Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java unveils new "Little Free Library"

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Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java added a new "Little Free Library" to their Sand Springs snow cone stand Tuesday.

The miniature outdoor library is accessible at all hours and runs on an honor system. Readers of all ages are encouraged to take a book or leave a book that they have finished reading.

According to the Children's Literacy Foundation, 61% of low-income families have no age-appropriate children's books in their homes. The Little Free Library organization aims to help the low-income community share their resources and encourage reading.

The Harper's Hut library is an official Little Free Library and also contains books for adults and teens as well. 

The Harper's Hut library is the third little library in Sand Springs. Other locations are 11 South Vermeer Ave and 4201 South Walnut Creek Drive.

Sand Springs has two public libraries, but they are only open 53 hours a week, most of which conflicts with school or work for many people. The 24/7 self-help model of little libraries offers an alternative for children in desperate need of literature.

Harper's Hut is a Sand Springs company with half a dozen locations in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The original Sand Springs stand was opened in 2014 by William Nozak and is located at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard.

Harper's can also be found at the Case Community Park splash pad and at 3110 South 65th West Avenue in Berryhill. Nozak says he is also working on a little library for the Berryhill location.

Sandlot Sno-Balls celebrates new Prattville location with ribbon cutting

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Sandlot Sno-Balls held an official ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Prattville shaved ice stand.

The snow cone stand first opened in late June and is the second location for the business. 

Brad Crain opened Sandlot at the former JwY's Tropical Ice location in the Warehouse Market parking lot at 250 South Highway 97 in 2015.

The new stand is in the Prattville Center at 5 West 41st Street alongside Lee's Charburgers, Minuteman Pizza, and Terry's Classic Coneys. This location is also the only snow cone stand in Sand Springs with a drive-through. 

Sandlot serves a traditional New Orleans-style snowball finely shaved from a solid block of ice. 

Sandlot Sno-Balls opens new Prattville shaved ice stand with drive-through

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Sandlot Sno-Balls is bringing shaved ice back to south Sand Springs. 

Owned by Sand Springs native Brad Crain, the New Orleans-style snowball business unveiled their new location Tuesday morning in the Prattville Center on 41st Street. 

Sandlot first opened for business in the summer of 2015 at 250 South Highway 97 in the parking lot of Warehouse Market (now Cox Cash Saver). JwY's Tropical Ice had a stand in that location for more than a decade before Crain purchased the business and opened Sandlot. 

The new Prattville location is Sandlot's first expansion since incorporating three years ago, and will create six new part-time jobs. It is the only snow cone stand on the south side of Sand Springs.

The Sweet Pink Shack sold snow cones and pineapple whips in the parking lot of Cheezie's Pizza just across the street from the Prattville Center from 2014 to 2017, but decided not to reopen this summer. 

Snow cone connoisseurs will no longer have to cross the river to get their shaved ice fix. Nor will they need to exit their vehicle. Sandlot Prattville is the only Sand Springs snow cone stand with a drive-through. 

The stand has safety barricades to separate the drive-through from pedestrians, and there will be outdoor seating for customers to hang out. Crain asks customers to please be patient for the first week as they've never had to man both a drive-through and walk-up before. 

The Prattville Center is jamming in recent years with Lee's Charburgers joining Minuteman Pizza and Terry's Classic Coneys to provide plenty of dining options for local Sandites. There are also multiple shopping locations and a live music venue. Now patrons of those establishments will have a dessert option in the same shopping center. 

The stand offers all the same flavors as their original location, with the exception of sugar free flavors and pineapple whip. It also features the "latest and greatest block-shaver on the market," says Crain. 

Sandlot is open from noon to 10:00 p.m. and can be reached at 918.813.1233.

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice celebrates Grand Opening of new Berryhill location

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Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java celebrated the grand opening of a new snow cone stand Thursday afternoon.

Fellow business owners and Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce members traveled to Berryhill to congratulate CEO William Nozak and Berryhill co-owner Jeff Lyles on their new venture at 3110 South 65th West Avenue. 

