Park Avenue Thrift has officially hit a new milestone, and as a result, they are celebrating with the community to share the love! As of this year, Park Avenue Thrift has given back $5 million to local nonprofits and schools, and to celebrate they are planning a series of five community events hosted by five nonprofit partners between June and October of this year!
Park Avenue opened in 2007, and since then, it has continuously given back to the community. They started by funding five nonprofits, and over time, that number has continued to grow as they now support over 40 different nonprofits and schools each year through grants and sponsorships. As for how they’ve reached this milestone, Executive Director of Park Avenue, Stela Jantzen, states, “The answer is simple: everyone. This has been a community-wide effort from day one.” She continues with, “This milestone belongs to all of us.”
Kicking things off this month will be Leonardo’s Children’s Museum! Stop by Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and take advantage of FREE ADMISSION every Sunday in June from 1:00pm-6:00pm thanks to their Milestone Celebration Grant from Park Avenue! The Executive Director of Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Charlet Ringwald, states “We’re so thrilled to be a part of the Park Avenue Thrift’s Milestone Celebrations! Park Avenue is one of Leonardo’s biggest supporters, and we’re so grateful to have an organization like PAT to support education, quality of life, and so much more in our community.”
The other nonprofits participating in the celebration will be Main Street Enid in July, Enid Public Library in August, Gaslight Theatre in September, and the Enid Symphony Orchestra in October. Stela states, “It’s our way of saying thank you to Enid while continuing our mission: supporting the organizations that make this a great place to live, work, and grow. We’re giving each partner the space to shine and create something meaningful for the community, and we’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who made it possible.”
The community celebrations are designed to reflect the heart of their organization, and they all offer something joyful and meaningful to the public. The details of each celebration will be announced closer to its date, but Stela shares “you can expect a mix of free events, performances, community gatherings, and family programming, all designed to give to the Enid community.”
Moving forward, Park Avenue is focused on strengthening their grant program, finding new ways to deepen their impact, and growing their support for local schools and nonprofits. They’ve also recently acquired a building that will help them grow behind the scenes while also supporting future opportunities.
Park Avenue Thrift is a nonprofit organization with a mission of strengthening the Enid community through donations, operating a top-notch thrift store, and giving the proceeds to local nonprofit organizations and schools that invest in quality-of-life initiatives, and this new milestone is another testimony to that mission!
[Enid, OK] – Park Avenue Thrift is proud to continue its $5 Million Milestone Celebration with Main Street Enid’s Painted Sky Arts & Music Fest, an exciting new downtown event packed with creativity, live entertainment, and family fun.
Since 2007, Park Avenue Thrift has given $5 million back to local nonprofits and schools. To celebrate this milestone, Park Avenue Thrift is partnering with five local nonprofit organizations to host a series of community-focused events from June through October. These celebrations are designed to thank the Enid community, empower the organizations Park Avenue Thrift supports, and highlight the meaningful impact of local giving.
“We are so excited with what Main Street Enid is bringing to our community with the Park Avenue Thrift Milestone Celebration Grant,” said Stela Jantzen, Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift. “Main Street Enid’s new Painted Sky Arts & Music Fest is such a joyful and vibrant event that will bring people together in the heart of downtown.”
Painted Sky Arts & Music Fest will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. in Downtown Enid. The festival will feature live music, artist vendors, food trucks, art and craft demonstrations, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities including a Kid’s Zone, large inflatable water slides, and a glow foam dance party during a live DJ set.
“Park Avenue Thrift has been such a strong supporter of Main Street Enid for years, and we’re so thankful for everything they’ve helped us bring to life downtown,” said Natalie Rapp, Executive Director of Main Street Enid. “Thanks to this milestone celebration grant, we’re kicking off a brand new free event that’s going to be a blast for all ages. It’ll be packed with amazing local and regional musicians, talented artists, and a ton of fun things to do for the whole family. We’re so excited to add this to our downtown lineup and start a new tradition for Enid.”
More details about upcoming milestone celebration events will be shared throughout the year.
For more information about Park Avenue Thrift, its giving programs, and upcoming events, please visit www.parkavenuethrift.org or follow along on Facebook or Instagram at @ParkAvenueThriftEnid.
About Park Avenue Thrift
Park Avenue Thrift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to strengthen the Enid community and serve others by collecting donations and giving the proceeds to Enid nonprofits that invest in quality-of-life initiatives.
