The Charles Page High School Band took second place at Saturday's Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma State Championships in the Scholastic Marching competition.
The Sandites came in runner-up to Edison Preparatory with a total score of 80.45 to Edison's 81.5. Coweta came in runner-up at 79.1.
Clyde Boyd Percussion was the only school to enter the Middle School competition and brought home the first place trophy.
Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces its plans for the 29th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival in downtown Sand Springs. The event occurs on Saturday, April 21, and runs from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This year's event showcases more than 100 plant, herb, arts, crafts, food and wine vendors from around the four-state area. In addition to all of the gardening enthusiast items, this Herbal Affair features a half-dozen live musical performers on the historical stage at Charles Page Triangle Park in the heart of the downtown district.
SEE RELATED: Sand Springs 29th Annual Herbal Affair & Festival
"This year's event is slightly larger than in the past, with a few more vendors adding to the diversity of our event," stated Grant Gerondale, Community Development Director for the City of Sand Springs. "What began as a small gathering of gardening enthusiasts with Ruth Leib and Sandi Byerly in 1989 has grown into Oklahoma's premier herbal festival."
With the positive growth seen this past year at the City's Riverwest Development just south of downtown, parking options at that site no longer exist. Event goers should rely heavily on the free parking and shuttle service at Charles Page High School (500 N. Adams Road) and utilize on-street parking around the downtown area. The free shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. until shortly after 4:00 p.m.
Each year the Sand Springs Herbal Affair offers shoppers a unique variety of tomatoes, herbs, annual and perennial plants and an assortment of arts, crafts, foods and wines. Visitors also enjoy the announcement of the "Hometown Hero" award, presented to a deserving Sand Springs citizen each year on the stage.
"This year's event brings in some new items and also goes back to some of the traditional roots of the festival," Gerondale added. "We'll feature eclectic gardening features like worm soil casings, a soil amenity for your garden, and we'll also see trendy hydroponically grown tomatoes. On the musical side of things we'll have the traditional sounds of the Shelby Eicher Trio, but we'll also bring back Dulcimer Magic which played the event for years. To end the day we've added the Sand Springs Community Band which did a fantastic job during last year's Riverfest grand opening at the new Case Community Park. I really encourage locals to come out and enjoy this great live music."
When you do come out, you'll be joining nearly 30,000 other visitors who make the annual trek to Sand Springs to get their fill of outdoor gardening plants, arts, crafts, and good food. This year's event features nearly 20 food operations to satisfy hungry strollers.
"Who doesn't like the Amish chicken and noodles, right?" asked Gerondale. "You'll find old standby herbal affair foods and treats like fresh roasted nuts, but you'll also see some offerings like succotash and pitas."
This is a family and pet (on a leash) friendly outing as folks mingle amidst the historic downtown triangle of Sand Springs. Parents will want to check out the kidz-zone on the west side of the event area. Church That Matters is again hosting a variety of activities including a Radio Control Car display, kids petting zoo, snow cones and the chance for some Home Depot wood building kit activities. All of those activities are free to children.
The Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum will also be open and offers a great walk-through for interpretative displays and features a fine example of 1920's art-deco architecture. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is there a wine lover in your home? You won't want to miss the small wine-garden located immediately across from City Hall. Five area wineries will have small taster samplings on hand as well as a variety of their products for sale.
The City of Sand Springs encourages all event goers to step into the fun-filled shops that line the downtown streets of Herbal Affair. Unique and hard to find antiques, apparel and small treasures can be found in many of our small businesses in downtown Sand Springs.
Want to learn more? Check out our Facebook page in the days leading up to the April 21 event to find informative Herbal Affair event videos and details.
For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com.
Chillin' & Grillin' will return to Case Community Park in 2018. The festival was moved to Pogue Airport in 2017 due to park renovation.
City Councilman Phil Nollan and State Representative Jadine Nollan at the 2016 festival.
Chillin & Grillin has festivities for all ages.
Chillin & Grillin has festivities for all ages.
Chillin & Grillin has festivities for all ages.
Chillin & Grillin has festivities for all ages.
Harper's Hut Shaved Ice will be serving up snow cones for the fourth year.
Church That Matters takes kids on a ride every year.
The Harper's Hut Classic Car Show partnered with Chilln' & Grillin' in 2017 and was a huge success.
Chillin' & Grillin' is more than just BBQ. The event attracts several arts and crafts vendors every year.
