Sam Shook wins inaugural SalsaFest at OkieSpice & Trade Co.

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OkieSpice & Trade Co. held their inaugural SalsaFest Saturday in Sand Springs and the event was a big success according to business owner Kim Zieg.

The event featured local craft, spice, and salsa vendors, as well as a homemade salsa making competition. Sam Shook took top prize in the salsa competition out of a field of 24. According to Zieg only a handful of the competitors were local and most traveled from out of town to participate.

“We exposed most to this area for the first time,” said Zieg. “Customers loved the event and the store. Our vendors were well pleased with their day and we had more entries than we could have hoped for!” She says the store plans to bring the festivities back next year.

OkieSpice opened in November of 2017 and have already made a big effort to be involved in the local community. In April they held their inaugural Westival event to coincide with the 29th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival. They are located at 501 West 2nd Street just west of downtown.

Sand Springs City Council approves new parking lots for Case Park

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The Sand Springs City Council approved a new parking lot plan for Case Community Park at their regular monthly meeting.

The design, by Studio 45 Architects, provides for approximately 211 paved parking spaces in two locations, as well as curbs, guttering, and sidewalks. About 175 spots will be paved at the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, which is currently gravel.

An additional 36-space lot will be constructed at the Rotary Super Splash Pad, replacing an existing dirt parking area. A vehicular bridge was constructed over the creek during a recent park renovation, but funding didn’t allow for the completion of the project and the bridge was blocked off for pedestrian use only. The existing dirt parking area can’t be paved without the construction of an extensive retention wall.

Council approved the closure of a sixteen-foot wide alley between West 8th Street and West 7th Street and North Franklin Avenue and North Industrial Avenue. The applicant claims to currently be the only abutting land owner maintaining his share of the right-of-way, and has had to maintain the entirety of the alley. He hopes to take his case to District Court and receive ownership of the undeveloped alley so he can fence it in.

One abutting property owner objected due to her use of the alley for backyard access. Her backyard is tiered with a retention wall preventing riding lawnmower access to much of her land. City Staff recommended closing the alley while the City Planning Commission recommended maintaining it. Councilors Jim Spoon and Phil Nollan voted against the closure, while Beau Wilson, Patty Dixon, and Brian Jackson voted in favor. The closure only forfeits the City’s claim to the alley, and District Court will have the final say on whether to grant the land to the applicant or not.

William “Tom” Meshek was recognized with a Mayoral Proclamation for his fifteen years of volunteer service on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

Council approved a $30,673.00 expenditure for the purchase of a new ladder truck for the City Fire Department.

Council passed a resolution bringing the City codes in line with the recently passed State Question 783, legalizing the sale of refrigerated wine and beer at retail liquor stores.

Council approved a resolution eliminating language from Code of Ordinances Chapter 9.36 that will qualify the City for up to $20,000 in federal grants. The language does not change the intent or execution of the ban on tobacco or vapor on City property.

William “Tom” Meshek was recognized with a Mayoral Proclamation for his fifteen years of volunteer service on the Sand Springs Development Authority.

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. 

First Tuesday on the Triangle concert draws crowds to downtown Sand Springs

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The "First Tuesday on the Triangle" concert series kicked off this week in downtown Sand Springs and organizers are calling the first event a success despite unseasonably high temperatures that may have kept some Sandites at home.

Let Slip The Dogs battled the heat with some cool tunes, performing a broad selection of covers ranging from The Cure to Stevie Wonder.

Local shop owner Stormy Miller opened up the show with guitarist Brian Parker. Though he didn't play any instruments, Miller was instrumental in getting the event organized. His store, The Harvest World Market, sponsored the concert stage and helped secure sound equipment.

Several local food trucks were on hand, including Mannford-based Kingdom Concessions with Mexidogs, elote, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Jeremy and Tammy Myers served up Sonoran-style hot dogs, wrapped in bacon, and topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, and their secret Mexisauce. 

House District 66 candidate Rusty Rowe used the opportunity to meet local constituents, while his Democratic primary competitor, Angela Graham, took the evening off from campaigning and enjoyed the show with her son.

Several local businesses and organizations set up booths around the Triangle, including the Sand Springs Women's Chamber, who works to promote child literacy. The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum was also on hand, taking donations and selling raffle tickets for the Blue Dog Art Exhibit. 