About Main Street Enid
Main Street Enid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Enid through community engagement, historic preservation, and economic growth. For more information about Main Street Enid, its programs, and upcoming events, please visit www.mainstreetenid.org or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownmainstreetenid/ or Instagram at instagram.com/mainstreetenid/
June 1-15 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday A Body of Work: More Than Skin Deep Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S 4th St.) Temporary exhibit featuring tattoo art by regional tattoo artists
June 3 6:30 pm Geeks Who Drink Trivia Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 4 Trivia 7:30 pm Settlers Brewery (202 E Randolph)
June 5 11 am-12 pm Veterans Coffee Social OK Military History Exhibit (4125 W Owen K. Garriott)
5-8 pm Enid Geeks Game Night Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6-8 pm Trivia Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S Independence)
6:30-9:30 pm Music Bingo Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
7:30 pm Singo Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E Randolph)
June 6 6-9 pm First Friday Downtown Enid
June 6-8 8 am USTA Central Region Baton Championship Stride Bank Center (302 S Grand)
June 7 9 am-12:30 pm 4RKids Walk & Carnival 4RKids (710 Overland Trail)
11 am-3 pm History Alive! Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S 4th St.) Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
7:30 pm Auto Racing: USL Non-Wing Sprints Enid Speedway (302 E Oxford) Factory Stocks, Hot Shots, Sport Mods/B Mods
9:30 pm Karaoke Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 10 4-6 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Night Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E Maple)
6:30 pm Geeks Who Drink Trivia Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 10-14 6:30 pm Summer Chautauqua NWOSU-Enid (2929 E Randolph) “Anything Goes: America in the Roaring 20s” Characters include Al Capone, Zitkala-Sa, Zane Grey, Bessie Smith & Mae West.
June 11 3:15-4:15 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Day Spirit Express (3104 N Van Buren)
Trivia 7:30 pm Settlers Brewery (202 E Randolph)
June 12 5-8 pm Enid Geeks Game Night Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6-8 pm Trivia Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S Independence)
6:30-9:30 pm Music Bingo Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
7:30 pm Singo Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E Randolph)
June 13-14 7-11:30 pm Van Buren Cruisers: Stayin’ Alive in 2025 Van Buren Street
June 14 9 am-12 pm Enid Cars & Coffee 7 Brew Coffee (4010 W Garriott) Meet in the morning, Cruise VB at night
9 am-5 pm Girls Day Out Shopping Event Stride Bank Center (302 S Grand)
4-7 pm Van Buren Cruisers Car Show Chisholm Trail Professional Building (102 N Van Buren)
9:30 pm Karaoke Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 16 5-8 pm Sensory-Friendly Family Night Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 17 6:30 pm Geeks Who Drink Trivia Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 18 Trivia 7:30 pm Settlers Brewery (202 E Randolph)
June 19 11 am-12 pm Veterans Coffee Social OK Military History Exhibit (4125 W Owen K. Garriott)
5-8 pm Enid Geeks Game Night Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6-8 pm Trivia Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S Independence)
6:30-9:30 pm Music Bingo Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
7:30 pm Singo Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E Randolph)
7:30 pm Yachtley Crew Stride Bank Center (302 S Grand) Concert encapsulates the revival of soft rock and Top 40 hits from the late 70s and early 80s
7:30 pm Turpin Tunes Turpin Room at Gaslight Theatre (221 N Independence)
June 21 7:30-10 am Monthly Breakfast Fly-In Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S 66th St.) Barnstormers Breakfast Buffet $10.99 each.
11 am-3 pm History Alive! Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S 4th St.) Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
9:30 pm Karaoke Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 24 6:30 pm Geeks Who Drink Trivia Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
June 25 Trivia 7:30 pm Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E Randolph)
June 26 5-8 pm Enid Geeks Game Night Springhill Suites Marriott (5815 KL Dr.)
6-8 pm Trivia Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery (126 S Independence)
6:30-9:30 pm Music Bingo Enid Axe (104 N Independence)
7:30 pm Singo Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E Randolph)
June 28 6-8 pm Cardboard & Duct Tape Boat Race Champlin Pool (400 W Cherokee)
The cost of living may be up, but there’s no reason that Enid folks can’t get down this summer—down with FUN! That is undeniably cheesy, but it is also undeniably true. There are a lot of free and low-cost fun things to do in and around Enid this summer, so keep reading for the inside scoop!
Most people will start at home. There are the usual suspects of television, tablets, and maybe even the occasional book. The Public Library of Enid & Garfield County has a fantastic summer reading program, and don’t forget about Putnam Six Bookstore, Ruth’s Christian Bookstore, and Park Avenue Thrift for delightful assortments of new and gently used titles. But eventually, even the most dedicated viewers and readers will feel like they want to venture out of the house.
In town, some of the best-loved free summer options come courtesy of the City of Enid Department of Parks and Recreation. With over 30 parks and recreational areas within the city (over 400 acres total!), options include “playing fields for baseball, tennis, football, soccer, disc golf, pickle ball, several small lakes for fishing, a swimming pool, splash pads, and walking trails.” Of special note for parents are the numerous playgrounds that dot the city. Some well-known ones include Champlin Park, Crosslin Park, Government Springs Park, and Meadowlake Park. These are complemented by numerous neighborhood playgrounds, such as Monsees Park or Phillips Southern Heights Park. These tend to be smaller, but they are loved by locals.
Of course, it’s summertime, and here in Oklahoma, blazing temperatures can be a part of life. When your kids need more than a garden hose and a sprinkler from Walmart, take advantage of Enid’s splash pads. Parks & Rec maintains two: Hoover Park and Splash Pad (3000 West Oklahoma Avenue) and Champion Park and Splash Pad (700 North 10th Street). Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week, both sites provide endless fun-filled relief from the heat, all free of charge. Youngsters can also enjoy the playgrounds at each location, and everyone will appreciate the restrooms on site.