The Jennifer Marriott Band will entertain visitors for the second year.
Yellow House Market & Boutique will unveil their new mobile boutique at this year's Chillin & Grillin.
William Nozak presents a trophy to a winner at the 2017 Harper's Hut Classic Car Show.
The Seventh Annual Chillin and Grillin Festival is expected to be the biggest one yet, says Chamber of Commerce President Kristin Valentin, but organizers are having a hard time finding enough competitors for the BBQ contest.
Chillin & Grillin is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and is a major economic driver for the City of Sand Springs. The festival will be held at Case Community Park from Thursday, April 12th through Saturday the 14th. After six years of hosting an official Kansas City Barbecue Society event, the Chamber decided to forgo the prestigious, but expensive, partnership.
There are four categories of competition with a $1,000 grand prize and $500 reserve. The contest judges brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken. There is also a People's Choice category and a Kid's competition. Only four teams have committed to the full contest, and Valentin says they may have to cancel it if they don't get ten teams by Friday.
People's Choice will proceed unhindered and already has eight entrees. Visitors can pay $10 to eat their fill on Saturday and vote for their favorite overall team. The Church That Matters Holy Smokers won the first five People's Choice Awards and were dethroned by the Sand Springs Parks Department last year.
In addition to barbecue, Lee's Charburgers, Not Your Grandma's Cupcakes, and Kettle Treats will also be on hand, as will numerous vendors of arts and crafts, clothing, cooking and barbecue supplies, and more. Yellow House Market and Boutique, Okie Spice and Trade Co., Cutco Cutlery, and BJ's Pit Stop will be setting up shop and Janicelynn Yazzie will be selling traditional Navajo jewelry and blankets.
The festival has expanded to three days for the first time and will have a full carnival as well. Entry is free all three days. Carnival wristbands are $20/day in advance or $25 at the gate and can be purchased at Prattville Market, Verizon Wireless, and Green Country Federal Credit Union. The wristbands will provide unlimited rides on either Thursday or Friday. Rides are $3 apiece on Saturday.
Food trucks, carnival rides, live music, and a beer garden will be on hand all three days, and the Harper's Hut Classic Car Show will be on Saturday with five Best in Show categories and unique custom trophies made from actual car parts.
Student jazz bands from Mannford, Berryhill, and Charles Page High School will provide the entertainment Thursday evening. Sand Springs's own Jennifer Marriott Band will perform on Friday, and Midlife Crisis will play on Saturday.
Parking will be free all three days.
"This year we are already ahead of the game and we're very excited about it. The sponsorships of the companies in this town that are supporting us and this event are amazing," says Valentin.
"We truly feel that these events are economic development in its purest form because it brings people to Sand Springs, gets people out of their homes and doing something that isn't very expensive. We're very conscious of making it moderately priced so that people can absolutely come out and enjoy it."
To enter the barbecue contest, contact Kristen Valentin at (918) 245-3221. To enter the car show, contact William Nozak at (918) 671-6352. Car show entrees are $15 in advance or $20 day of.
Event sponsors: Green Country Federal Credit Union, OmniTRAX, City of Sand Springs, Webco Industries, Church That Matters, Cecil & Sons Discount Tires, Keystone Chevrolet, Osage Casino Hotel, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Sam's Club, United Rentals, The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, KRMG, Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service, Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores, PepsiCo, and Reasor's.
Sand Springs's Darin Shipley released Hunger Rising March 15, 2018. (Photo: Niki Counce Photography).
Sand Springs artist Darin Shipley recently released his second studio album, titled Hunger Rising, on Spotify and in compact disc format. The seven-track contemporary Christian album has been the product of several years of writing and recording.
Shipley speaks and performs at churches throughout Oklahoma, and proceeds from those events have funded his recording sessions at The Closet Studios in Tulsa. “The whole time I was working on this, the theme I would speak on everywhere I would go is drawing near to God,” says Shipley.
A nineteen-year officer with the Tulsa Police Department, Shipley lives in Sand Springs and serves on the worship team at Word of Life church. He and his wife of nineteen years, Pam, have three children.
Shipley’s daughter, Kristin, also appears on the album in background vocals, as does fellow Word of Life worship team member Holly Pace.
