February 2018

It's been a busy month so far, and we're just half way through it.  The Watonga Chamber of Commerce hired a new director, Teresa Kennedy France, who formally started the job full force after her recent marriage and honeymoon. In speaking with her, I get a good impression that she is going to be very active in working on existing things the Chamber has done in the past and in bringing fresh new ideas to help our community grow.  Teresa says she grew up in this area, moved away, and has now returned to her "roots".  She has already worked on the annual Chamber Banquet and she and the Chamber board of directors are on board and working with the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association and the Park management on this year's annual Trout Derby, held at Roman Nose State Park. She understands how important tourism is to our area, and how communication is paramount in getting the entire community to work together.  She has been open to listening to new ideas brought to her, and has many new ideas of her own that we can work toward implementing in the next year and further.

Speaking  of the Watonga Trout Derby, it is scheduled for Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4. Registration can be done at the Chamber of Commerce office in advance of those dates, or at the Derby Headquarters, the General Store in the Park, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 7:00 a.m..    Members of Friends of Roman Nose and the Chamber are currently busy with preparations for the Trout Derby, including getting local business participation by donating  money and door prizes.  When you, individually or your business, are called upon to help sponsor this event, please do so -- every donation is appreciated and will help make this year's Trout Derby a success. Lake Watonga will be stocked with 100 tagged trout by the Department of Wildlife just before the Trout Derby. Anyone bringing in a "tagged" fish will receive a prize.  This is a great event for all members of the family.  You can ask your questions, register, or get more information by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at 580-623-5452.


If you do not fish, consider registering anyway--every registrant will be eligible for the  GRAND PRIZE, a 52" "Smart" TV.  Cash prizes will be awarded daily in the Senior Division and Junior Division for heaviest fish and heaviest stringer, and at the end of the tournament a Cash prize will be awarded to the fisherman who brings in the most weight (three days' fish combined) during the event.  Registrants can fish on one day or on all three days -- Registrants have a chance to win a prize on any one of the three days of the Derby.  Last weigh in will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday.

The next meeting of the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 6:30 at the RNSP Lodge.  Everyone is invited to attend, and everyone is invited to become a member of the Friends of Roman Nose organization.  Annual Dues start as low at $10 for youth, $15 for individuals, $25 for families, and $50 for businesses.  Tax deductible donations to the Association are also welcome to help fund future projects, like mini-summer camps and other activities throughout the year.  Speaking for myself, the FIRST DAY HIKE held each year at the Park is quite an experience.  In spite of below-freezing temperatures, the interpretive guides and hikers got an informative view of the Park on January 1.

Tomorrow is FAT TUESDAY, Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, AND Valentine's Day!!  The WHIRLWIND WINERY on Main St. Watonga will be open on Valentine's Day, I'm told-- a great place to celebrate with a wine and cheese pairing plate and Brad's world-travelling stories. 

Other upcoming events are two Oklahoma House Concerts in March --
 MARCH 1 --  CAROLINE COTTER with MICHAEL THOMAS HOWARD
MARCH 23 -  MANDY ROWDEN
APRIL 15 -  CHUCK DUNLAP
DATE TBA -- JAROD CROSS
Date TBA --  INDIGOS  (end of April?)
Date TBA -- MORGAN LINDLEY

AND MORE !!!

CAROLINE COTTER is bringing fellow singer/songwriter MICHAEL THOMAS HOWARD to the next Oklahoma House Concert on  March 1, 2018 at the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse (www.chaparralbb.com). They are two American songwriters hailing from the far flung corners of Maine and Alaska, USA. Together Caroline Cotter and Michael Thomas Howard create undeniably affecting harmonies and combine musical influences that pull from from traditional and contemporary folk, and Americana.

This is CAROLINE COTTER's third show here in rural Oklahoma. This year she is touring to support her second major release, "Home on The River”. (www.carolinecotter.com)

OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS are FREE, intimate concerts with small audiences that come out to share a unique experience. The musicians play for  room and board at the Chaparral Retreat B&B, TIPS and merchandise sales.  SO COME OUT AND SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC and the musicians who are willing to come out to rural Oklahoma.  Join the OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS Group page to keep up on future events and activities.
                          

Check out their sound at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7KtbDhzEChY
and https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=-2zoYwrGGFc&feature=youtu.be
www.carolinecotter.com
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