The Okmulgee Spotlight
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He took Okmulgee with him... and this puppy's waiting for you 🐶
He took Okmulgee with him... and this puppy's waiting for you 🐶
Plus absinthe tastings, paint parties, a blood drive, and this week's trivia answer
The Okmulgee Spotlight Team
Apr 16, 2026
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Trivia Question❓Okmulgee, Oklahoma is known for being the "oil capital of the world" during the early 20th century. What was the name of the famous oil baron who played a major role in the city's oil boom? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Boom-A-Rang Diner is a beloved spot in Okmulgee, serving up classic American fare with a nostalgic, 50s-style charm that feels like coming home.
Known for their delicious burgers and all-day breakfast, it's a place where neighbors can gather for a satisfying meal in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're craving a stack of pancakes for dinner or a perfectly cooked cheeseburger for lunch, their menu has something for the whole family. This spotlight is presented by Boom-A-Rang Diner. As a dedicated Oklahoma-based restaurant, they are proud to be a part of our local community. For a taste of timeless comfort food, you can check out their menu and stop by for a visit! |
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He doubles back on walks... just to check on you.
That's Roscoe. An almost 6-month-old Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mix who is basically the definition of loyal.
He's playful. He's sweet. He loves being right there in your world.
And right now, he's at the Okmulgee Humane Society waiting for his forever home.
The good news? He's ready to go. He's already been vetted, vaccinated, and neutered. He's good with kids and other dogs.
And he comes with zero drama and a whole lot of heart.
He's medium-sized with a gorgeous cream and apricot coat, still in his puppy phase (so yes, you'd get to watch him grow), and he has absolutely no special needs. Just needs someone to call home.
If you've been thinking about adopting, or you know someone who's been on the fence... this might be the sign.
Applications and meet and greets are handled right through the Okmulgee Humane Society. Monday through Friday, 10 am to 1 pm, or reach out at hello@okmulgeehumane.org. Read More... |
Joke Of The Day |
Why did the cow go to Okmulgee, Oklahoma? Because it heard the steaks were great! |
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Q/A Questions |
Q: What is the population of Okmulgee, Oklahoma? A: The population of Okmulgee, Oklahoma is approximately 13,000 people. Q: What are some popular attractions in Okmulgee, Oklahoma? A: Some popular attractions in Okmulgee, Oklahoma include the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, the Okmulgee Country Club, and the Okmulgee Lake. Q: What is the climate like in Okmulgee, Oklahoma? A: Okmulgee, Oklahoma has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. |
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Somewhere over the Pacific, a sailor from Okmulgee is keeping a multi-million dollar aircraft mission-ready.
His name is Lakota Lancaster. Preston High School class of 2021.
And right now he's maintaining the radar and sensor systems on one of the most advanced patrol aircraft in the U.S. Navy... in seven countries and counting.
But this story isn't really about an aircraft.
It's about that voice. You know the one. The one that follows every small-town kid and whispers you're not going anywhere.