Through his career in law enforcement, Shipley has had the opportunity to minister to Tulsa’s most vulnerable, meeting the needs of homeless and mentally ill Tulsans in need of a hand up. He also has an extensive background in Youth Ministry, having previously served in Word of Life Youth Ministries.
Shipley has several shows booked currently, including the Second Annual Unity Praise event at Charles Page High School Memorial Stadium this Friday, March 30th. He also plays periodically at the 5 West Outpost nonprofit event center in Sand Springs, and will be holding a CD Release Party there in the near future.
To download Hunger Rising, visit this link, or visit his Facebook to purchase a physical copy.
918-361-1092
Facebook
http://www.darinshipley.com/
Sandites enjoy a free concert from The Rogues Five at Riverfest.
From high school athletics to a growing economy and quality of living improvements, the history books will look on 2017 as a pivotal year in Sand Springs. Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories around town.
Jan. 19 – USDA rolls out new Rural Development loan opportunities for Sand Springs area. – Read More.
Jan. 19 - CPHS Wrestling team pins entire U.S. Grant team in fourteen minutes and two seconds, setting national record for fastest dual won entirely by pin. - Read More.
Feb. 01 – Ray Brown Park receives $37,000 renovation. – Read More.
Feb. 11 - CPHS Wrestling team wins first-ever Dual State Championship 40-26 over Broken Arrow. - Read More.
Feb. 25 - Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott win individual State Titles and lead Sand Springs to their first State Wrestling Championship since 1971. - Read More.
Feb. 27 - ALDI grocery store and St. Francis Warren Clinic & Urgent Care announce plans to open new locations in River West Development. ALDI is new to community, Warren Clinic is relocating from Charles Page Boulevard. - Read More.
Mar. 02 - CPHS Womens' Basketball wins Area Championship to advance to State Tournament for first time since 2011. - Read More.
Mar. 06 – Rusty Gunn elected as Board of Education President, Mike Mullins sworn into new term on Board. – Read More.
Mar. 22 – Chinowth and Cohen opens new Prattville location.
Mar. 27 - Sand Springs City Council authorizes new murals and $1.5 million Prattville Fire Station. - Read More.
Apr. 04 – Payless ShoeSource announces shuttering of Sand Springs and Sapulpa locations. – Read More.
Apr. 05 – CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship. – Read More.
Apr. 19 – El Maguey Mexican Restaurant relocates to new building in River West. – Read More.
Apr. 20 – Tim Wright, Larry Hurst, and Dr. Stacey Butterfield are inducted into Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame. – Read More.
Apr. 22 – Herbal Affair co-founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero Award. – Read More.
May 02 - Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan is signed into law. - Read More.
May 08 - Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor. - Read More.
May 12 - Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise. - Read More.
May 13 - Aden Baughman wins 800-meter Track State Championship, Cheyenne Walden wins eighth and ninth State Championships. - Read More.
May 13 – Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017 – Read More.
May 16 - Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP. - Read More.
May 21 - CPHS Fishing Club wins Oklahoma Bass Nation State Championship. - Read More.
May 26 – Dog and Duck Antiques opens at 21 East 2nd Street, expanding from booth space in Vintage Stables on Main. – Read More.
Jun. 01 – The Ground Floor Salon opens at Village Square.
Jun. 06 – State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat seven months after reelection. – Read More.
Jun. 08 – OSU Medicine opens in Shops at Adams Road.
Jun. 24 – EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs after five-year hiatus. – Read More.
Jun. 24 – Historic Twin Cities Elementary is demolished after nearly a century. – Read More.
Jun. 26 – Sand Springs City Council evicts Round Up Club from River City Park. – Read More.
Jul. 09 - Janeway Castle Stone Estate & Venue opens in Sand Springs. - Read More.
Jul. 10 - Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. - Read More.
Jul. 11 - James Garrison hired as new CPHS Head Baseball Coach.- Read More.
Jul. 21 – Carter Young wins Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship. – Read More.
Jul. 29 – Aden Baughman wins National Championship in 800-meter run. – Read More.
Aug. 01 – Daton Fix wins Junior Freestyle World Championship. – Read More.
Sep. 09 – Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration after $6.2 million renovation. – Read More.
Sep. 13 – Edward Jones agent Casey Loper relocates Sand Springs office to new building. – Read More.
Sep. 30 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique relocates to historic downtown Chastain’s building, buying out DejaVu Décor.
Oct. – Prattville Braums and QuikTrip are demolished, work begins on larger, newer facilities. – Read More.
