The name may sound similar, but there is a new attitude at Chicaro’s Happy’s Place (formerly Gary’s Chicaro’s) at 3030 N. Grand in Enid. According to new owners Daren and Lenora McGowan, “everyone is welcome.”
The previous owner passed away in February, and while the McGowan’s didn’t agree with all his “rules” they did enjoy the food and the atmosphere. “We really did not want to see an iconic Enid establishment go away,” says Lenora, “so we looked into buying the restaurant from the estate, which is what we are doing now. We officially opened September 14th and the crowds have been great!”
While Daren and Lenora currently have full-time jobs elsewhere, they are excited to provide delicious food Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. til people leave. “We anticipate we will be open until 10:00 or so Wednesday and Thursdays and around 11ish on Friday and Saturdays,” she says.
As for the food, they are serving the same great smoked steaks, steak fingers, prime ribs, and other items that Chicaro’s was known for, with a twist: you can actually see the price on the menu and get an itemized bill!
“We want anyone and everyone to come and have a good time and enjoy some good food. We have horseshoes and cornhole boards and will have live bands occasionally. You can wear a hat, shorts, whatever you want and if you were “banned” before, you aren’t now. We even have a t-shirt that says so!” Lenora says. Further, not only has Vance AFB lifted the prior restriction on their airmen going to Chicaro’s, active duty gets 10% off their meal.
So if you have a taste for delicious smoked steaks, and a laid-back atmosphere, check out Chicaro’s!
If you’ve taken a drive on Van Buren in the last year, it has been impossible not to notice the large “Pier 81 Boiling Seafood and Bar” sign that has been taunting Enid seafood lovers for months. After a two-year process from conception to boiling, Pier 81 has officially opened to the public!
“We are really excited to be open,” said General Manager Michael Yang, “this has been a long process, but we are serving people, and that’s good.” Yang says the idea was a partnership between him and the investor (who also owns two other local restaurants Chen Garden and Jade Garden) because they have constantly heard that people wanted a seafood restaurant in town. “People would tell us all the time that there is no good seafood in Enid,” Yang said, “so we thought we could offer great seafood at a reasonable price for the community.”
As the name implies, Pier 81’s main offering is seafood boils. You pick your seafood, such as king crab, calamari, shrimp, lobster or others, you choose your sides, like potatoes, corn on the cob, or the like, choose your sauce (or flavoring) from a list of six delicious flavors, then you tell them how hot you want it (mild, spicy, or extreme!). They bring it out and serve it in a big tin, along with plenty of napkins. If you want to try a little bit of everything, you can try one of the “Combo Boils” that can include several different seafood items as well as sides. “People really seem to enjoy the Galleon Combo. There is plenty for a family to share,” Yang recommends.
While the boils are the star here, Pier 81 also offers several different appetizers (try the crabmeat fries), Po’ Boy sandwiches, pasta, soups and salads. Even if you don’t care for seafood, you will have plenty to choose from.
Pier 81 hopes to have a full bar open soon, and will start taking to-go orders around October 1 while they are working out first week jitters. There is also a party room that can seat up to 20, if you have a large group. Current hours are 7 days a week, Sunday to Thursday from 11 am – 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10:30 p.m. The website is www.pier81enid.com.
Judging from the large crowd at 3:30 p.m. on a Sunday, Enid is really excited about this new restaurant. Go check it out!
ENID, OK —The world’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree is once again returning to north-central Oklahoma, specifically downtown Enid, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year.
Named the “Christ Tree,” the 140-foot fir with its 20,000 multi-colored lights and 10,000 ornaments will become the beacon of the season during the second annual 40-day multi-event Christmas celebration called The One. The One will kick off with an opening night, and tree lighting ceremony in conjunction with Enid Lights Up the Plains parade and fireworks show on Nov. 25. Festivities will begin at 6:15 p.m., with the tree lighting ceremony to follow. The event is free and open to the public.
“Last year, The One’s opening night and Enid Lights Up the Plains brought more than 30,000 people together to experience the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that, in itself, is an answered prayer,” said Kyle Williams, founder of The One and president of Hammer-Williams Co. “I truly believe this tree is a reminder of the Lord’s greatness and faithfulness, and it’s an honor to be able to share the love of Christ with the Enid community and beyond.”
This year’s chosen Christ Tree will journey 2,000 miles from California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Once in Enid, it will be decorated and surrounded by 12 smaller trees. The 40-day Christmas celebration will feature concerts, activities, events and more. Adjacent to the Christ Tree, families can spend time at the popular “Holidays on Ice” outdoor skating rink hosted by Main Street Enid and Stride Bank Center.
“It’s truly a sight to be seen,” Enid Mayor George Pankonin said. “The excitement for the Christmas season has picked up where it left off last year. Many travelers from across Oklahoma and many other states have already made plans to visit Enid to be part of rejoicing with us this winter.”