SEE RELATED: Blue Dog art takes Sand Springs by storm

The concert series has an off-and-on history in Sand Springs, being organized by different organizations throughout the years.

The current face of the downtown revitalization is the Sand Springs Small Business Coalition, founded in 2017 by Joni Sporleder (Joni's on the Triangle Hair Salon), Susan Whitley (Yesterday to Now Antique Mall), and Jennifer Barretto (Chinowth and Cohen Realtors). 

The Small Business Coalition worked together with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sand Springs to host the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which drew over a thousand people in December. The Tuesday on the Triangle series is the first event that the Coalition has hosted entirely on its own.

While the Chamber of Commerce works hard to improve the overall economy of the city, the Coalition, which includes several Chamber members, aims to host several events throughout the year to try and increase foot traffic into local restaurants and retail shops. 

First Tuesday on the Triangle won't be held in the month of July, due to the Sertoma Fireworks Show on July 3rd at Case Community Park. The concert will return on August 7th, followed by September 4th, and October 2nd. 

The Coalition is also working on festivities for various holidays as well as a poker run and car show in the near future. 

Oklahoma Blood Institute offers free Safari Joe's tickets for summer donors

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May 14, 2018-  Oklahoma Blood Institute has an exciting adventure in store for donors who give blood to help patients in local hospitals!

Donors who give blood NOW through August 30 will receive a limited edition “Let the Adventure Begin” t-shirt, and a voucher for two free admissions to Safari Joe’s H2O Water and Adventure Park.*

Oklahoma Blood Institute is proud to partner with Safari Joe’s, which features the Reptile Rush Slides & Raptor Rapids Water Roller Coaster as well as one-of-a-kind reptile and animal attractions.

“With summer on the way, we want to give donors another extraordinary reason to give the priceless gift of blood,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Patients need blood 365 days a year, but the summer months present a unique challenge since so many of us are busy with travel and activities, and we may get out of our normal donation routines.”

Donors will also receive a coupon for a free honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger and a chance to win Whataburger for a year.*

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do.  Blood donation takes just about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. 

Donors also receive free health screenings. If they opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide including all Children’s, Veterans & Indian Hospitals. Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.

*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.  Blood donation not necessary to enter prize drawing.

POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat unveils new Disc Golf course

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POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil a new Disc Golf course Friday afternoon.

POSTOAK is located at 5323 West 31st Street North in Northwest Tulsa. 

The course is currently six holes long but three additional holes will be added by June 1st and will expand to a full eighteen holes by next summer. POSTOAK staff are working together with the Tulsa Disc Sports Association to design the course, which features rubber teepads, Innova DISCatcher baskets, and tightly wooded fairways. 

The course is the latest in a long list of outdoor amenities that includes volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, croquet, hiking, zip lines, fishing, a pool, hot tubs, and more. 

Disc golf course access is free for hotel guests, and is open to the public for $5.00. Guests can also borrow bags and discs from the hotel check-in station. 

POSTOAK will be hosting their Fourth Annual Wine & Jazz Festival Saturday, September 1st from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and include access to food trucks, local wineries, and live jazz performances.

Deep Branch Winery, Fish Tales Winery & Vineyards, Woods and Waters Winery and Vineyard, Vernost Wine Co., and Tidwater Winery have all been announced thus far as participants in the festival, which will be headlined by Grady Nichols and Leigh Nash.

ZegART Studios opens in Sand Springs

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ZegART Studios held a grand opening Sunday at Atwoods Plaza in Sand Springs. The art studio is owned by Carey Zegart and Darla Satterfield Zegart and houses work from dozens of local artists.

Darla comes from a family of artists and has had a lifetime interest. She taught elementary math, science, social studies, and art for sixteen years in Keene, Texas before arriving in Oklahoma nearly seven years ago. She taught for Tulsa Public Schools and Broken Arrow Public Schools before retiring and opening the studio. She has also published two holiday-themed books that can be found on Amazon.

When relocating to Oklahoma, the Zegarts were initially looking for a home in Broken Arrow. They were accidentally rerouted to a house in Sand Springs that had the same address of the one they were planning to see. Darla credits the fluke as an act of God. 

"My passions are God, people, and art, in that order," says Darla. The studio aims to be a Christian-based, family-oriented, community-conscious establishment. In addition to providing a venue for local artists to sell their work, they also plan to provide the community with a place to learn and explore their own creativity. 