The new stand is located in the parking lot of New Home Free Will Baptist Church in the unincorporated community of Berryhill, immediately across the street from Berryhill Elementary South, and less than a quarter mile from Berryhill Elementary North and Berryhill High School. 

Harper's Hut opened its first stand at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard in Sand Springs in 2014 and has been steadily growing ever since. 

Harper's unique flavors and image can be found at the Case Community Park concession stand in Sand Springs, the Sapulpa Aquatic Center, and Sungate Pool in Tulsa. Nozak owned a stand in Mannford for three seasons before the land they leased was sold for development, and that stand has now been relocated to the Sand Springs location. The Berryhill hut is the original building where the company got its start.

"We've been blessed," says Nozak. "The  community has stood behind us. Other stands have opened, Starbucks has come to town with cold drinks, and we still have a flourishing brand."

Part of Harper's success can be attributed to its family friendly environment, which includes far more than a simple snow cone. Patrons are welcome to hang out at the huts, host birthday parties, and more. 

The Sand Springs stand is fully stocked with corn hole, frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, hula hoops, and numerous other games and activities. In addition to colorful picnic tables, there are also unique hangouts for children like a dugout and a pirate ship. The Berryhill stand is just starting out but will soon include many activities of its own. 

Jeff Lyles, an Assistant Band Director at Sand Springs Public Schools and Berryhill graduate, will run the stand together with his wife, Amanda. Their stand kicked off with a bang and beat the Sand Springs location in sales on day one. 

To book Harper's Hut for a private party or to get information on opening your own stand, contact 918.671.6352. Harper's provides shaved ice, espresso, Italian sodas, smoothies, and more for birthday parties, festivals, weddings, corporate events, and more. 

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice receives counterfeit twenty dollar bill

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Can you spot the fake?

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java recently received their first counterfeit twenty dollar bill of the 2018 summer season.

Getting ripped off is a tradition for the Sand Springs snow cone stand. Since opening in 2014, the seasonal hangout starts every year with a hard lesson on how to spot fake twenty dollar bills. CEO William Nozak likes to take the opportunity to teach other small business owners. 

While counterfeit detector pens cost only a few dollars, sometimes they run out of ink or simply get misplaced. Here's a few simple indicators to check the authenticity of a bill.

Modern twenties have two watermarks. On the left side of the bill is a security thread repeating "USA Twenty" from bottom to top. On the right side of the bill is a silhouette of President Andrew Jackson's face. Both can best be seen when held up to a light. 

All bills $5 and larger have a facial silhouettes and security threads. On fives and tens the bands are on the right hand side, the fifty is near the middle, and the hundred is on the left.

In the summer of 2017 Harper's unveiled a new snow cone flavor named the "Fake $20." Harper's Hut has two Sand Springs locations. The original hut is at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard and a limited menu is available at the Case Community Park concessions stand. 

Sandlot Sno-Balls employee has phone and tip jar stolen

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An employee at the Sandlot Sno-Balls shaved ice stand at 250 South Highway 97 was the victim of theft Saturday afternoon, according to company owner Brad Crain.

The perpetrator reportedly visited the stand earlier that day and ordered a snow cone, then returned later in the day for another. After ordering and paying, he swiped the stand's tip jar and an employee's iPhone while she had her back turned. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident can reach the Sand Springs Police Department non-emergency line at 918-245-8777.

Harper's Hut demonstrates true corporate citizenship and culture of giving

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Jarrett Sabelo serves snow with a smile at the 2016 Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

William Nozak wasn't born or raised a Sandite, and before 2014 he didn't have any ties to the Sand Springs area. A graduate of Victory Christian Center and Oral Roberts University, Nozak dabbled in a number of fields before ending up in shaved ice. To an outsider, there's no apparent reason why he wound up in Sand Springs.

With a Masters in Business Administration, Nozak taught at Tulsa Community College, Platt College, Career Point College, and Kaplan University before serving four years as the Director of Education at the American Institute of Medical Technology. He self-produced three albums, owned a disc golf store, and owned three Oxi Fresh franchises in Northern California.

So how does a singing professor with really clean carpet end up running a snow cone stand in Sand Springs? He cites the Holy Spirit as his influence.