When the family (or just you by yourself!) needs to take a plunge, Champlin Pool awaits. Located by the Denny Price YMCA downtown, the pool is a beloved Enid institution. Generations of kids have learned to swim there, fitness buffs have taken numerous water aerobics classes there, and countless families enjoy cooling off there every summer. With concessions, locker rooms, and picnic tables available, the pool offers tremendous value to Enid families, charging a nominal fee of $3.00 per person per day (pass options also available).
Every summer, Champlin Pool offers the community a multitude of great events. There’s Adult Float Night with a Movie (June 21) and the once-a-month “Teen Night.” There is the Flying ACEs Summer Splash, which will involve a swim clinic with Coach Hogan Thomas, food trucks, relay races, and a mock meet (June 14—registration required). “Anybody can participate as long as they know it’s a race and aren’t doing cannonballs in the deep end!” said Jessica Nelson, who manages the pool. But one of the most exciting events is the annual Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat Race, which invites teams to see whose boats are the most seaworthy. Last year’s winners were “The Beekeepers, and they used 72 rolls of duct tape. And they wore their big beekeeper hats. It was wild!” recounted Jessica. This year’s races will be held on Saturday, June 25, so be sure to head to Champlin to see boats that defy both physics and imagination.
Even local dogs have joined in on the fun at Champlin. No, you can’t exactly take Fido swimming with you, but when the pool closes for the season, dog owners can bring their pups for a special “Doggie Dip” before emptying the pool. “It’s very popular!” according to Jessica, who said that the event has been going on for at least the past five years.
Meadowlake Park offers a variety of fun things for kids of all ages. Located on Van Buren, you’ve probably driven by and seen the train tracks and Ferris wheel. The rides and concessions are operated by the Kiwanis Club, with all proceeds benefiting local children’s charities. Carousel rides, miniature golf, and paddle boats are also available, along with walking and biking trails, horseshoe courts, courts for both tennis and baseball, a dog park, and a playground for children. Rides and concessions are generally open on the weekends but check https://visitenid.org/meadowlake-park for specific hours.
The weekend of July 4th is one of Meadowlake’s chances to shine. Before the evening concert by Enid Symphony Orchestra and the dazzling fireworks display, there is the fishing derby. Starting early in the morning, it is open to all and especially welcoming to children (adults need a license, but kids do not). Prizes are awarded for the largest fish, but anyone who catches a fish with a special color tag can choose from a variety of prizes such as tents, camping gear, etc.
Speaking of July 4th, the town of Carmen throws a spectacular celebration on July 5th. Just under an hour west of Enid, Carmen’s annual July 5th bash is one of the largest fireworks displays in northern Oklahoma. So, if your kids can’t get enough fireworks, head to Carmen’s city park on the 5th of July and make a day of it. The city pool will be open, and there’s food trucks and entertainment, and of course, fireworks.
Fireworks in Carmen aren’t the only thing happening nearby. Given the price of gas, this story sticks to things within a one-hour radius of Enid, but even so, there are plenty of options that are both family and budget friendly.
You may remember hearing about sod houses in history class, but have you ever seen a real one? Head to just south of Carmen, and you can visit the Sod House Museum in Aline, Oklahoma. It preserves the “only remaining sod house” that exists in Oklahoma and “interprets the early-day lifestyles of a pioneer, from the establishment of the Cherokee Outlet in 1893 to 1920.” The “Sod House Museum is the number one rural museum in Oklahoma,” according to Carla Burdick, executive director of Red Carpet Country, the tourism bureau for our region. The sod house even allows visitors to “enjoy the experience of walking through the “soddy.” Admission for children is just $4.00 (adults are $7.00).
A bit southwest of Aline brings you to Gloss Mountain State Park, which is unlike any other park you’ve been to pretty much anywhere. The mountains have a “high Selenite content that mimics a shiny glass exterior,” giving the park its name. There is no camping available at Gloss Mountain State Park, but you can hike from sunrise to sunset.
Heading to the east, you’ve got more options. There is Perry, Oklahoma, which hosts a famous “Family Fun Day” in early August. Kids can see firsthand blacksmith demonstrations, experience sack races, and all kinds of other old-timey pursuits.
There are also opportunities to celebrate Oklahoma’s Native American cultures. Our state hosts dozens of powwows every year, and two of them are within an hour of Enid. They are free and open to the public, and they offer a unique look at the rich historical and modern tribal heritage found in Oklahoma. The Tonkawa Tribal Powwow will take place the last weekend in June, and events will include Native American dancing, crafts, a Veteran’s Supper, and several sporting contests.
Also, on the schedule before summer’s end is the Standing Bear Powwow, which takes place in Ponca City. Scheduled for August 21-24, the powwow is celebrating its 149th year and is considered “one of the most significant Native American events in the nation.” According to Carla, “Powwows are open to the public. They don’t care if you take pictures but be polite about it…just try to be mindful of their traditions. But it’s a really neat thing, and if you’ve never seen a powwow, it’s probably the best one close by here and the best setup.”