Artists are welcome to simply sell their works at the shop, or to become a ZegARTist and take a more involved role in the studio and the community. ZegARTists are featured on the website and promoted in the studio, and can be found in the studio teaching classes or working on their own pieces. Current ZegARTists include Sand Springs's own Kayla Adams, Marcos Fernandez, Leslie Reed, and Jane "Jezz" Strutt.

It's not just painting and drawing. Many mediums of art are taught and sold at the studio, including: stained glass, matting and framing, scrapbooking, scherenschnitte, woodburning, wire and metal, papier mache, and more. 

In addition to regular classes, the studio also welcomes large parties for events such as birthdays, bridal showers, and team building. They will host community fellowship on the first and last Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of the month they will offer free classes for Super Seniors (Age 70+). 

ZegART Studios
700 E. Charles Page Blvd.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 704-4979
www.zegartstudios.com

HOURS
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - Noon, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sand Springs golf course ranked among top-ten Best Value courses in United States

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Sand Springs, OK -  The City of Sand Springs' Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course has been named one of the top golf courses not only in Oklahoma, but in the U.S. The recent rankings come from Golf Advisor (golfadvisor.com) an online golfing review source, using feedback from golfers themselves. The 2017 rankings reflect online voting by golfers around the region and the results showcase the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge as the #3 rated top golf course in Oklahoma and among the Top 10 Best Value courses in the United States.

"We've been working on the course for more than ten years, and we're pretty pleased to be noticed in this manner," stated Brian Talley, Director of Golf for the City. "Our course has added many recent improvements like new tee boxes, pond features, beautiful vistas and our greens have been consistently strong."

The Canyons is a USGA sanctioned, 18 hole course overlooking the beautiful Tulsa skyline.  Each year tens of thousands of sports tourists play the course and enjoy the Sand Springs community. Talley says there are no shortcuts in producing the consistently strong product that is the Canyons golf course.

"Many hours are spent by staff every day monitoring the greens, irrigation and nutrient inputs which come together to create a fantastic golf experience for people", Talley added. "With many choices for people to play golf, we go the extra mile with great customer service and competitive rates to keep people coming back."

The Canyons boasts natural rolling topography and small canyons laid out across the course, providing unmatched natural beauty. In recent years the course's #12 hole was voted by Tulsa World readers as one of "Tulsa's Best Holes of Golf" with its dramatic cliff setting and nearly 200' vertical drop to the green below. 

The Canyons offers memberships, tournaments and lessons from PGA professionals. To make a golf reservation call (918) 246-2606 or visit www.canyonsatblackjackridge.com. 

For more information on the Golf Advisor resource, check out: 

 https://www.golfadvisor.com/best-of/

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit  www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com and follow the City on Face Book for the latest updates.

Sand Springs park officials announce details for upcoming Riverfest event

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Sand Springs Parks Department officials held a press event Tuesday morning at River City Park to announce the details of the upcoming Riverfest event. The park will be officially rededicated as "Case Community Park" with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, September 9th. City Council members will be on hand along with Mike and Pat Case, who donated $2 million to the park renovation.

"For those of you that don't know Mike Case, you should because he is a fantastic guy. He stands behind the community," said I.J. Ganem, a musician who will be performing at the event.

"About a month from now the park will be completed, and it will be open for business. We're very excited about that," said Parks Director Grant Gerondale.

The festivities will last from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will include a car show, hot air balloons, sidewalk chalk art contest, free hot dogs, live music, fireworks, and more. 

Local band The Rogues Five will provide the entertainment for the event. The group of Sand Springs alumni charted regionally in the 1960s and opened for Jim Morrison and The Doors at the peak of their success. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker.

"What we tried to do as a committee in planning this party was reach out to all ages, to all genders, and I think we're doing that with the selection of these two artists," said Park Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards.

The Rogues will open up the show with classic rock music, while Morgan Ganem will perform during the evening festivities. Morgan is the son of I.J. and a prominent solo performer with residency at Safari Joe's H2O. 

(Left to right): I.J. Ganem, Morgan Ganem, Joy Turner, Jeff Edwards, Grant Gerondale.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise

"It's a great community," said I.J. Ganem. "I remember actually being here at the river parks...with my father for the very first raft race...Today is actually my wife and my 36th anniversary and we had our first semi-date here." The Great Raft Race will return to the park Labor Day weekend.