Of course, as an experienced entrepreneur, he did his homework. "I had a war report on my wall of every snow cone stand in Tulsa. I didn't want to go to an area already being served," says Nozak. But despite having lease opportunities in growing cities like Owasso and Broken Arrow, where he was living at the time, he still found himself opening shop in Sand Springs just a mile and a half down the road from an established competitor with a decade of experience.

Within a month of opening, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice was voted the "Best in the World" by readers of the Tulsa World. Since then, his business has expanded to Mannford and Glenpool and he has opened successful coffee and marketing businesses as well.

Despite having two little ones to take care of, Nozak still finds plenty of time and resources to give back to the community that has supported his businesses these past three years.

Every year, the Hut hosts a Summer Kickoff, a Summer Block Party, and a Classic Car Show. All three are free and open to the public. Both the Summer Kickoff and the Block Party feature inflatable jump houses, obstacle courses, games, toys, prizes, face painting, food, and, of course, snow cones.

The Hut isn't just a snow cone stand to Sand Springs, it's a neighbor. It's a family member. It's everywhere. It can be found at Sandite football games, at Chillin & Grillin Festival, at Herbal Affair, in the River City Parks concession stand, in Terry's Classic Coneys.

You can have the Hut at your birthday, or have your birthday at the Hut. They cater weddings and other celebrations. They have ice chests full of flavored snow that you can order, they do snow ball fights for Church that Matters and other organizations, and they do free summer movie nights on their inflatable big screen. 

Most importantly, they've been a valuable contributor to the Sand Springs community these past three years and they have even bigger plans on the horizon for the town that they've adopted. Since opening their doors three years ago, the Hut has raised more than $25,000 for local charities, schools, and other organizations. 

Harper's Hut makes their values clear in their mission statement, "to improve our communities by providing affordable desserts, family-fun events, and by supporting non-profit organizations promoting family, and Christian values."

This Saturday is the 2017 Summer Kickoff, and once again Harper's Hut is putting their money where their mouth is. This year 100% of sales will be donated to James Mission, a Tulsa charity that benefits foster children, orphans, widows, and displaced families. As always, the event will be filled with free festivities like inflatables, games, face painting, music, and giveaways. 

Click here for more information on the Summer Kickoff!

Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff to honor lost Sand Springs foster kids

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The Harper's Hut Summer Kickoff is back for the third straight year and it promises to be as big as ever!

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java opened in Sand Springs in 2014, and for the past three years they have kicked off the summer season with one of the biggest free parties around.

Every year there are inflatables, games, music, face-painters, and tons of great giveaways. Not only will Harper's be giving away "Sno Yo" cards for free snow cones, but they'll also be giving away "Cold Cards" for free shaved ice all summer long! This year there will also be a petting zoo and a classic cop car on scene for photos. 

Green Country Federal Credit Union, Battman Collision Repair, Master Lube & Car Wash, Sand Springs Autosource, and Integrity Pest Management are all contributing to the festivities. 

In the past the snow cones have been free during the Summer Kickoff. This year you'll have to pay for your snow, but it's going to a good cause. 100% of shaved ice sales will be donated to James Mission.

James Mission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with locations in Tulsa and Nowata that helps provide care for orphans, widows, foster children, and displaced families. The Resource Center at James Mission provides clothing, shoes, toiletries, toys, and other household items. They have sizes ranging from preemie to 18 years old for boys and girls, summer and winter. 

In addition to the physical needs they meet, they also offer a place for biological parents to have supervised visits with their children in DHS custody and offer connections, resources, and training for long-term relief. On average, they provide for 60 children a week.

According to Oklahomafosters.org, more than 9,500 children in the State of Oklahoma are in DHS custody, and approximately 2,000 of those children are waiting to be adopted. 

In 2014 a Sand Springs police officer and his wife lost a two-year old girl they were fostering in an accidental drowning. This past year, a Glenpool officer who lives in Sand Springs and his wife also lost a child. Harper's reached out to those families to see how they could help and were put in contact with James Mission.