Heading south on Hwy 81, there is something that should interest almost everyone. Given the distinct lack of a movie theater in Enid, folks who want to see a movie often feel like they have to trek all the way to OKC. Well, did you know that there is a bona fide movie theater down the road in Kingfisher? It’s called “The 89’er,” it’s about 45 minutes away, and they show first-run films. Tickets cost far less than a big city multiplex, which leaves you with enough left over for popcorn and soda. “It’s a very clean, historic type movie theater,” said Carla, who also pointed out that there are movie theaters in Tonkawa and Ponca City.
Wherever you go, there are things to do in almost every direction from Enid, all within about an hour’s drive. And remember that here at home, ongoing events such as First Fridays keep the fun going. Brought to you by Main Street Enid, they feature vendors, music, food trucks, and lots of kid-friendly activities. Whether you need an ice cream cone, a cold adult beverage, a little shopping, or your kids want to ride on the BAT express, there’s something for everyone at First Fridays. Just head to downtown Enid from 6-10 P.M. on the First Friday of June, August, September, or October (July is excluded this year due to falling on the weekend of July 4th ) for good times and good eats!
For close, it’s worth mentioning perennial favorite Leonardo’s Children’s Museum. With an impressive array of fun and educational elements, thousands of youngsters have made countless memories at Leonardo’s throughout the years. Inside you will find the permanent exhibits, but these aren’t your stodgy, “Don’t touch!” exhibits of traditional museums. Instead, children will find interactive, hands-on features that offer tons of learning disguised as fun. There is even a small animal room, which features a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and a few small mammals. Staff educate guests and will carefully hold the animals so that guests can directly (and gently!) interact with them. And of course, during the summer, Leonardo’s operates a water feature in the outdoor Adventure Castle.
For summertime, one of the most special things offered by Leonardo’s are the Discovery Camps. These camps are a ton of fun for elementary kids, and they run throughout the months of June and July. The theme for 2025 is “Adventure!” and each week, kids will learn about a different country. From arts, culture, food, science, and more, campers will dive into the people and places that make up our world.
All children deserve the opportunity to learn and play, and to that end, Leonardo’s is committed to making itself accessible to all members of the Enid community. With that in mind, there are scholarships available for the Discovery Camps, so cost need not be an obstacle. In addition, reduced admission is available year-round thanks to Leonardo’s participation in Museums for All, an initiative of the Institute of Museums and Library Services. This program allows guests “to receive all day admission to Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and Adventure Quest for $3 per guest for up to 4 guests when they present their SNAP EBT or WIC card and photo I.D.”
From your local playground to Ponca City, there’s a lot to do. Enid residents have plenty of free and low-cost options for summer fun – and truthfully, there wasn’t enough room in this story to mention every single one. If you ever find yourself wondering what else is out there, conduct a quick and simple Google search or use local resources to find out what’s going on in the surrounding areas, or check out the events calendar within Enid Monthly for local events and activities!
“Standing Bear Powow” images courtesy of Visit Ponca City
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum images courtesy of Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation
Champlin Pool and splashpad images courtesy of City of Enid Department of Parks and Recreation
Voting has officially closed, and we have our top 3 finalists for each category! Congratulations to our finalists, and congratulations to everyone who was nominated. Each category may only have one winner, but being nominated is no small feat because that means the community not only saw you and your business but appreciate the work you do! Thank you to all of the businesses, companies, and organizations that make Enid what it is, and thank you to the community for taking the time to vote for your favorites!
Tickets and Sponsorships are on sale now! Individual tickets are $35, but for larger groups, a table is recommended to ensure seating with your party. Refer to the graphic above for more information about sponsorships. The event will be Thursday, June 12th, and the doors will open at 6:00pm. Dinner will be served, and your ticket will get you entered in the raffle for a chance to win prizes donated by Rock Island Liquor & Wine, Ediger’s Diamonds, Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa, Stride Bank Center, and more! It’ll be a night you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets before they’re gone!
Best Accountant
Andy Campbell, CPA
Sandy Schoonover Hall
Michael Dotson
Best Apartments
Esplanade at Stonebridge Village Apartments
Tuscana Apartments
Oakwood West
Best Attorney
David Trojan
Michael Kelly
Ben Ezzell
Best Auto Maintenance & Repair
PDR Plus Inc
Smitty’s Diesel and Automotive Repair
Ramco Undercar Specialist
Best Bank/Credit Union
Stride Bank
Tinker Federal Credit Union
Cowboy Bank
Best Bakery: Cakes, Cookies, and Sweets
Jumbo Foods
The Main Street Mercantile & Cookie Co.
Katy’s Pantry
Best BBQ
Blaze’s BBQ
Squire & Cindy’s Kitchen
Swadleys Bar – B – Q
Best Bar
Settlers Brewing Co.