Oct 11. – Colton’s Steak House and Grill breaks ground in River West development. – Read More.
Oct. 21 – CPHS Boys’ Cross Country team qualifies for State for first time in school history. – Read More.
Oct. 27 – Payton Scott sets school rushing record with 507 yards against Bartlesville. – Read More.
Nov. 02 – Stage department store relocates to former May’s Drug Warehouse building. – Read More.
Nov. 04 – It’s Just a Girl Thing Boutique opens in Prattville.
Nov. 08 - OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs. – Read More.
Nov. 14 – Voters approve $18 million in General Obligation Bond packages. – Read More.
Nov. 14 – Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. – Read More.
Nov. 28 – Downtown Sand Springs hosts inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. – Read More.
Nov. 28 – WSB Homes opens in downtown Sand Springs. – Read More.
Dec. – Philip D. Smith publishes new book, From Praha to Prague. - Read More.
Dec. 01 – Rod’s Books and Relics hosts inaugural Christmas Parade of Books. – Read More.
Dec. 12 – Sand Springs breaks ground on new Prattville Fire Station. – Read More.
Dec. 17 – The House of Hair and Boutique opens on Livi Lee’s Corner.
Dec. 27 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Sarah and Kyle Baumann win inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest. – Read More.
Dec. 29 – El Patron Cocina Mexicana opens in Shops at Adams Road. – Read More.
Charles Page High School will host the 2017 Winter Fine Arts Showcase this Thursday evening, featuring performances by the Sand Springs Community Band and the High School Choir, Band, and Drama Departments.
The evening will start with a $5.00 Spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the Community Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a basket raffle taking place throughout the evening.
Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at the Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh).
The Holiday Season kicked off with a bang Tuesday night in downtown Sand Springs as larger-than-expected crowds turned out for the first known Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in town history.
The inaugural event drew more than a thousand attendees to shop local, eat local, and watch Mayor Mike Burdge flip the ceremonial switch to kick off the 2017 Christmas season.
The event grew from seed to harvest in a mere three weeks after local cosmetologist Joni Sporleder invited fellow business owners to her shop, Joni's on the Triangle, earlier this month. Representatives from Blush Hair Salon, YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Rod's Books and Relics, the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, Sandite Pride News, Dog and Duck Antiques, and Yesterday To Now Antiques were joined by realtor Jennifer Barretto and Santa Claus entertainer Glen Burkett to brainstorm and begin the rushed planning process.
More than 3,000 lights illuminate a tree at the downtown Triangle for the Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh).
The Sand Springs Parks Department graciously and meticulously decorated a tree on the Triangle with more than 3,000 lights, wrapping every single branch.
Mrs. Marshall's Voice Studio and Olivet Baptist Church choir led the town in Christmas caroling while Three Feather's Catering, Lee's Charburgers, Monie Horsechief Indian Tacos, and Kettle Treats fed the crowd.
Many downtown members of the newly-formed Small Business Coalition will be open later hours on Tuesdays from now on, and the success of the event has the organization planning future entertainment on the Triangle. In addition to looking at festivities for the holidays, they also want to host concerts throughout the year.
The Christmas festivities will continue downtown this Friday beginning with the Inaugural Parade of Books at Rod's Books and Relics at 4:00 p.m. More than a dozen local authors will be selling books, giving autographs, and answering questions from fans, supporters, and aspiring writers. At 7:00 p.m. the 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will meander through downtown.
This Tuesday marks what many Sand Springs residents and business owners hope will become an annual tradition. A tree in the downtown Triangle Park has been decked out in more than 3,000 lights and at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Mike Burdge will flip the switch to kick off the holiday season.
Originally the brain child of Joni Sporleder, the event has been coordinated by the City Parks Department, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the newly-formed Sand Springs Small Business Coalition.
As part of the City of Sand Springs's ongoing efforts to brand Sand Springs as a tourist destination, several small business owners and concerned citizens have made it a goal to promote holiday activities throughout the month of December and to try and draw shoppers and diners back to the heart of the community.
From 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Marshall Voice Studio choir will be caroling, then the Olivet Baptist Church choir will take over from 6:45 to 7:00. Mayor Burdge will speak and turn on the lights, then Olivet will resume caroling till 7:30.
From 6:00 to 8:00 WSB Homes will host Birch Studio and artist Jade Crawford along with cocoa and hot cider. The architecture company is located on the triangle at 2 East Broadway Street.