"Anytime our city gets behind what we're doing, it's a big honor," added Morgan.

The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization will send representatives to dedicate a new "Thunder Cares" basketball court. The park renovation also features new playgrounds, horseshoe pits, an 18-hole disc golf course, improved infrastructure and parking, and additional multi-use athletic fields. The amenities are anchored around the 1.94-acre Great Lawn and amphitheater.

Parking is limited and a $10 fee will be collected in the late afternoon. The parking ticket will also serve as a raffle ticket for a television giveaway.

"We have a brand new entrance. A lot of people didn't even know we have a park here, and a lot of people didn't know how large the park is," said Edwards. "There's something for everybody...Whether Riverfest happens around this time of year, or if it happens at a different time, I think what we're going to do is build the excitement to have a large community-sized event. An all day thing that families can come out to enjoy and use the quality of life features that we have in the park for them."

Existing features within the park include the Case Community Center, Inez Kirk Soccer Complex, Jerry Adair Baseball Complex, Rotary Super Splash Pad, Will Ramsey Softball Complex, volleyball courts, a BMX track, and a rodeo arena.

The rodeo arena is slated for demolition this winter, while two new park improvements will be on the ballot in November. In a November 14 special election, Sand Springs residents will vote on five general obligation bond propositions. Proposition One calls for a new roadway to be constructed over the levee separating the park from the Sheffield Crossing development. Proposition Three will provide funds for a new paved parking lot at the baseball fields.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves General Obligation Bond vote for November

Great Raft Race adds Sand Sculpture Contest, rental crafts, and School Challenge

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The Great Tulsa Raft Race hosted a press conference Friday morning to announce four new additions to this year's event.

The Sand Sculpture contest that ran for more than a decade through the 1980s and 1990s will return. The contest reportedly drew a thousand competitors at its peak and was featured on Good Morning America in 1991. World Champion sand sculptor John Gowdy is expected to present a Tulsa-themed piece at the race's finish line and will judge the competition.

Kayaks and inflatable rafts will also be available for rent for the first time through the Raft Race website. Registration for the event ends August 15th for both contestants and renters. In addition to renting a craft for the full race, participants will also be able to rent kayaks at the finish line.

Three weeks prior to the event there will be a pre-party presented by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation at Fuel 66. Full details on that event are yet to be announced.

American Airlines Government Affairs liaison Chase Beasley announced a new STEM Challenge for area schools. The Regional STEM alliance will create a curriculum around raft building, while American Airlines Engineers will partner with KKT Architects to assist ten schools in the construction of their vessel. American Airlines will provide the entry fee for the student teams, but raft materials will not be provided. 

Raft Race officials will aim to select a diverse group of schools, including Tulsa Public Schools, Sand Springs, and other neighboring districts. Student teams must include five to ten participants including one adult. All students must be 12 years or older. 

The Tulsa tradition ran from 1973 to 1991 before being resurrected in 2015. The Labor Day race will launch in Case Community Park in Sand Springs and will end at the River West Festival Park in Tulsa.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum spoke at the event and announced his intentions to participate in the race. "We're doing so much right now to make this revitalized as the defining natural asset that we have here in Tulsa...For generations people were able to utilize the Arkansas River as a point of recreation, and last year the citizens overwhelmingly said 'we want that again.'"

"This is one day out of 365 that we get to use the river for recreation. Think about what it's going to be like here in a few years when you can use it any day of the year," said Bynum.

The official T-shirt for the event was also announced. The mermaid design will be the official shirt received in the registration package, but the runner-up design will also be available for purchase.

Participants can register for the race and find more information at www.tulsaraftrace.com.

Downtown Sand Springs experiencing growth and restoration with several new businesses

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YellowHouse Market and Boutique is the newest business coming to downtown after buying out Deja Vu Decor. 

A city's downtown business district is often considered the heart of the community. In Oklahoma, where municipalities are almost fully dependent on sales tax revenue for general operations, a healthy downtown can be paramount to a healthy economy. 

If City officials and local businesses have their way, Sand Springs will soon be one of the premier downtowns in the State to spend the weekend shopping and sightseeing. 