Enid Axe – Liquor in the Axe
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Best Boutique
The Turquoise Boutique
Kynlee’s Kreations
Boho Teepee
Best Breakfast/Brunch Spot
Cafe Volare
Wee Too
Willow Inn Café
Best Burger
Lotta Burger
Flamingo Lounge
Lenox Drive In
Best CBD/Cannabis Store
Natural Remedies MMJ
American Cannabis Company
Mothers Joy Dispensary
Best Coffee Shop
Waymaker Coffee Company
Da Vinci’s Coffeehouse and Gelateria
7 Brew Coffee
Best Car Dealership
Stuart Nissan
Jackson’s of Enid
Northcutt Toyota
Best Childcare Provider
EPS Cares
Sandbox Learning Center
The Learning Tree
Best Children’s Party Spot
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum & Adventure Quest
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Oakwood Bowl
Best Chiropractor
Coulter Chiropractic
Cornerstone Chiropractic
Kenyon Chiropractic
Best Dental Care/Orthodontist
Enid Family Dental
TLC Dental
Healthy Smiles
Best Electrician
Byrum Electric, LLC
Dense Mechanical
KC Electric
Best Entertainment/Nightlife
Settlers Brewing Co.
Enid Axe
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Best Eye Care
Nicholas Eye Clinic
Heartland Family Eyecare
Premier Eyecare
Best Financial Planner
Michael Wright
Rob Bullis
Keith Holsten – K/H Financial
Best Fitness/Gym
GYM
Finer Physiques Fitness Center
The Denny Price Family YMCA
Best Flooring
A to Z Flooring
Carpet Plus Flooring & Furniture
A E Howard Flooring
Best Florist
Huffman Floral
Enid Floral & Gifts
Uptown Florist and Gifts
Best Funeral Services
Anderson-Burris Funeral Home & Crematory
Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory
Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home
Best Hair Salon
Make Me Beautiful Salon
Bloom Hair Studio
Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Best Heat & Air
Slater Mechanical
Dense Mechanical
Budget Friendly Heating & AC
Best Home Health/Hospice
Choice Hospice
Hospice Circle of Love
CompleteOK Home Health & Hospice
Best Home Maintenance & Remodeling
Stephens Construction and Remodeling
Kool Foam LLC
Extreme Remodeling
Best Insurance Agency
Jeff Eaton – State Farm
Andy Swann – State Farm
Baker-Harris-Hopkins Insurance
Best Jewelry
Ediger’s Diamonds
Jackson Diamond Jewelers
Zales
Best Liquor Store
Rock Island Liquor & Wine
The Wine Press
Proof Wine & Spirits
Best Locally Owned Restaurant
Mama Tita’s Mexican Tacos
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Sandy’s Tacos
Best Massage Therapy/Therapist
Tonya’s Massage & Wellness Spa
Kristine Davis
Amanda Peters – Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Best Medical Spa/Skin Care
Amanda Peters – Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
D Pro Lash
Alicia Gamble – Miss A Aesthetics
Best Mexican Dining
Catrinas Mexican Grill
El Patio Mexican Grill & Cantina
Cafe Garcia
Best Nail Technician/Salon
Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Allie Nails at D Pro Lash
DNT Nails & Spa
Best Pet Grooming
Groom Closet Pet Center
Unleashed – Pet Grooming Salon
The Grooming Nook
Best Pharmacy
Family Pharmacy
Scheffe Prescription Shop
Rick’s Pharmacy
Best Photographer
L. Staerkel Photography LLC
Wess & Jolene Gray Portraits
Jackson Morgan Photography
Best Plumber
Monkey Wrench Plumbing
Dense Mechanical
Dennis Plumbing Co.
Best Primary Care Professional
Dr. Hayley Hudson, DO, M.S.
Dr. Renah Gibson, DO
Dr. Chris Shearer, DO
Best Realtor
Lori Dick
Torrie Vann
Amber Slater
Best Roofing
Vargas Roofing
Eagle Heritage Roofing Inc
Fine Roofing and Remodeling
Best Senior Living/Care
Greenbrier Village & Burgundy Place
Baptist Village of Enid
The Commons
Best Tattoo Parlor
Nick Wilcox – Omocke Ink
Aria Justice-Walker – Apothika Tattoo
Amber Bailey – Apothika Tattoo
Best Thrift Store
Doll House Thrift and Gift
Rudy’s Re-Tail Thrift & More
Park Avenue Thrift
Best Veterinarian
Gerald Weinand – Wheatland Animal Clinic
Kristy Krueger – Krueger-Krisle Mobile Vet Services
Author: Mo Willems Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa Rating: 4/5 stars
Author Mo Willems released a new Pigeon book in March 2025 – Will the Pigeon Graduate? – and I simply cannot not review it for graduation season this month. For those unfamiliar, Mo Willems is one of the best authors and illustrators for picture books for kiddos, and his two main series are Elephant and Piggie and the Pigeon. The books are perfect read-aloud books: not too many words per page, fantastic pictures, and hilarious stream-of-consciousness dialogue.
In Will the Pigeon Graduate?, the Pigeon is fairly confident he will graduate. He’s put in the work; he’s overcome different obstacles. But suddenly, as he gets closer to the stage, another worry overtakes him. He should graduate, yes, but what happens after that?! The great unknown is very frightening and daunting…until he realizes, he is brave and ready to tackle whatever comes next!