Joni's on the Triangle hair salon will have cookies and hot chocolate at 211 North Main Street, and multiple food trucks will be on hand. Three Feathers Catering will be serving up the barbecue recipes made famous by Papa Pat, and Lee's Charburgers will be selling their selections from the historic Lee's Diner.
The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum will be open with their annual "Art of Giving" Christmas tree display. For $1.00 visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with each tree being sponsored by a local charitable organization.
Several "Snapped in Sand Springs" photo booths are located downtown, including Beau Wilson Insurance (17 East 2nd Street), Blush Hair and Makeup Lounge (208 North Main Street), Inez Kirk City-Garden Park (101 East Broadway), City Hall (100 East Broadway), Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service (211 East Broadway), Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce (1 West 1st Street), Security Finance (15 East 2nd Street), Vintage Stables on Main (115 North Main Street), and YellowHouse Market and Boutique (122 North Main Street).
A small "Sandite Santa" figurine will be hidden in various businesses around downtown Sand Springs through December 20th. Patrons who find the Santa can take a picture with it and post the photo to the "Shop Small, Sand Springs" facebook page for a chance to win a prize basket.
A Crafty Christmas will return to the Shops at Adams Road Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday they will have free Santa photos from 5:00 to 6:00.
Also on Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rod's Books and Relics will host their inaugural Parade of Books with more than a dozen local authors doing autographs and taking questions. The 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will be that evening at 7:00 p.m.
SEE RELATED: Downtown Sand Springs to host local authors for Christmas Parade of Books
More than 200 Sandites turned out Saturday to honor two young car crash victims by donating toys to the Salvation Army. (Photo: Scott Emigh).
In October of 2010, two Charles Page High School students were tragically killed in an auto collision that left the community reeling. Hannah Christian and Cassidy Rotramel were only fifteen years old when their vehicle was t-boned. Their driver was reportedly distracted with an electronic device and rolled a stop sign. None of the passengers were wearing seatbelts.
The tragedy was a sobering wake up call for the community on the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of safety precautions. It was also a time of mourning for the popular teens who were both role model students.
The schools were filled with additional counselors in the coming weeks and hundreds of students utilized their services to cry, vent, and search for answers. Classmate and musician Jake Tankersley used his college savings to record a song in their honor and the "See You Soon" single sold thousands of copies to help pay for their funerals.
The close knit Sandite community vowed not to let their deaths be in vain. Hundreds of students signed a pledge to never text and drive. Then, within a few weeks, the 2 Angels Toy Run and scholarship fund was born.
Christian family friend Eddie Baugher envisioned the toy run and Church That Matter has since taken over the event. Each year, hundreds of car and motorcycle enthusiasts turn out for the drive and bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to area charities in time for Christmas. The Church That Matters Holy Smokers serve barbecue and t-shirts are sold to raise money for scholarships. Two $3000 scholarships are given away each year to CPHS students.
Members of the Sand Springs Community Band perform at the 2 Angels Toy Run in honor of Veterans Day.
The event is regularly held on the second Saturday of November, which happened to coincide with Veterans Day in 2017. The Sand Springs Community Band turned out to perform the songs of each branch of the military, and veterans were recognized prior to the ride.
More than a hundred motorcycles and cars turned out with hundreds of donors. The motorcade ran from the Tulsa Community College West Campus to the Keystone Dam then back to Charles Page High School where they turned their toys in to the Salvation Army. Local businesses donated door prizes for a drawing among toy donors. Prizes were also awarded for the best decorated motorcycles.
The Charles Page High School Gold Pride marching band participated in the 99th Annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Tulsa on Friday, November 10th. This year's theme was "Generations of Service."
After marching in the parade the band returned to school before loading up to travel to Midwest City to support the football team in their first round play-off game.
The band recently ended their competition season with an "Excellent" overall rating at the OSSAA East Regional Marching Contest. Over the course of the season the Sandites also placed fourth at the Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, and took home first prize at the Pryor Band Day.
Additionally, three band members earned First Chair honors at the Northeast Oklahoma Band Directors Association (NDBA) All-District Auditions. Kristin Shipley made the Symphonic Band for Oboe, Josh Stuckey made the Symphonic Band for Tenor Saxophone, and Jake Thompson made the Wind Ensemble for French Horn. Those three will advance to the All-State tryouts on December 2nd.