New this year, the world’s largest Christian music radio networks, positive and encouraging K-LOVE, and Air1 worship are now partnering with The One, as well as Williams Media Group. Longtime K-LOVE DJ Scott Smith will emcee opening night with KOFM/KGWA Radio DJ Alan Clepper as co-emcee.
“The One wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community, volunteers and sponsors,” Pankonin said. “A special thanks to presenting sponsors Jiffy Trip and Takkion, as well as to the many other sponsors who make it their mission to bring the world’s tallest tree to the heart of Enid and to offer a truly memorable experience for people of all ages.”
For more information about The One or the tree lighting ceremony, please visit www.theoneenid.com.
The Enid Public Library offers free U.S. Citizenship classes each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Plains Room. Each class lasts about an hour.
These classes assist students in preparation for the Naturalization Test and interview. The course introduces students to historical and cultural information used on the Naturalization Test and explores the steps of the naturalization process. Classes are designed for adults who have already obtained a green card and are studying for the exam. Classes are held in English, but the library has referrals to free English as a Second Language classes from other local providers if participants are in need of a little extra English help.
“We have been offering these classes for a few years, and have had many that have attended these classes go on to pass the exam to become U.S. citizens. This year alone, seven of our class members have passed the test and we are always excited for them. It can be challenging, but with some studying, our class members can do it,” Margo Holmes, Adult Program and Development Teacher at the Enid Public Library said.
Both the class and workbook they use for instruction are free for participants. Each workbook is 14 chapters, and while they recently started the book, participants can join at any time.
Visit the library’s website at http://enid.okpls.org for more information about this and other events. The Enid Public Library is located at 120 West Maine, Enid, OK 73701.
It is time for the kids to go back to school, which means life is about to get even more hectic, right? So I thought an easy comfort meal is in order for this month’s recipe. Mema’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is just that recipe! It reminds me of a slower time, hugs and kisses from my Mema, and lots of family love! This is one of the most versatile recipes in my arsenal, in that you can add any vegetable to the rice mixture, cheese to the top of the dish, or have it just as it is! It is a quick and easy chicken and rice casserole that’s perfect for a busy day, potlucks or a special delivery to family and friends in need of some comfort. Serve with your favorite green veggies and a side salad for one good down-home meal. This makes for awesome leftovers too – it’s even better the next day! Happy cooking!!!
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, condensed (or make homemade)
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup, condensed (or make homemade)
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, condensed (or make homemade)
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
Garlic powder
Buttery poultry blend
1/2 cup butter, sliced into pats
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees f.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish extremely well, bottom and sides. Next, place chicken breasts in the dish. Then mix water, rice, soups, and desired seasonings in a bowl and pour over the chicken. Last, top evenly with pads of butter.
Place on middle rack of oven and bake uncovered for 60-75 mins. When ready, remove and allow cool for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
Tip: I like to season my chicken with all the seasonings before placing rice mixture into the dish.
For a different twist, add 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms and 1/2 cup chopped broccoli (or any veggie you like) to the rice mixture. Bake according to directions. Then, for the last 10 minutes of the bake, top the entire dish with shredded cheddar cheese, return to oven and bake the remaining 10 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes and serve.
Happy almost hunting season folks! It’s about time to get out the ole stick and string and get tuned up for archery season. I’ve asked our local archery expert (who shoots WAY better than me) a few archery questions. I’d suggest if you have questions, are looking to purchase a bow/crossbow, need a tune-up or the like Grant is the “go-to” guy. Not only an expert in the area, he’s one of the nicest fellas you’ll meet.
What is the first piece of advice you are giving someone looking into archery?
The first piece of advice I would give would be to take the time to really examine what you want to accomplish by starting the sport of archery. What is your primary objective for starting archery? Is the reason hunting, competitive shooting, recreation, exercise, social interaction, family activity, or something else?
The second piece of advice I would give, and probably the most important, is to consult an experienced archer before buying any equipment. The biggest mistake I see, which is also the most common mistake I see is people buying used equipment without any consideration for how it might fit them or their children. As an archery store manager, I would love to sell you new equipment that will for sure fit you, but as a fellow archer and human being I understand sometimes a good deal might be needed to get you started in this sport. I will gladly help you with any issues if you do not have other help. It is important to me that you get off to a good start for your development in the sport and your safety. You cannot be successful in archery if your equipment doesn’t fit.
Bow or Crossbow? Advantages and disadvantages of both?