While this book’s age range is technically listed as 3-5 years old, I think it could work for any level of graduating, whether it’s kindergarteners going up to first grade or elementary kiddos moving on to middle school. I think it could even be given to high school and college graduates too. The first Pigeon book came out in 2003, so it would be this really nice coda to a series they grew up reading. So, if you’re perhaps looking for something besides Oh, the Places You’ll Go this May, you can’t go wrong with Mo Willems and you can’t go wrong with this latest book of his.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Will the Pigeon Graduate? today!
[Enid, OK] – Park Avenue Thrift is proud to announce its $5 Million Milestone Celebration, a special series of events commemorating an incredible achievement: $5 million given back to local nonprofits and schools since 2007.
To celebrate this milestone, Park Avenue Thrift is partnering with five local nonprofit organizations to host a series of community-focused events from June through October. These celebrations are designed to thank the Enid community, empower the organizations Park Avenue Thrift supports, and highlight the meaningful impact of local giving.
“Our mission has always been about strengthening our community,” said Stela Jantzen, Executive Director of Park Avenue Thrift. “Reaching the $5 million milestone is a reflection of the generosity and spirit of our shoppers, donors, employees, and partners and we want to celebrate that together.”
Each $5 Million Milestone Celebration will be hosted by one of Park Avenue Thrift’s nonprofit partners and will feature free or low-cost activities open to the public. The 2025 celebration partners include: Leonardo’s Children’s Museum in June, Main Street Enid in July, Enid Public Library in August, Gaslight Theatre in September, Enid Symphony Orchestra in October.
The celebration series kicks off in June with Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, whose mission is to enrich and inspire children of all ages through hands-on learning. As part of the $5 Million Milestone Celebration, Leonardo’s will offer free admission to both the museum and Adventure Quest every Sunday in June 2025, beginning June 1. The museum will be open from 1 PM to 6 PM each Sunday for families to enjoy this special opportunity.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of Park Avenue Thrift’s Milestone Celebration,” said Charlet Ringwald, Executive Director at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum. ”We’ve been talking about opening the museum up again on Sundays and this gives us an amazing opportunity to try new hours and give more opportunities for families to play and discover.”
More details about upcoming celebration events will be shared throughout the year.
For more information about Park Avenue Thrift, its giving programs, and upcoming events, please visit www.parkavenuethrift.org or follow along on Facebook or Instagram at @ParkAvenueThriftEnid.
About Park Avenue Thrift
Park Avenue Thrift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to strengthen the Enid community and serve others by collecting donations and giving the proceeds to Enid nonprofits that invest in quality-of-life initiatives.
Voting will close tomorrow, the 28th, at 5:00pm, so these results are not final or definite. However, here are the top 5 finalists in each of the 50 categories in a randomized order. Congratulations to everyone nominated and to the current top 5 of each category! Please keep in mind that voting is still open for one more day, so it’s still anyone’s game! Don’t forget to keep voting!
Best Accountant
Andy Campbell, CPA
Sandy Schoonover Hall
Michael Dotson
Bradley Pasby, CPA
Riley Hall
Best Apartments
Esplanade at Stonebridge Village Apartments
Tuscana Apartments
Oakwood West
Fountain Lake Apartments
Prairie Flats Apartments
Best Attorney
David Trojan
Michael Kelly
Ben Ezzell
Dalen McVay
Michael Roberts
Best Auto Maintenance & Repair
PDR Plus Inc
Smitty’s Diesel and Automotive Repair
Ramco Undercar Specialist
Four J’s
Speed Tech Automotive
Best Bank/Credit Union
Stride Bank
Security National Bank
Tinker Federal Credit Union
Cowboy Bank
Bank of Oklahoma
Best Bakery: Cakes, Cookies, and Sweets
Jumbo Foods
NiNi V’s Cakes & More
The Main Street Mercantile & Cookie Co.
Katy’s Pantry
Tori’s Cookie Haven
Best BBQ
Texas Roadhouse
Blaze’s BBQ
Smoke Wagon BBQ
Squire & Cindy’s Kitchen
Swadleys Bar – B – Q
Best Bar
Settlers Brewing Co.
Enid Axe – Liquor in the Axe
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
CW Scooters of Enid
The Locker Room Sports Bar
Best Boutique
Isabellas By Yaneli
Kendra Kay’s Boutique
The Turquoise Boutique
Kynlee’s Kreations
Boho Teepee
Best Breakfast/Brunch Spot
Cafe Volare
Wee Too
Boomarang Diner
Willow Inn Café
Heydy’s Place
Best Burger
Lotta Burger
Flamingo Lounge
2nd & Elm Onion Burgers
Lenox Drive In
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Best CBD/Cannabis Store
Natural Remedies MMJ
American Cannabis Company
Mothers Joy Dispensary
Kush Gardens Dispensary
Lotus Gold Cannabis Dispensary
Best Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Waymaker Coffee Company
Da Vinci’s Coffeehouse and Gelateria
7 Brew Coffee
Coffee Inclination
Best Car Dealership
Skyway Honda of Enid
Stuart Nissan
Jackson’s of Enid
Stevens Ford
Northcutt Toyota
Best Childcare Provider
EPS Cares
Busy Bee Day Care
Denny Price Family YMCA
Sandbox Learning Center
The Learning Tree
Best Children’s Party Spot
Leonardo’s Children’s Museum & Adventure Quest
Skatetown
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Oakwood Bowl
Railroad Museum of Oklahoma
Best Chiropractor
Anderson Chiropractic
Coulter Chiropractic
Cornerstone Chiropractic
Kenyon Chiropractic
Body In Motion Chiropractic
Best Dental Care/Orthodontist
Rose Rock Orthodontics
Enid Family Dental
TLC Dental
Healthy Smiles
SugarCreek Dental
Best Electrician
Byrum Electric, LLC
Dense Mechanical
KC Electric
Bradford Electric
Brody Ronistal Electric
Best Entertainment/Nightlife
Stride Bank Center
Settlers Brewing Co.