Harper's Hut aims to make as big of a contribution as possible to help James Mission care for these kids and wants to invite anyone and everyone to attend their party. The Summer Kickoff is being held in memory of Teagyn Rose and Corey, the two children who were lost. Harper's has previously named a snow cone after Teagyn, called the "Busy Rose."

This year's event will be held Saturday, June 3rd from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Harper's Hut is located at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard in Sand Springs, next to the Cinema 8.

Mike and Pat Case donate $2 million for massive park renovation; Sand Springs breaks ground

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Mike Case gives an address at the Case Community Park groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

City of Sand Springs officials and Parks Department employees gathered together Tuesday morning at the Case Community Center to celebrate a new development in River City Park. The 100-acre park will receive a $6.2 million renovation thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by Mike and Pat Case of Case & Associates. 

Artist rendering of the new Case Community Park entrance. (Courtesy)

What is currently known as River City Park is already the biggest park in Sand Springs and will soon become one of the nicest in Tulsa County thanks to Vision 2025 surplus funding and the Case family's benevolence. 

Tulsa County approved millions in surplus Vision 2025 sales tax funding for Sand Springs in February of last year and Case & Associates CEO Mike Case pledged an additional $2 million to fully fund the ambitious Sand Springs parks vision. 

Left to Right: Councilman Phil Nolan, Councilman Brian Jackson, Mayor Mike Burdge, Mike Case, Pat Case, Councilwoman Patty Dixon, Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, Councilman Beau Wilson. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

"This is only possible because of generous donors like Mike and Pat Case," said Sand Springs City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. "Even though Mike and Pat now reside in Tulsa, they have always considered Sand Springs home."

"I've always thought Sand Springs was a great place to live. I still do and I think it's getting better and better," said Mike Case. 

Artist rendering of the "Great Lawn" and amphitheater. (Courtesy)

Mayor Mike Burdge discussed the similarities in population and quality of living between Sand Springs and Broken Arrow when he was growing up. "What changed was the attitude of the leadership in the City," said Burdge. "If we can get this park to be a location spot, get stuff going on here every month...the possibilities are unlimited."

The park is already the home of the Sand Springs Soccer Club recreational league, the West Side Alliance competitive soccer league, Sand Springs Little League baseball and softball, the Round Up Club rodeo arena, and the Sand Springs BMX Association. The recent addition of the Rotary Club Super Splash Pad has rounded out what was already a destination park for many in the Sand Springs area. 

Planned layout for Case Community Park. (Courtesy)

The new funding will provide for the demolition of old structures and the construction of a new amphitheater. New sidewalks, signage, landscaping, and a large-scale entrance will add to the looks of the park.

Existing BMX track located in River City Parks. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

New sports facilities include two new youth baseball fields, a new tournament-sized soccer field, and a new half-court basketball court. An existing volleyball court will be renovated along with several horseshoe pits. The soccer fields, which currently have no special entrance, will receive a grand entry, as will the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, which is currently accessible only in a round-about way that requires leaving the park itself and driving down an industrial business road. An existing 18-hole disc golf course will be relocated deeper within the park in the area of the BMX track and Rodeo Arena. 

Accessibility will be a major feature of the new renovations, with drop-off locations throughout the park, new parking and lighting, and new park shelters and restrooms. Park beautification is also a major goal with plans for improved view of the Arkansas River, nearly a dozen custom art pieces laser cut in Corten Steel and illuminated at night, as well as a grassy area being dubbed the "Great Lawn." 

The Great Lawn will host a large outdoor pavilion and special event stage with remodeled restrooms and will be the premier viewing location for the annual Sertoma Fireworks Show, as well as will be the anchor location of the Chillin' and Grillin' Festival. 

Construction is already under way in Case Community Park. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

There will be a new playground constructed near the Rotary Super Splash Pad, which is already home to a large concessions building ran by Sand Springs Soccer Club President Jeremy Herrington. The concessions serves hot food and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice throughout the summer as a fundraiser for youth baseball and soccer. 

Public events like the Chilin' and Grillin' Festival, as well the newly revived Great Raft Race will be made even better due to new restroom housing, electrical power connections, water line service, and parking.

Parks Director Grant Gerondale expects the renovation to take about a year to complete.