I wish this question could be answered entirely on the merit of the equipment, but it is an issue that really divides people in the archery/hunting community. Like politics, religion and the choice of college football teams compound bow versus crossbow is a hot-button issue that people will strongly voice their opinion on. Compound archers, in general, tend to strongly dislike the fact that crossbows are legal, and they often do not acknowledge them as archery equipment. I used to share this opinion until I spent some time working in an archery shop. I have witnessed people I knew were not ready or properly equipped to go on a hunt headed to the stand with a compound bow. My personal view is that as hunters and archers we have a very serious obligation to the animals we hunt. We should feel obligated to make the most accurate and lethal shot possible for the respect and recovery of the animal. If you are not willing to put a substantial amount of work into practicing and tuning a compound bow, please consider a crossbow. You still need to practice with and tune a crossbow, but it takes a lot less time, commitment, and knowledge.
Now that we have examined the hunting community-based issues let’s examine a few of the pros and cons of compound bows versus crossbows:
Pros of crossbow-
Higher draw weight, Faster, eliminates the step of having to draw the bow back when an animal comes in, can be used by multiple people without adjustment, easier to use in ground or box blinds
Cons of Crossbow-
Some models are loud when shot, you must shoot the crossbow to unload it in most cases, hard to shoot without a steady rest, harder to get maintenance done, risk of severe hand injury if fingers go above the guard
Pros of Compound Bow-
Highly adjustable and customizable in most cases, lots of accessories available at several price points, more opportunities for competitive shooting, more legal hunting opportunities in other states, easier and safer to handle when hunting
Cons of compound bow-
Need to be specifically adjusted to one shooter, more practice and skill needed, archers’ physical size and strength dramatically impact the performance of the bow, constant equipment adjustments and changes for youth archers, equipment value can depreciate quickly
Hunting/Competitive shooting what are the main factors to consider?
The great thing about bowhunting and competitive archery is that there truly is something for everyone! In competitive archery, the type of equipment you use, your gender, and age put you in a certain class. Then those classes are used among several different disciplines of competition. These disciplines all require a slightly different skill set. There are indoor, field, target, 3-D, and even broadhead events available to participate in at different times throughout the year. In Oklahoma 3-D and indoor are currently the most popular types of archery in my opinion. This is mostly due to lots of youth organizations and clubs specializing in these types of events. The opportunities to travel for tournaments are a lot more prevalent with these types of contests. The skills learned through competition can improve your ability as a bowhunter. Several equipment classes use the same equipment you will hunt with while others give you the ability to use highly specialized accessories. Traditional archery with longbows, recurves and selfbows are also an option to hunt and compete with and are rapidly growing in popularity. Several more types of equipment classes exist that you might have never considered, and I encourage you to research these and find something that interests you.
What do you stock in your store? What services do you offer?
Enid Archery, owned by Brian Lamoreaux, is the bow shop I currently manage. We are located at 704 South Hoover and are open Monday evenings from 5:30-8 P.M. and by appointment. We offer equipment sales, bow and crossbow repair, tuning help and lessons. We can help anybody from someone who wants to shoot their first arrow to the experienced archer planning for a big game hunt of a lifetime. It is my goal to make your equipment fit you correctly and get it in the best possible working order.
About Grant Gungoll
Grant Gungoll is a longtime competitive archer, bowhunter, archery coach and bow shop manager. He is best known for a large number of kids he has taught to shoot archery in the Enid area and for having a unique and diverse set of archery skills. He has won a total of 13 State Championships, including several aggregate titles, in both compound and traditional archery and has won those by shooting both left and right-handed. Gungoll also holds a Deerman’s T.H.E. (true hunting experience) reserve world championship in primitive archery but thinks his biggest accomplishment as an archer was harvesting a whitetail doe with a longbow.
“I am by no means a dominant archer that is going to win a contest by several points all the time or be the best at every shoot I go to. I have to work extremely hard to stay healthy and be competitive. Archery has just blessed me with several great mentors and friends that have truly pushed me to have a great experience in this sport,” Gungoll said.
If you are even a little bit like me, you found gardening this spring and summer to be a challenge. I started planting vegetables later than usual because of fluctuating temperatures and wind. I am guessing that I had no potatoes because of the cold temperatures one week and the unseasonably hot temperatures the next week even in the winter months. Then, of course, this summer was so hot and dry. I found myself wilting sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning when tending my gardens.
But the nature of a gardener is to be a problem solver and an optimist. So, perhaps a fall vegetable garden will make up for a fairly disappointing spring and summer garden. My “go to” place for gardening information is the OSU Extension Office. Their fact sheets are very helpful especially when problems arise. It turns out fall is a great time to try again when warm sunny days are followed by cool and humid nights. I am doing my little rain dance at this point.
The soil where you plant your seeds is one of the most important elements for a successful garden. Plants need organic matter for nutrients, for loosening the soil, and for holding on to moisture. This year especially, you may need to use shade cloths over rows, supplemental watering, and mulch. Seeds will not germinate without moisture or if the soil temperature is too hot. If you do not have a compost pile for gathering organic matter, you can go to a garden center to purchase bagged material. I keep a small worm farm to collect worm castings as an additive as well as a compost pile where all our vegetable, fruit, and yard waste is left to decompose for soil additives.
