Halloween and the Grand Opening of Ree Drummond’s New Mercantile

Things will never be the same in Pawhuska, OK…..

Welcome back. In 1919 a group of volunteer citizens in Independence, Kansas started a festival for kids of all ages to celebrate Halloween in a safe, fun environment. Over the years this event has grown into the second largest annual celebration in the state. With three parades, a chili cook-off and lots of music as well as a carnival, a 10K run and numerous food vendors, the festival offers something for everyone. This year the musical line-up included finalists from TV’s The Voice, Alaska & Madi who are managed by my friend Jim Halsey. During an interview, Independence firefighter Barry Beurskens who also operates a great BBQ food truck told me the crowds were at record levels. By this time you locals know I’m talking about Neewollah which is Halloween spelled backwards and with the great weather I know everyone had a wonderful time.

As for me I had to be in Norman on Friday so I missed the big music show. The party I started at Balfour’s on Campus Corner is growing as the Sooner football team continues to win. It was another fun time and my next appearance there with Silver Shoes Joe Washington is Friday, November 11th, hope to see you there the day before Baylor Game. We will be at Balfour’s from 2-4 PM and once again Bob Stoops’ restaurant Louis’ Grill will be supplying free food. You really never know who might drop in.

After Friday’s gig, I was booked for two days at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds for a book signing at the big Grand National Gun and Knife Show. If you’ve never been to the fairgrounds, it is a huge venue with numerous buildings for all types of events and it looked to me like every building had something going on as all the parking lots were full. In the big Jim Norick Arena, the weeklong United States Team Roping Championship was in full swing. Friends, I found out that these cowboys come from all over the United States and Canada to try and win a piece of the $5,000,000 prize money that’s up for grabs. The competition is a lot of fun to watch and if you’re interested in going, the event is held in October every year in Oklahoma City.

Still on the move, Monday found me in Pawhuska at the grand opening of Ree Drummond’s new Mercantile. The waiting line was at least one hundred deep most of the day as people came from all around the country to check it out. These visitors also got the chance to explore some of the other neat shops in town. Across the street from Ree’s place is Osage Outfitters which is owned by Joey and Callie Lee. You’ll recognize the store by the twelve saddles they’ve got sitting out front. Inside is wall to wall cowboy merchandise, from clothing to boots, artwork to toys. This young couple has it all located in an old historic building right on Main Street. Right next door I found another interesting store full of artwork that caught my attention, particularly the work of an artist named Carolyn Mock. Mock is from Bartlesville and her paintings of animals look so natural you can almost hear their sounds.

Still another interesting shop is Big Country Pawn and Supply. At first glance you can tell this is not your average pawn shop and with all the metal artwork on display it looked more like an art gallery. You will need some time to browse through everything they have on hand so check it out along with the other little shops in Pawhuska. I’m sure you’ll find something you’re looking for.

Till next week I’ll see ya down the road…..

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