Terry's Classic Coneys presents the Harper's Hut Classic Car & Bike Show, next Saturday in Sand Springs

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Three cars that may be at the car show. Photo: Mark Battenfield

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java is teaming up with Terry's Classic Coneys to bring an old tradition back to the Prattville community. Before being acquired by Teri Buckner, the former Ed's Classic Coneys hosted car shows just about every year. On Saturday, September 24th, the show is back and bigger than ever.

"We've spared no expense," says Harper's owner William Nozak. "It's not just car fans who should be there--it's families. It's a big big thing that we've all come together in Sand Springs to do."

Car Show sponsors:

Allstate
Animal House II Pet Store
Battman Collision Repair
Church That Matters
Copper Oaks Bed & Breakfast
Do Overs Furniture
Green Country Federal Credit Union
Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java
Inkwell Custom Apparel
Lucky 7's Custom Creations
Master Lube
Miss Trita's Dance Studio
Mother's Helper Consignment Shop
Sand Springs Autosource
Sand Springs Leader
Shell & Cross Bones Candles
Sullivan's Body Shop
Terry's Classic Coneys
U.S. Army Sand Springs Recruiting Center

The event may be hosted by Buckner and Nozak, but more than a dozen area businesses and organizations are helping to bring the annual event back to life.

The car show will last from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have plenty for everybody. DJ Blake Bush will be providing entertainment for the evening. Miss Trita's Dance Studio students will be performing a routine. The Sand Springs Leader will be providing games for the children and the Army will have youth games. There will be several other vendors of food, crafts, clothes, and more at the event as well.

Church That Matters will be preparing breakfast and the Harper's Hut coffee truck will also be on hand. Throughout the day, attendees will be able to lunch on Papa Pat's Barbecue or Terry's Classic Coneys, and follow it up with some shaved ice for dessert. 

The car show itself will feature 21 classes, with trophies going to the top-three in each class. The first place trophies are extra special, however. Nozak traveled three hours to Conway, Arkansas to acquire the trophies that were hand-made by an artist/mechanic from actual car parts. The trophies are very heavy, and very expensive. 

There's a special category for the kids to participate in, and a People's Choice Award trophy. Every entrant in the competition will receive a T-shirt, but the biggest prize goes to the Best in Show winner. That lucky person will receive a one night paid stay for two at the Copper Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Sapulpa. 

There will also be a raffle open to the public, full of great prizes. There's a lamp made out of car pistons, $25 vouchers to the Sand Springs Pumpkin Patch, two meals at Rib Crib, car detailing supplies from AutoZone, a month of free tanning from Touch of Sun, a one-year subscription to the Leader, and even more great prizes. Raffle tickets will be $5.00 apiece, and each prize will have its own bucket so that everyone gets a good shot at what they're wanting. 

The best part of the whole event is that it's nonprofit. The proceeds from the car show and raffle will all be split between the Keystone Fire Department and the Church That Matters Special Needs ministry. 

For more information, contact
William Nozak
www.harpershut.com
www.facebook.com/harpers.hut

Local couple brings Harper's Hut to River City Splash Pad

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The newest addition to the Harper’s Hut franchise opened this past weekend at the concession stand in River City Parks.

The new building opened last Friday under the management of Kim and Jeremy Herrington. Located immediately next to the new Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Park, the concessions stand features a plethora of snack options including the famous shaved ice options from Harper’s Hut, as well as ice cream, hot dogs, Lil’ Caesar's pizza, and other food and drink.

The Herringtons are heavily invested in River City Parks as major contributors to the local youth soccer programs. Jeremy is the President of the Sand Springs Soccer Club and treasurer of the West Side Alliance soccer club. The couple doesn’t take home any profit from their new venture into the food industry. All funds raised by the stand go directly to benefit the youth soccer programs that they oversee.

Kim runs the stand throughout the week and Jeremy relieves her on the weekends when he’s not busy as VP of Operations at Cust-O-Bend, Inc. in Sand Springs.

“We’re all about Sand Springs,” says the Charles Page Class of ‘88 graduate. “I believe in service. See the flag, hear the music. That’s us, we’re here to serve you.” 