Photos by Tristia Watson.
Small businesses in downtown Sand Springs have banded together in a Christmas Coalition to promote holiday festivities for the whole month of December.
Beginning November 28th, many downtown businesses will be open later hours every Tuesday leading up to Christmas. The first Tuesday will include caroling, food trucks, and a tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Mike Burdge at 7:00 p.m. Papa Pat's barbecue and Kettle Treats will be on hand from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
"We want people to eat where they shop and shop where they eat," said Joanna Sporleder, owner of Joni's on the Triangle hair salon. Part of getting people to spend more time in downtown means creating special occasions to draw people in and show them what the town has to offer.
While the first year of festivities will be limited, the group has big goals for the future. Local Santa Clause Glenn Burkett wants to see OmniTRAX set up some type of Polar Express on the Sand Springs Railroad. Other ideas included a live nativity scene with involvement from the Charles Page High School drama department.
The coalition also wants to use the festivities as an opportunity to gather donations for organizations like Sand Springs Community Services (SSCS) and the Salvation Army, with businesses offering discounts to patrons who bring in toys and canned foods. "SSCS has been a huge influence in my life," said Sporleder. "I want to try and give back if I can."
SSCS will also be holding a food drive at the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The 35th annual parade will be held Friday, December 1st with a "Winter Nights and Magical Lights" theme.
The Chamber of Commerce is taking a vested interest in helping out with the coalition and is covering the cost of City Permits and other expenses, as well as helping to coordinate festivities. Keller Williams Realtor Jennifer Fox Barretto, Rod's Books and Antiques owner Rodney Thomas, Dog and Duck Antiques owners Chris and Julie Bedokis, and Yesterday to Now owner Susan Whitley are all involved in the brainstorming and planning.
Photos courtesy of Todd Hunt.
This past weekend, the Charles Page High School Marching Band competed at the 3rd Annual Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, MO and brought home several awards. On October 14th, the Gold Pride band was one of 14 bands performing at the SWMO Regional. During the preliminary round of judging, CPHS band was awarded 1st place in Class and Best Music, Best Percussion & Best Overall Effect! For the finals, the Gold Pride was awarded 4th place overall and Best in Class!
The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band took 6th place at the Pryor Band Day. (Photo: Tristia Watson).
On Saturday, September 30th, the Charles Page High School Band competed in the 41st Annual Pryor Band Day in Pryor, OK. Sixteen bands from around the state competed for Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Drum Majors and the overall Field Competition.
In the preliminary round, the CPHS Drumline took 1st place in the 6A schools' competition. The band was then selected to participate in the Finals round and ended the night with a 6thplace overall. Pryor Band Day is the first of several competitions that the band will attended this season and we look forward to seeing the results of the hard work and dedication that they put into their performances.
Drum Majors Brandi Sigala, Laura Loomis, and Jake Thompson lead the band onto the field for competition. (Photo: Tristia Watson).
The Charles Page High School Marching Band will be competing at the Third Annual Southwest Missouri Regional in Branson, Missouri on October 14th. The competition is presented by the Pride of Branson Bands in partnership with US Bands, the largest sanctioning body for scholastic music competition in the United States.
US Bands are part of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) which is a non-profit organization based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They are also the parent organization for The Cadets; 10-Time World Champion Drum and Bugle Corps.
The Gold Pride band is one of sixteen bands performing at the SWMO Regional and it should be another year of top-tier performances, a nationally-renown judging panel, detailed feedback and evaluation, and a superb performance venue in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
Competition will take place in a Prelims-Finals format with the highest-scoring band from each class continuing on to the Finals, along with the next eight highest-scoring bands regardless of class.
The event is hosted at Branson High School (935 P Rd 65-60, Branson, MO 65616). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from CPHS Band Director Kyle Wright (kyle.wright@sandites.org) prior to the competition. The band would love to have their fans in the stand during this extraordinary competition! Come join us in Branson for a day of exceptional performances!
The Rogues Five reunited in their home town to headline the Riverfest celebration.
Riverfest appeared to go off without a hitch Saturday in Sand Springs as the community gathered together for an all-day festival celebrating one of the largest park projects in town history. Following a $6.2 million renovation, the former River City Park was officially rededicated as Case Community Park in honor of Mike and Pat Case who donated $2 million to the project.