Enid Axe
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Gaslight Theatre
Best Eye Care
Nicholas Eye Clinic
Heartland Family Eyecare
Premier Eyecare
Enid Eye
Enid Vision Source
Best Financial Planner
Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies
Michael Wright
Rob Bullis
Keith Holsten – K/H Financial
Kim Collins
Best Fitness/Gym
GYM
Finer Physiques Fitness Center
The Denny Price Family YMCA
Planet Fitness
MPower Fit
Best Flooring
Morrow’s Discount Floor Installation
A to Z Flooring
Carpet Plus Flooring & Furniture
The Countertop Shop
A E Howard Flooring
Best Florist
Huffman Floral
Enid Floral & Gifts
Uptown Florist and Gifts
Bloom Avenue
Jumbo Floral
Best Funeral Services
Amy Stittsworth Funeral Services
Anderson-Burris Funeral Home & Crematory
Brown-Cummings Funeral Home
Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory
Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home
Best Hair Salon
Make Me Beautiful Salon
Bluejays Barbershop & Beauty
Bloom Hair Studio
Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Twisted Scissors Hair Studio
Best Heat & Air
Maxey’s Air Conditioning & Heating
Faith Mechanical
Slater Mechanical
Dense Mechanical
Budget Friendly Heating & AC
Best Home Health/Hospice
Choice Hospice
Hospice Circle of Love
CompleteOK Home Health & Hospice
Traditions Health Home Health and Hospice
INTEGRIS Health Home Care
Best Home Maintenance & Remodeling
Le Roux Contracting
Stephens Construction and Remodeling
JMB Concrete Construction
Kool Foam LLC
Extreme Remodeling
Best Insurance Agency
Jeff Eaton – State Farm
Andy Swann – State Farm
Enid Insurance Agency
Bay Insurance
Baker-Harris-Hopkins Insurance
Best Jewelry
Mead Jewelers
Ediger’s Diamonds
Jackson Diamond Jewelers
Zales
Ojito Jewels
Best Liquor Store
Norma J’s Liquor
Rock Island Liquor & Wine
Sundance Wine & Spirits
The Wine Press
Proof Wine & Spirits
Best Locally Owned Restaurant
Mama Tita’s Mexican Tacos
Callahan’s Pub & Grille
Sandy’s Tacos
Willow Inn Café
Taco Bandito
Best Massage Therapy/Therapist
Tonya’s Massage & Wellness Spa
Kristine Davis
Amanda Peters – Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Dia Metcalf, LMT
Angie Grothe – Thai Yoga Massage
Best Medical Spa/Skin Care
Amanda Peters – Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
D Pro Lash
Alicia Gamble – Miss A Aesthetics
Tonya’s Massage & Wellness Spa
Brittany Martin – Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Best Mexican Dining
Heydy’s Place
Catrinas Mexican Grill
Sandy’s Tacos
El Patio Mexican Grill & Cantina
Cafe Garcia
Best Nail Technician/Salon
Enchanted Beauty Wellness Spa
Allie Nails at D Pro Lash
DNT Nails & Spa
V.I.P Nails & Spa
Coco Nail Bar Enid
Best Pet Grooming
Groom Closet Pet Center
Unleashed – Pet Grooming Salon
The Grooming Nook
The Lilly Pad Grooming Salon
The Brass Poodle
Best Pharmacy
Family Pharmacy
Scheffe Prescription Shop
INTEGRIS Health Baptist Pharmacy
Evans Express Pharmacy
Rick’s Pharmacy
Best Photographer
L. Staerkel Photography LLC
Wess & Jolene Gray Portraits
Jackson Morgan Photography
Skye Weber Photography
Heddleson Photography
Best Plumber
Slater Mechanical
Monkey Wrench Plumbing
Dense Mechanical
Dennis Plumbing Co.
J A Benge Co.
Best Primary Care Professional
Dr. Hayley Hudson, DO, M.S.
Dr. Renah Gibson, DO
Dr. Chris Shearer, DO
Dr. Eve Switzer, M.D.