The couple may have a lot on their plate, but that doesn’t stop them from showing up at the splash pad every day full of energy and excitement at the opportunity to give back to their community.

When I arrived at the splash pad Saturday, Jeremy was making his rounds to visit with all the parents, introduce himself, and get to know people. The couple has purchased Frisbees, balls, and other toys for the splash pad visitors to play with, all out of their own pocket.

“The City has given us a gift,” says Kim. “The Parks Department has been above and beyond wonderful.”

“I see the smile on the kids’ faces...that’s why I’m doing this.” said Jeremy.

Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00PM — 6:00 PM

First Annual Taste of Sand Springs boasts delicious dining experience

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The first annual Taste of Sand Springs was a success Thursday evening at the Charles Page High School cafeteria. The Chamber of Commerce event served as a fundraiser for the organization Junior Achievement. 

The dining started off with some delicious sliders from Osage Casino. Napoli's Italian Restaurant provided pasta. Reasor's deli had broccoli salad and deviled egg potato salad. Rib Crib served colossal portions of baked beans and mac and cheese with bacon. Charlie's Chicken had hearty portions of green beans and broccoli grape salad. Gander Mountain Vineyard provided open-faced roast beef sandwiches and mushroom casserole with key lime cheesecake for dessert. 

Other sweet options included Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Sandlot Snoballs and brownies from Meadowlake Ranch. Livi Lee's donuts had a delicious treat called "Strawberry Fields," consisting of a glazed cake donut with strawberries and whipped cream. Also on hand were sixth-graders Taylor Blackwell and Sydnee Porter selling lemonade to raise money for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson was the spokesman for the evening and entertained the customers with periodic giveaways including car detailing certificates, Starbucks packages, Crescent Cafe gift cards and more. Jackson serves as the Development Manager at Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma and is currently running for the Senate Seat 37.

Money raised from the event will benefit more than ten CPHS students participating in the Junior Achievement life skills programs.

“Just a short 15 years ago, I was a junior at CPHS and I had the fortune to be inspired by my community classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement.  That classroom time gave me direction to live out my American Dream alongside my wife and daughter,” said Jackson.

Word of Life Free Community Carnival draws record crowds

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Word of Life Church in Sand Springs hosted their fourth annual free community carnival Saturday afternoon to huge success. Approximately 5000 people turned out for the event, the largest turnout since it began, to enjoy free food, rides, and giveaways.

Word of Life is a non-denominational congregation founded in 1981 by the late David Emigh, and is currently pastored by Chad and Sarah Stewart who took the reigns in September of 2011.

In 2013 the Church held its first annual Free Community Carnival, a dream that Pastor Chad Stewart had been working towards since he first arrived at the church. For the first three years, the event was held at the end of summer, shortly before the fall school session began. The church would give away thousands of backpacks full of school supplies and a team of professional stylists would offer free "Back-to-School" haircuts for kids. 

In 2016 the ride company that the church had been using announced it was in the process of liquidating its equipment, leaving the church searching for a replacement. After locating the Oklahoma-based Sam's Amusements, the church had to move the event to Memorial Day weekend due to the ride company's packed schedule. Instead of looking at the change as an inconvenience, the church is counting it as a blessing and an opportunity to improve the experience for everyone.

This year's Carnival featured more than half a dozen rides of varying sizes and had dozens of games and other activities, as well as free popcorn, hotdogs, lemonade, and shaved ice from local company Sandlot Snoballs.

On Sunday morning the church gave away ten checks of $500 each to guests at their services. Each of the recipients were noticeably touched by the gift. One first service recipient had lost a daughter in 2010 and was still unable to afford a headstone. A second service recipient had just lost her job two weeks prior. Other winners included a single mother of two trying to return to college, and an elderly couple who was barely making ends meet while living on social security.

In other news, the church announced the hiring of a new children's pastor last Sunday in Oral Roberts University graduate Alexis Muscarella.

The church holds two services each Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and is located at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Wednesday youth services are held at the Forward Youth Building at 619 East 10th Street at 7:00 pm under youth pastor Chad Ketcher. 

This story was originally published in the Sandite Pride News Weekly Sunday edition.

