Wild Brew 2017 and the Sutton Avian Research Center

Welcome back. I find it hard to believe that Wild Brew is celebrating its 19th year. For those of you who don’t know this is the big annual fundraiser benefiting the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research which is just a few miles outside of Bartlesville. Among its many achievements, the Sutton Center was responsible for the reintroduction of bald eagles to this region and now it is common to see these majestic birds flying overhead.
When the event started in 1999 it was housed in a private airport hangar at the Tulsa Airport with only fans to beat back the August heat. Fortunately, now you can enjoy a wide variety of craft beers and delicious food in the spacious and air-conditioned Cox Center. Put August 12th, Tulsa and the Sutton Center on your calendar for a party where I can guarantee you’ll have fun.

I heard the Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band for the first time at Wild brew years back and they have become one of my all-time favorite groups. Just recently they performed for a huge crowd in the streets of Bartlesville and they will playing at various venues in the area throughout the summer with a show that brings out the ‘60s and ‘70s in everyone.

There’s another date to save for an event I’m starting to get excited about and that takes place a few miles north where Tom Mix lived for a while. September 23rd and 24th are the dates not only for Western Heritage Days but also for the Dewey High School all class reunion which is held every two years. Since somehow I’ve made it this long (47 years), I’m inviting everyone to downtown Dewey for a big party on Saturday. The streets will be closed and there will be food vendors, live bands, a parade, clowns and horses all in celebration of Tom Mix and the town of Dewey. Not from Dewey? Well no matter, all will be welcome at this gathering.

The Cow Thieves and Outlaws Reunion committee is also geared up for another big gig at Woolaroc on September 30th. It is always a worth the trip to Frank Phillips country home as he called Woolaroc and at night when the birds and animals come to life with hoots and howls it is a very special place.
We are fortunate to have these great events and a dozen more at least all happening in the northeast corner of Oklahoma. Every once and awhile I try to mention the folks who make all these things happen and without whom many worthwhile causes, especially museums, would suffer. Merriam’s dictionary defines a volunteer as “a person who willingly renders a service without compensation.” Friends, make sure to thank ‘em the next time you attend one of these fundraisers.

For me and for you the reader, starting next week and beyond it’s the place called Casa de Sol in Spanish and because of security it’s seldom seen. Guarded 24 hours a day by cameras and foot patrol, for many people around the world the ground I’ll be walking on is sacred.
Till next time from what I would say is the “house of the sun”, I’ll see ya down the road.

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