In the recently-approved Sand Springs 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the City identified having an assorted variety of downtown restaurants, businesses, and services as vital to creating a sense of place within a community. The plan sets a goal of enhancing the downtown area as one of the primary focal points of the community.

Beau Wilson Insurance.

In the past, downtown Sand Springs has struggled with attracting both patrons and quality business establishments. Vice-Mayor Beau Wilson attributes the lack of customers to lack of quality retail, the curb appeal of many older buildings, and a failure to market downtown as a destination for Sand Springs. He also says that this is beginning to change.

"Downtown has a number of thriving boutiques and antique shops," says Wilson. "We are beginning to see citizens reinvest in our historic downtown." Beau Wilson Insurance opened in the historic Boone-Rose Building at 17 East 2nd Street this past November. The building was constructed in 1924.

"When I was looking to relocate my business to Sand Springs, there was no other location but downtown in my opinion. My wife, business partners and I were fully committed to finding a location in downtown...and it has been an honor to restore and revitalize a piece of our town's history." 

Dog and Duck Antiques.

Just two doors down from Wilson, Chris and Julie Bedokis opened Dog and Duck Antiques at 21 East 2nd Street on Memorial Day weekend. The couple already had a small booth at the Vintage Stables on Main Street but decided to open their own facility. The store didn't open with much fanfare initially, and is tentatively planning on a Grand Opening event later this year.

Another newcomer to the downtown area is YellowHouse Market & Boutique. Lisa and Mike Miller first opened YellowHouse at the Livi Lee's Shopping Center in October, but just nine months later they're already planning on relocating to a larger facility in the downtown business district. 

The new YellowHouse location will be at 122 North Main Street in the former Chastain's Department Store building. "We did buy a new building. It's a larger space. It's going to help us reach Sand Springs with more clothes, more goodies, and lots of fun," said Lisa Miller in a Facebook Live announcement. The Millers plan to stay open in their current location until the new building's remodel is complete.

The Chastain's building, constructed in 1931, has been owned and operated by Laurie Joslin for the past two decades. At one point she owned the Kindred Spirits novelty shop in the front and The Back Porch Cafe in the back. The Back Porch Cafe acquired a front porch after Joslin purchased the building next door and relocated the diner. She rebranded as The Lunch Box, then rebranded again as Chastain's Casual Cafe and Catering. Eventually the buildings were separated and Joslin opened DejaVu Decor while the old restaurant building was purchased by Boomarang Cafe.

Joslin and her husband, Mark, have plans to relocate their business to The Antique Depot in Skiatook, but will still reside in Sand Springs. They plan on featuring their house in the 39th Annual Pilot Club Parade of Homes later this year.

Chip and Annette Stacy opened Stacys' Resale Shop at 12 East 2nd Street in September of 2016 and recently expanded to their neighboring storefront for a music and guitar shop. The store boasts a large array of modern and classic comic books, records, 8-track cassettes, CDs, jewelry, knives, home decor, furniture, and more. 

The shop is filled with dozens of classic Les Pauls, German fiddles, and other unique instruments and collectibles. Looking up at the walls is like a trip through a museum. Original Black Sabbath, Jim Morrison, Joan Jett, Elvis, Willie Nelson, and other vinyl records wallpaper the store.

Troy and Stephanie Cleveland opened The Vintage Stables on Main in 2016 and performed one of the most notable restorations in recent years. The bright red barnstyle building could easily serve as a stop sign, telling drivers to pull over and shop. 

WSB Designs, LLC.

It's not all shopping in downtown, either. After the passing of Reverend Terry Scott in October, Future Vision Ministries closed their office on the Triangle and sold to local builder William Bell. Bell recently showcased a house in the Tulsa Parade of Homes and is still renovating his new studio. The front of the building pays homage to its prior resident with a quote from Scott. 

Unfortunately, not all classic buildings can be saved. In April of 2012, a fire devastated a historic building housing the Sand Springs Beauty College and Covington Credit. The skeleton remained until 2016 when it was demolished by the Sand Springs Home and construction began on a new retail/office building.

Left, damage from the 2012 fire is cordoned off with caution tape. Right, a new building is erected in the same location.

"The City has made tremendous strides in the past few years to give downtown its identity and purpose," says Wilson. "Under the excellent leadership of City Manager Elizabeth Gray and her staff, we will continue to see downtown prosper."