Word of Life Church hosts FREE Community Carnival Memorial Day Weekend

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

This Saturday marks the fourth annual Free Community Carnival at Word of Life Church. The event has previously taken place at the end of summer, but was bumped up to Memorial Day weekend after the church changed to a new carnival company.  

The event will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm.

Why the change? The ride company that the church was previously using is going through a transition and was unable to ensure their availability. Instead of putting the beloved community event on hiatus for a year, the church managed to locate an Oklahoma City based company that only had the one day available. Instead of looking at the change as an inconvenience, the church is counting it as a blessing and an opportunity to improve the experience for everyone.

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"We feel Memorial Day weekend is a great time to do it since it's the first holiday of summer. Many families are looking for something to do, so why not a free carnival!" said Senior Pastor Chad Stewart. The temperature difference will also be a big improvement. The carnival volunteers have often had to work in 90+ degree temperatures in August, so the move to May will make it far more enjoyable both for the workers and the guests.

The current forecast shows a 50% chance of rain Saturday morning that should taper off by the time the carnival begins. The potential rain should keep the temperature below 80 till after the event is over. 

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This year the carnival will have seven rides:  3-4 large rides and 3-4 smaller rides for the little kids, in addition to games, inflatables, and other activities. As always, the church will be offering free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, and lemonade. There will also be food and game trucks associated with the ride company, Sam's Amusements & Carnivals. These additional options won't be free, but will provide an even more authentic carnival feel than in previous years. Sandlot Sno-Balls will be providing free shaved ice during the event.

Like last year, parking will be located at the old K-Mart building on Charles Page Boulevard, as well as Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, and free shuttling will be provided.

On Sunday morning the church will be giving away $5,000 to bless guests at their 9:00 and 11:00 AM services. Each service will have five winners of $500 each.

Unlimited Free Snowcones all day Thursday at Harper's Hut!

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SUBMITTED. Harper's Hut recently raised nearly $200 to help send special needs students to prom.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor in Chief

Just when you thought Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java couldn't get any more generous, they find a way to up the ante...this time with some help from their neighbors.  

Beginning Thursday at 12:00 PM, the local snow cone stand will be giving away free minis all day long at their Charles Page Boulevard location in Sand Springs. The Third Annual Summer Kickoff event is bigger than ever before thanks to help from the Akdar Shriners, Green Country Federal Credit Union, Auto Source, and Master Lube.

From Noon to 10:00 PM, mini sized snow cones will be free, or you can get a larger size minus the price of a mini. Green Country will be giving away free hot dogs, the Shriners Pop Corn Wagon will be giving away free pop corn, and the Hut will be doing giveaways every fifteen minutes. 

The party will benefit The Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, which is a nationally recognized development center for children with special needs. The nonprofit organization doesn't charge tuition and operates entirely on contributions from private donors such as Harper's Hut.

The popcorn and hot dogs will be available from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, during which time the Little Lighthouse will be accepting donations in exchange for Harper's Hut raffle tickets. The prize drawings will go on all day and will include shirts, hats, Snow-Yo's (free snow cone cards), and even a Cold Card, which grants the recipient free snow cones all season long.

The party will feature live music from a DJ, tons of games, including an Xbox Kinect hooked up to a giant screen, and three bounce houses. Harper's, Master Lube, and Auto Source will each be providing a bounce house for the event. 

27th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair is this Saturday, April 16th

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Photo by: Morgan Miller

Sand Springs, OK- The City of Sand Springs hopes you will join us on Saturday, April 16th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 27th annual event. More than 100 vendors will be on site selling herbs, perennials, natives and heirloom plants, along with herbal products, gardening supplies, outdoor décor and so much more.

“Each year this event grows,” says Kasey St. John, Marketing Manager for the City of Sand Springs. “What started as a downtown street sale now has 105 vendors offering a variety of local and unique products.”

This year’s festival features many of the same vendors that keep visitors coming back but also includes several additional areas:

Kid Zone

Sponsored by The Church That Matters, the Kid’s Zone features interactive and educational activities that are fun for the whole family plus, a special entertainment stage with local performances by Miss Tirita’s dance students. All free of charge!

