join us as we celebrate the Rock Island Weekend—an exciting fusion of art, flavor, and togetherness that highlights the vibrant spirit of Chickasha. You won't want to miss it! For more information and updates, visit our website at www.visitchickasha.com/rock-island-weekend .

Recently I saw a post on the new Facebook group “Chickasha…Positively Speaking” and it was encouraging a local business to paint a mural titled “If not now….Then When?” That phrase really stuck with me and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. That simple phrase seems to sum up where we are in Chickasha right now. Over the past couple of years, I have seen hashtags used to describe the momentum we have in our Community. There has been “LoveWhereYouLive #ItsOurTime #CityontheMove and others. There are several different ways to express the optimism that so many of us share. It’s not just our locals that feel that way, I spoke to two ladies from California last week that stopped off to see the Leg Lamp and they commented that “you can just feel that something exciting is happening here.” If you have watched the last few City Council meeting or read the “negative” side of social media, it’s pretty clear that a small but loud group of people do not want to see improvements or progress. It’s sad, but they are out there which brings me back to that phrase: “If not now…Then When?” What’s wrong with continuing to make good things happen in Chickasha? I remember what this town was like in the 70’s & 80’s. Downtown was the center of commerce, our town was recognized as an All American City and optimism was everywhere. I’m not sure what did or didn’t happen the next few decades, but I have heard from a ton of people that they are glad to see things finally happening again in our town. They are excited to show their friends around town and CHS alums that come back home for the first time in years are amazed at the progress they see. Come on Chickasha, If not now, then when? When we grow out town with new homes and new businesses it creates a positive culture and we can all enjoy #TheGoodStuff !

As the summer heat fades into the cooler temperatures of fall, the Grady County Fairgrounds is set to host an exciting lineup of events that cater to a wide range of interests. On September 20-22, the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo will make a tour stop and take center stage, showcasing talented young rodeo stars in a weekend of thrilling rodeo competition. The action quickly continues with the Welsh Pony American National Horse Show from September 24-29, these elegant and versatile ponies will compete in various events to crown the next world champions, drawing exhibitors from across the country. October brings a jam-packed schedule, beginning with the Gypsy Horse Show Association’s Region 1 Championship on October 4-6, offering an enchanting display of these majestic horses. If the site of large metallic farm equipment excites you, Thunder in Tornado Alley, a seat-rattling tractor-pull event held in the Outdoor Arena, makes its return on October 11-12, delivering high-powered diesel entertainment. On the same weekend, toy train enthusiasts from across the Midwest will gather at the Heartland Toy Train Show in the North West Expo Building on October 12. The month continues with the highly anticipated Chickasha Antique Auto Swap Meet, with gates opening to the public on Thursday, October 17, and concluding on Saturday afternoon, but don’t forget to visit the Fall Fling Craft Show this same weekend in the North East Expo Building. We are so excited for the return of the Red Dirt Barrel Bash on October 18-20. This elite barrel racing event will showcase top equine athletes and riders from across the United States. This thrilling competition promises to be fast and furious, as both horse and rider compete for top prize money. In addition to these exciting events, the fairgrounds are also proud to host several state-wide professional organization gatherings in October including the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Fall Council on October 3, and the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Conference from October 21-23.  These diverse events not only bring excitement and entertainment but also have a significant economic impact on the region. With visitors traveling from across the country to attend events, local businesses, hotels, and restaurants all benefit from the influx of tourism dollars, making the Grady County Fairgrounds a vital contributor to the regional economy.

A new Facebook page was created last week called Chickasha, “Positively Speaking.” There are several Facebook pages that seem to focus on negatively, but this page has been cheered on by over 1,500 members in only a few days. “Just as someone’s bad mood can rub off on you, positivity, too, may spread,” says Nicholas Christakis. He is a professor of medical sociology and medicine who has researched the contagion of emotions with the larger context of social networks. I believe that Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will, that’s one of the reasons I started this column in 2020. It's great that our Community has a Facebook group spreading positive news, but it’s more important who started it: Mayor Zach Grayson! That’s right, a local entrepreneur, businessman, veteran and Chickasha Mayor thought it was time to spread the Positive things in Chickasha. What’s even better is how well it has been received and how it has become contagious. When you look at all the businesses that Zach and his business partner Josh Woods are involved in, it’s impressive. Heck they even started the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship that is coming up in a few weeks. But now it looks like Zach has another new job: Optometrist. Zach has fitted over 1,500 of us with a new set of glasses. We can see so much of what our town has to offer thanks to him. He is a hard working businessman, husband and father, but he is also helping set the Vision for Chickasha. Today…and for the future! Thinking positive does not make challenges go away, but it helps you form plans and set goals that do. Zig Ziglar has been quoted that “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” Mayor Zach Grayson leadership is helping our Community move forward, but he needs all of our support to keep the ball rolling. Positivity is contagious and helps us focus on #TheGoodStuff!

I attended an Economic Development conference in OKC last week. My peers from all over both rural and urban Oklahoma were there to share ideas and challenges, as well as hear from industry leaders on various topics. Workforce Development was an important topic and will continue to be with Oklahoma having such low unemployment. So how do you grow your workforce in rural Oklahoma? One of the answers I heard at the conference is also an answer I witnessed in OKC during MAPS: Quality of Life! I recognized that we have some traditionalists in Chickasha that don’t believe there is any connection between workforce, quality of life and growing our Community. That’s ok, everyone can have their opinion. I am here to tell you that as we improve our “quality of life” here in Chickasha, our workforce will grow and everyone wins. For any city or town to grow, you must have young people. We need to keep the young talent we have, recruit other young people to move here, but also be a place that our homegrown talent want to come home to. I saw how important it was in OKC to not lose young workforce to Dallas or Kansas City, but I believe it is even more important for rural Oklahoma towns like Chickasha. We need to be a Community where twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings WANT to work. Maddy Mosley grew up here and graduated from CHS in 2014 and then got her degree from USAO in 2019. She has been working full time in the OKC area, while also working part time here in Real Estate with Centry21. Starting this week, she is the new Membership Director for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. I’m excited that Maddy wanted to help grow her hometown and work with the local businesses that she has known for years. I am very excited to see the path our town is on and how our momentum can continue to attract people back “home.” Stop and think for a minute… how many people can you name that grew up here, left for a period of time, but then decided to come home? The list is getting longer every year and having an improving quality of life plays a role in that. Welcome back Maddy Mosley and thank you for being a great example of #TheGoodStuff!