Fifteen hours worth of festivities provided a little something for everyone this weekend. The party kicked off at sunrise with the launching of three hot air balloons. The balloons returned later that evening and touched down on the Great Lawn, providing spectators with a light show of burning helium.
From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the nearly two acre Great Lawn was a great parking lot for 119 entries in a car, truck, and motorcycle show. Two vehicles driven by Sand Springs native and World Champion racer Bennie Osborn were also on display.
Representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization unveiled the new Thunder Cares three-on-three half court to much fanfare. Kids were able to shoot hoops with the team mascot, Rumble the Bison. Big Blast Inflatables hosted a kids' zone, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad was also open for business with a brand new playground.
The Sand Springs Pokemon Go! club hid nearly a hundred Pokemon-themed painted rocks throughout the park for a scavenger hunt they hope will become an annual tradition. A chalk-art contest was also held, attracting a few dozen competitors.
There was plenty of food and drink available. Food vendors lined River City Park Road, including Short Bus Sandwiches, Rib Crib, El Jarocha Mexican Street Tacos, Purple People Feeder, Kona Ice, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Kingdom Concessions, and more. Monster Energy gave out free samples of their new soda, and Blue Bell Ice Cream passed out free vanilla cups to everyone.
The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band kicked off a ceremony to dedicate the park, followed by a mini performance of the Oklahoma! musical play. City Councilwoman Patty Dixon footed the bill for the production and starred in the performance alongside Travis Dixon, Mat Govich, Scott McQuade, Josh Westbrook, Shelby Eicher, and Ethan Eicher among others.
Local band The Rogues Five performed after the Oklahoma! production and covered classic hits from the 60s and 70s. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker. The band attained regional prominence during their high school days in the 1960s when they opened for The Doors. Ganem, Ess, and Oldaker have continued in the music industry ever since. Ganem and Ess's sons also performed with the band. Morgan Ganem is considered the sixth Rogue and closed out the night as a solo performer. Ess described his son, Dylan, as a Rogue-in-training.
Morgan Ganem performed a long set of electronic dance music, including both original music and remixes of modern and classic hits. The end of his set coincided with a massive fireworks show performed by Imperial Fireworks, the company that puts on shows for the Tulsa Drillers. The younger Ganem was a hit with the kids and after playing a remix of Justin Bieber's "Despacito," the stage was overflowing with children showing off their wildest dance moves for the rest of the show.
The Sand Springs Pokémon Go Club is teaming up with the Sand Springs Parks Department to bring a painted rock scavenger hunt to Case Community Park Saturday morning. The event is just one of several activities that park-goers can participate in as the park celebrates a $6.2 million renovation with an all-day Riverfest.
The park opens at sunrise with a hot air balloon launch. Festival attendees will have until 3:00 p.m. to find the rocks. They can either collect the rocks and turn them in, or take a picture and leave it for someone else to find.
A check in station will be located near the softball complex for participants to turn in rocks or tally photos.
Riverfest will also be having a car, truck, and motorcycle show, a concert with Morgan Ganem and the Rogues Five, a sidewalk chalk-art contest, a fireworks show and other festivities throughout the day.
Parking is limited and a $10 fee will be charged in the afternoon.
The Jake Dillon Band performs at Vintage Down South festival in Bixby.
A Sand Springs native country singer is asking for help to put out a new album.
Jacob "Jake Dillon" Tankersley graduated Charles Page High School in 2011 and attained national attention in 2016 when he appeared on the final season of Fox's American Idol. He earned a golden ticket to Hollywood from the Little Rock auditions, but was eliminated in the "line of ten" competition.
Tankersley has created a Kickstarter campaign that seeks to raise $15,000 by Friday, July 21st. If the campaign doesn't reach its goal, then all donations will be refunded. "When I say the word 'donate,' let's just pretend that means pre-ordering," says Tankersley. "If you donate $10 dollars you will get a digital copy of our first record if we reach our goal." The album is expected to be a full dozen songs.
The campaign offers seven different contributor levels, though donors are welcome to give as much or as little as they like.
The concert packages are a great opportunity for a local business to land a great headliner for an event, or for a private birthday, wedding, or other celebration, all while supporting a local artist.
The full band consists of Jake Tankersley on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Colton Tankersley on lead guitar, Eric Cope on bass, and Casey Highfill on drums. The band has previously performed on Good Day Tulsa, the Vintage Down South festival, and more.