Basil Street Theater

8:30-9:30 a.m. Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30 a.m. CBMS Jazz Band
10:30- Noon. Spring Street
Noon-12:30 p.m. Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00 p.m. Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00 p.m. Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00 p.m. Turtle Creek Cloggers

Wine Garden

Have a taste and sit a spell while in the Oklahoma Wine Garden located in the City Garden Park at Broadway and McKinley.

Food Trucks

Are you a foodie that enjoys the best of the Tulsa region’s food truck scene? Look no further than Herbal Affair. The food truck court features some of the area’s most popular food trucks with delights ranging from Mediterranean, Vietnamese fusion, desserts to traditional local fare.

Plant Sitters

Manned by local Catholic parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church, the Plant Sitters Booth will watch over your purchases free of charge while you explore the festival.

Free Shuttle Service

Park and ride the free shuttle service from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Charles Page High School located at Park and Adams Road, just two blocks north of the Adams Road exit from State Highway 412/64/51.

Maps and T-Shirts

Maps of the festival will be available at the welcome sings at festival entrances, as well as the Information Tent located at City Hall (corner of Broadway and McKinley.) T-shirts will be available at the Information Tent for $15.

Visit the Herbal Affair Web site for more information on this festival, www.herbalaffairandfestival.com. 

Mark your calendars for the 27th annual Herbal Affair

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Story and photo by: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

If you are from Sand Springs or one of the surrounding areas, chances are you have been to or at least have heard of the Herbal Affair. If you have not heard of this festival, it is an annual herb and garden event held in downtown Sand Springs. The city’s website states that “this event was founded in 1989 and began as a simple downtown street sale. Since then it has grown tremendously and now attracts over 25,000 people each year. It has also led to other communities hosting similar events, but remains the “queen” of herbal festivals.” This event consistently attracts people from all over the state, and even people from surrounding states as well.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Kasey St. John, the Marketing and Special Projects Manager for the city of Sand Springs. St. John has organized this special event for Sand Springs for the past two years. For most of its life, the Herbal Affair was actually run by a committee, but a few years ago it was adopted by The City of Sand Springs.

The Herbal Affair has a huge economic impact on Sand Springs. In fact, St. John mentioned that Riddle Plant farm claims the day as their biggest day of the year. With thousands of people being attracted to Sand Springs from out of town, it is bound to impact the economy in a big way. This event drums up business for Sand Springs’ shops in downtown, the hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.

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About 25 to 40% of the vendors at the Herbal Affair are from the Sand Springs or Tulsa Metro area. While a little under half are from this specific area of the state, about 90% of the vendors are from Oklahoma. People know what they are going for when they go to the Herbal Affair. Almost all of the vendors are there year after year and that is one of the things that makes it so unique. The herbal affair has maintained a certain standard and character over the years and that, as well, is what makes it so incredibly special. When you go out to the Herbal Affair, you are truly supporting your friends and neighbors.

This event has something for just about everyone. Held in the heart of downtown Sand Springs, there are many unique shops and boutiques, like The Silver Linings Boutique which is on Broadway. The Herbal affair’s vendors don’t only sell plants and herbs, either. There are also craft vendors, as well as food and drink vendors. There will be entertainment for all ages, such as musical performances and a “Kid’s Zone” put on by volunteers from Church That Matters.

If you would like to attend this incredible event, it is being held this year on April 16th, from 9am-4pm, rain or shine! All of the information for the festival can be found at herbalaffairandfestival.com and also on the Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival Facebook page. 

The entertainment schedule for this year is as follows:

2016 Entertainment Schedule

8:30-9:30       Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30     Clyde Boyd Middle School Jazz Band
10:30-Noon   Spring Street
Noon-12:30   Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00    Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00      Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00      Turtle Creek Clogger

Vendors at the event include community favorites such as: Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery, Tomato Man, The Jelly Lady, Sugar Sisters, Sparks Vineyard, Rosemary's Kitchen, Riddle Plant Farm, Red Dirt Salsa, Pita Place Mediterranean Grill, Okie Dirt, Kountry Kitchen, and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java. The complete list can be found on the city website.