One problem I have in the fall is finding seed packets at local stores. Once they sell out, usually in spring and early summer, that’s it for the year. I suggest going online to find seeds. I personally like Johnny’s Seed Co., but any seed company is worth a try especially if they produce seeds that will grow in our climate.
I prepared the soil in my beds in early to mid-August. By that time, a person can plant green beans, cucumbers, squash, and carrots. I did not plant lettuce until later than recommended because of the heat. Lettuce tends to taste quite bitter when exposed to heat. In September, I will finish by planting garlic, onions, leaf lettuce, and spinach. Radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips can also be planted. The general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth no more than 3X the diameter of the seed. To prevent the soil from drying out or getting too hot, spread mulch over your rows and move it to the side once the seeds have germinated. Using soaker hoses close to your seed rows will help to keep the moisture and temperature at an optimal level.
I am hopeful of getting fall tomatoes from my struggling summer plants as well as getting a small harvest from my newly planted seeds. Good luck to you, too, as we all explore modifications in our gardens.
ENID, OK – Main Street Enid’s Economic Vitality committee along with several local and state partners, is providing an opportunity for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs to network and connect with services in our community.
“Tools for Your Business” will be a FREE and interactive event for all business owners with intentional inclusion of Hispanic entrepreneurs. Covering topics in a speed-dating style format, attendees will meet local professionals to help their businesses and network with other business owners to strengthen the economic vitality of the historic core of Enid.
Several new Hispanic owned businesses have opened in the Downtown District and Main Street Enid’s Economic Vitality committee saw the need to provide networking opportunities to these entrepreneurs to help strengthen their businesses.
“Enid has a growing and thriving Hispanic population and we are so thrilled to be able to offer this networking session to this community in their native language,” said Charlet Ringwald, Assistant Director of Main Street Enid.
Join Main Street Enid, Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 for “Tools for Your Business.” Several local and state organizations will be there to provide information including, Oklahoma Main Street Center, Autry Technology Center, Metro Technology Centers, and Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers. Local professionals will be there along with bilingual staff to provide information about their services. Those include Stride Bank, Hann Plummer PLLC, Mitchell DeClerck PLLC, and the City of Enid. This event will be held at Five80 Coffeehouse, 122 E. Randolph, beginning at 5pm. There will be a reception afterwards located at the Gold Door 120 W. Randolph.
Register in advance at tinyurl.com/5n7u6pxr. You can find more information on the Main Street Enid Facebook page or by email charlet@mainstreetenid.org.
In his 3rd year as an Assistant Coach of Enid High Football (and 2nd as Offensive Line Coach), Coach James Goble says “this O-Line is one of the most improved units on the team. We have gone from getting pushed around to being competitive in every game since I have been here. Even last year to this year, we have gone from 6 guys we felt were physically and mentally ready to play to 8, maybe 9 guys we are starting with this year that can rotate in.” As almost all the coaches have done, he credits a lot of this improvement to Enid’s strength and conditioning program led by Coach Tracy Baldwin. “All of our payers have gotten bigger, stronger and faster over the summer. We are well conditioned, and I am not worried about being pushed around on the line. This is a credit to Coach Baldwin, but also the effort they have put in. We will need them to continue to develop, but I’m happy where we are at this point in the season,” Goble said.
Even though they are replacing two graduated players, and the main back up, the anticipated starting line still returns lots of experience. “We’ve got 3 seniors that will likely start, Evan Sullivan, Erik Ford and Willian Dodds. They all have good experience and will know where to line up and the plays. Evan, especially, has taken the biggest step both on and off the field. His leadership, especially over the summer in the weight room and with his teammates, has been exceptional. All throughout the summer he has been motivating and encouraging his teammates without me having to say anything to them. I expect good things from him this season at Center. Erik (“Big E”) might be the strongest kid on the team. He is very strong and if he can take that strength and use it to his advantage, he will be really good for us. We also have a sophomore, Jarrett Russell and a Junior, Dillon Nelson, who will likely be our first unit. Nelson moved over from defense and we thought with him getting a lot stronger, he has the speed to really help us at Guard.”
Coach Goble also makes a point that as the line goes, so goes the offense. “Five of the eleven guys on offense are on the O-Line. They don’t get all the flashy stats, but those big scores don’t happen unless they are doing their jobs. We want to honor that, so the “Pancake Chain” is back this year, and whenever we score, one of the O-linemen will get to wear it to show the effort they made to help make that happen.”
There is no question the team has improved each year of the past four years. This year might be the year they get over the hump and bring home a winning record. But that doesn’t happen without the big boys in the trenches.
Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Proudly Brought to you by Slater Mechanical!