Tankersley attained local prominence in 2010 after penning the song "See You Soon" in honor of two schoolmates who were killed in a tragic car accident. Tankersley used his college savings to record the song and raised more than $5,000 for the victims' families. The song received extensive play on local FM radio station K95.5.
In 2011 Tankersley released his first album, "Just Jake," and married his wife, Ashleigh. His band was formed in 2014. The family of five currently lives in Verdigris and serve at Cedar Point Church in Claremore where Tankersley leads worship.
At press time, the Kickstarter campaign more than a third of the way to its goal. 99 donors have contributed $5,546. There are less than two days remaining in the campaign.
Find the Jake Dillon Band at the following links.
Web Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
Kickstarter
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.
Don’t Roam, Give Close to Home: Keep it Local by Giving Blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute May 17 – August 31.
Oklahoma Blood Institute is urging blood donors to “Keep It Local” by giving blood close to home. Oklahoma Blood Institute is proud to partner with Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park, featuring Reptile Rush Slides & Rapids Water Roller Coaster as well as reptile and animal attractions.
Between May 17 and August 31, each donor who gives blood at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donor center and mobile drives will receive a voucher for two to Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park in Tulsa.*
Donors will also receive a free “Keep It Local” t-shirt featuring a unique design of Oklahoma’s state animal, the bison. Healthy adults, age 16 and older, can give blood.**
“There is no substitute for blood for patients who need life-sustaining treatments,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO. “Donors who give in Oklahoma can be sure that their blood donations will save the lives of their own neighbors, friends or family members.”
Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem has residency at Safari Joe's this summer and will be performing more than 30 dates this season. (Photo: Scott Emigh).
As the region’s leading blood provider, Oklahoma Blood Institute relies solely on volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of patients at more than 160 hospitals and medical facilities statewide. Those with negative blood types are especially urged to give. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, funds will be donated to Global Blood Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping secure supplies and bloodmobiles for blood centers in developing countries.
Appointments to give blood are not required but can be made by visiting obi.org or calling (877) 340-8777.
*Vouchers good for two free water park admissions. Vouchers are valid until end of 2017 swim season. Must provide photo I.D. and proof of blood donation on voucher to redeem.
**16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds
More Than Conquerors has been on Hannah Rose's heart since she was just fifteen years old, and it finally hit the airwaves Tuesday morning. The debut EP from the young Sand Springs singer is available now on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.
"When I was fifteen years old, I rededicated my life to Jesus," said Rose. "When I was first reading the Bible I came across this passage in Romans titled More than Conquerors...it was like a foundation for me, for my music career. "
Rose sings in the Word of Life church worship band on Sunday mornings, the Forward Youth Ministries worship band on Wednesday nights, and has been working her way around the Tulsa coffee shop scene for the past year. She graduated from Charles Page High School in 2013.
She released her first single, "Another Day Closer" in 2015 and followed it up with "Worth More than Gold" last March. More Than Conquerors is her first full EP and features six songs, including "Nothing Can Separate," which she spent the last several months recording a music video for.
More Than Conquerors was recorded at The Closet Studios in Bixby by producer Kendal Osborne, who has also worked with Sand Springs bands The Fairweather, AfterMidnight, The Moon & Antarctica, and The Darin Shipley Band.
Sand Springs photographer and classmate Holly Felts created the album artwork.
Capital Lights guitarist Brett Admire, who owns a photography/video company, did the production behind the "Nothing Can Separate" video, which will debut Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Rose worked with Capital Lights vocalist Bryson Phillips and Run Kid Run guitarist Neil Endicott to workshop the vocals and lyrics, most of which were written in October of last year. "I was going through a lot of changes and I kept going back to that verse. I had to write a song about that."
The "Nothing Can Separate" video incorporates the More Than Conquerors theme of being able to get through anything by placing faith in God. "That's the kind of message I want people to know. They can conquer anything. Jesus's love is so powerful that nothing they're going through can separate them from it."
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Our Lord." Romans 8:37-39.
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Sandite Pride News, LLC is a locally owned and operated Sand Springs, Oklahoma news source, serving the community since 2014.
What is Sandite Pride News?
Sandite Pride is the only locally owned and operated news source for Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Sandite Pride News was founded in 2014 by Scott Emigh. The site is primarily focused on Sandite sports, Sand Springs city development, events, and community news.