"As a city, we have some of the most talented employees. Many of whom donate their own time and particular talent and skill-sets to make Sand Springs better. Take the Triangle for example. Jeff Edwards and Grant Gerondale and the entire Parks Department took on that project making it what it is today...it truly is our employees who make the difference and will be the engine behind fueling the growth of downtown."

"I can remember a day when I was a kid when downtown seemed like a ghost town. Especially when all of the growth and emphasis was to the south of Sand Springs...Urban renewal and suburban sprawl were the catch phrases of the day. Rather than restore old buildings, it was easier to tear down and build something new, or reface old buildings with a new modern facade, losing that building's history entirely."

As to the future, Wilson says that the current City Council is committed to saving Sand Springs history. He would like to see downtown business owners take a more active role in beautifying their buildings, with further investment by both the city and its businesses. 

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POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat to hold Wine & Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend

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In recognition of Jazz Appreciation Month, POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat is thrilled to announce a return for the third year of the POSTOAK Wine & Jazz Festival. Presented by Blue Sky Bank, this year’s festival will be held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3.

“The Wine & Jazz Festival continues to provide a unique experience for residents and travelers in northeast Oklahoma.” said Trisha Kerkstra, general manager at POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat. “Last year, we added a wine/jazz dinner on Friday night and a champagne jazz brunch on Sunday. They were so well received, we decided to add a few more surprises for this year. Thanks to our sponsors and the fabulous growing jazz talent in Tulsa, we are delighted to provide performance opportunities for professional and student musicians.”

Headlining the event is the lively 17-piece Swunky Face Big Band Orchestra, featuring acclaimed Tulsa vocalist Branjae.

“With Branjae’s captivating stage persona, coupled with the swing sound of Swunky Face, we’re confident festival goers will find it hard to stay in their lawn chairs,” said Kerkstra. “It promises to be a spirited and entertaining festival all around.” 

The Wine & Jazz Festival is supported by VisitTulsa, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, as well as the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC).

“In addition to attracting national events to the Tulsa area, we also help cultivate and develop promising home-grown attractions,” said Ray Hoyt, president of VisitTulsa and Tulsa FMAC. “The POSTOAK Wine & Jazz Festival has already proven to be a runaway success, and we’re excited about the potential this event has to draw visitors from across the region.”

The Zuits, a high-energy swing, jazz and funk band, will kick off the music Saturday at 4 p.m. Also performing is bluesy jazz band Darrell Christopher and the Ingredients, the expressive Cynthia Simmons Quintet, and the hot jazz of Mischievous Swing, reminiscent of the sounds of French cafes and Gypsy camps.

Tickets are $15 each, with free admission for those 17 and under. Attendees will be able to purchase wine from some of Oklahoma’s best wineries and enjoy a variety of local food trucks. Additional events include a wine and jazz dinner Friday night and a champagne brunch Sunday morning.

Tickets and a variety of packages, including accommodations and meals, are on sale now through POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat’s website or by calling 918-425-2112.

Nestled in the Osage Hills, POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat is located ten minutes from downtown Tulsa. For more information on POSTOAK, visit postoaklodge.com.

POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat opens new Willow Cafe

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Willow Cafe at POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat in northwest Tulsa Friday morning.

POSTOAK lies just a mile outside the Sand Springs fenceline in the Osage Hills area at 5323 West 31st Street North, Tulsa.

While the lodge specializes in large events like weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats, they are also available for single night and weekend rentals for "leisure guests."

The Willow Cafe is the latest in a long list of amenities including a year-round outdoor swimming pool with two hot tubs, horseshoes, putting greens, croquet, basketball, volleyball, fishing, and a zip line tour with six lines totaling 3,865 feet. The facility is situated on more than 1,000 acres of hiking grounds.

POSTOAK is just ten minutes from downtown Tulsa, surrounded by rolling hills with bicycle lanes, and a short drive from the Gilcrease Museum and Tulsa Botanical Gardens.

"Our mission is to deliver first class service everywhere, every day," said General Manager Trisha Kerkstra. "We have a vision to be Oklahoma's number-one desired lodging destination. We try to work together for the good of our guests."

The Cafe is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It carries baked goods, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, ice cream, alcohol, and coffee products.

POSTOAK will also be hosting a Labor Day Weekend Wine & Jazz Festival. Tickets are $15 for adults, with free admittance for children 17 years and younger.