Riley Kline, PA-C
Best Realtor
Lori Dick
Torrie Vann
Amber Sprague
Amber Slater
Tara Dalton
Best Roofing
Billy G Payne Construction
Vargas Roofing
Eagle Heritage Roofing Inc
Good Choice Homes LLC
Fine Roofing and Remodeling
Best Senior Living/Care
Greenbrier Village & Burgundy Place
Baptist Village of Enid
The Commons
2nd Home Adult Daycare
Arbors Senior Living Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
Nick Wilcox – Omocke Ink
Aria Justice-Walker – Apothika Tattoo
Amber Bailey – Apothika Tattoo
Arielle Tocco – Tangent Wallflower Tattoo
Chris Bodelle – Blood Brothers
Best Thrift Store
Hope Outreach Marketplace
Doll House Thrift and Gift
Return Engagement
Rudy’s Re-Tail Thrift & More
Park Avenue Thrift
Best Veterinarian
Gerald Weinand – Wheatland Animal Clinic
Kristy Krueger – Krueger-Krisle Mobile Vet Services
As a monthly donor to the ESPCA, your contributions profoundly impact the lives of animals in need.
There are so many ways this helps, and here are just a few:
1. Reliable Funding for Daily Operations: Monthly donations provide a steady income stream, which is important for covering the shelter’s day-to-day expenses, including food, medical care, and maintenance.
2. Long-Term Planning: With regular funding, the ESPCA can plan long-term rescue operations and initiatives without the worry of fluctuating donations. This stability allows the staff to focus more on saving animals and less on finances.
3. Direct Impact on Animals: Your monthly support helps rescue more animals, provides necessary medical treatments, and secures loving homes for pets in need. Each donation, no matter the size, cumulatively makes a significant difference.
Volunteering at Off-Site Adoption Events
Volunteering at off-site adoption events is a rewarding way to connect with your community while helping animals find forever homes.
Here are a few things you might be doing:
1. Become a Pet Ambassador: At adoption events, you can serve as a pet ambassador by sharing the stories of the animals and helping potential adopters understand their unique personalities and needs. Your enthusiasm can inspire others to adopt.
2. Setup and Breakdown: Your support in organizing the adoption event space and packing it up afterward is invaluable. This behind-the-scenes work ensures that everything runs smoothly and helps create an inviting environment for visitors.
3. Socialization Skills: Off-site events provide a unique opportunity to socialize pets in various environments. This experience helps them become more adaptable and ready for their new homes. Engaging in a public setting can also enhance their appeal to potential adopters.
By becoming a monthly donor or volunteering at off-site adoption events, you can significantly impact the lives of animals at the ESPCA. Your actions not only help facilitate adoptions but also promote awareness of the needs of shelter animals within the community. To get involved, check out enidspca.org/donate and enidspca.org/volunteer! We are looking forward to meeting you!
ENID, OKLA. — Gaslight Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast of its upcoming summer musical The Drowsy Chaperone, directed by Renae Perry with choreography by Zoey Resler and Lindsey Newell. This toe-tapping, laugh-filled production runs July 18–20 and 25–26, 2025, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
A parody of 1920s musical comedies, The Drowsy Chaperone is a love letter to the Golden Age of theatre. As the houselights dim, a solitary “Man in Chair” drops the needle on his favorite cast album, and the musical within the musical bursts to life in his living room. What follows is a madcap tale featuring a Broadway starlet giving up the stage for love, her debonair fiancé, a pair of bumbling gangsters, and of course, the drowsy chaperone herself — all brought to life through catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers, and nonstop laughs.
This production brings a vibrant mix of new energy and cherished familiarity to the Gaslight stage. The cast includes both longtime local performers and fresh faces, with talent coming not only from Enid, but also from across the state — including Bethany, Yukon, and Stillwater. “One of the most exciting parts of directing The Drowsy Chaperone is seeing the incredible blend of newcomers and veterans working together,” said director Renae Perry. “Every single cast member brings something special to the stage. It’s been amazing to watch this group bond and create something truly magical. Audiences are going to be blown away by the level of talent in this show.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience this award-winning musical that has captivated audiences with its wit, charm, and show-stopping numbers.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gaslighttheatre.org, by phone at 580-234-2307, or in person at the Gaslight Box Office (221 N. Independence, Enid, OK).
Ticket Prices:
Adults: $20 in advance / $22 at the door
Military: $17 in advance / $19 at the door
Students: $10 in advance / $12 at the door
About Gaslight Theatre: The Gaslight Theatre of Enid was founded in 1966 and is one of Oklahoma’s oldest, most active community theatres. Its mission is to provide a wide spectrum of high-quality theatrical entertainment to a broad audience in Enid and the surrounding communities, and to provide a setting for nonprofessional actors, directors, designers and technicians to learn and practice their art. Audition and ticket information is available on the Gaslight Theatre website, www.gaslighttheatre.org.
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides hundreds of grants to organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural sector, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.
For Tickets Contact: Gaslight Box Office www.gaslighttheatre.org office@gaslighttheatre.org 580-234-2307 221 N. Independence, Enid OK
Media Inquiries: Heather Palmer Marketing Committee Chair newsletter@gaslighttheatre.org
About The Drowsy Chaperone Music & Lyrics by LISA LAMBERT and GREG MORRISON
Book by BOB MARTIN and DON MCKELLA
Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman.
The Drowsy Chaperone Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