Lakota Lancaster heard it too. This week on The Okmulgee Spotlight, we're telling his full story. And the part that hit us hardest... he didn't leave Okmulgee behind. He took it with him. Read More... |
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Evening With The Green Faerie — An Absinthe Tasting Experience📅 Saturday, April 18th, 2026 | 🕒 6:30 PM (no set end time) | 📍 The Mystique Emporium, 402 W Main, Henryetta | 🎟️ $20 Tasting / $50 All-Inclusive If you've been curious about The Mystique Emporium -- this is a pretty great excuse to finally walk through the door. Green Faerie Apothecary, a traveling whole-body wellness apothecary, is taking over the back venue space for a guided absinthe tasting that's part history, part ritual, and part genuinely good time. The $20 tasting gets you three pours with proper pouring instruction on every glass. The $50 all-inclusive lets you explore the full lineup and sends you home with a take-home kit. Fantasy attire is encouraged, light snacks are provided, and a designated driver is available if you need one. Everyone's entered into a giveaway at the end -- one Absinthe Blind Box packed with four kits and two spoons goes home with a lucky guest. Seating is limited, so don't wait on this one. |
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Let's Ride Paint Party📅 Tuesday, April 21st | 🕒 6:30 PM | 📍 Tavern 56, Okmulgee | 🎟️ $35 (prepayment required) You don't have to be an artist to walk out of here with something you're genuinely proud of. Artist Tabitha Rene'e guides you through every single brushstroke of a bold 12x12 Harley design on canvas -- so even if you've never picked up a paintbrush in your life, you'll finish the night with something worth hanging on your wall. That's the kind of win that sticks with you. Only 10 spots are available, and prepayment is required to lock yours in -- so don't wait on this one. Grab your spot now at paypal.me/artisttabithabarnes (Venmo and Cash App work too -- just message Tabitha directly). Food and drinks available for purchase from Tavern 56. Come ready to laugh, create, and surprise yourself. |
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Wild Onion Dinner & Horseshoe Tournament at Apekv Ceremonial Ground📅 Friday, April 18th | 🕒 11 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Apekv Ceremonial Ground, 16740 Magnolia Rd, Henryetta, OK | 🎟️ $12 adults / $5 kids 10 & under One of the most beloved traditions in Creek country is coming to Henryetta this Friday -- and you're invited. The Arbeka community is hosting a wild onion dinner out at the Apekv Ceremonial Ground, and this is the kind of afternoon that reminds you why living around here is something special. Real food, real people, and the kind of easy laughter that only happens when a whole community shows up for each other. Food plates are $12 for ages 11 & up and $5 for kids 10 and under -- and if you've never had a wild onion dinner before, this is exactly the right place to try one for the first time. Feeling competitive? Sign up for the horseshoe doubles tournament at noon -- $15 per team, first toss at 1 PM (weather permitting). Vendor spots are available for $10 if you want to set up a table. For more info call (918) 752-8417. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to make a memory. |
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Get Your Sticks on Route 66 — Community Blood Drive at GCTC📅 Wednesday, April 22nd | 🕒 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 📍 GCTC Seminar Center, Okmulgee | 🎟️ Free — Walk-ins Welcome This one's bigger than a t-shirt -- but honestly, the shirt is pretty great too. GCTC is teaming up with Our Blood Institute for a community blood drive running Wednesday, April 22nd from 8 AM to 3 PM at the GCTC Seminar Center, and your donation could directly save lives at hospitals right here in our region. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want that exclusive "Get Your Sticks on Route 66" tee, come early -- they're only available while supplies last and they will go fast. Schedule ahead at obi.org or call 877-340-8777 to grab your time slot. Bring a photo ID and come ready to do something that genuinely matters. |
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Sunflower & Books Paint Party📅 Thursday, April 23rd | 🕒 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 📍 Sweet Magnolia on Mort, 106 S Morton Ave, Okmulgee | 🎟️ $35 (prepayment required) If you've been looking for an excuse to check out Sweet Magnolia on Mort -- this is it. Artist Tabitha Rene'e is bringing her signature paint party to one of Okmulgee's most charming boutique spots, and the combination is almost unfair. You'll paint a gorgeous sunflower and books design on canvas, step by step, with every supply provided and the canvas pre-outlined so you can skip the stress and just enjoy the night. No experience needed. Just show up, soak in the Southern charm Sweet Magnolia is known for, and walk away with something beautiful you made with your own hands. Only 10 seats available and they will go fast -- secure yours now via PayPal at paypal.me/artisttabithabarnes or message Tabitha directly for Venmo or Cash App. |
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Okmulgee Elks Bingo Night📅 Every Tuesday | 🕒 Early Birds 6:00 PM / Regular Rounds 7:00 PM | 📍 Okmulgee Elks Lodge | 🎟️ Everyone welcome! Bring your daubers, your lucky charms, and your friends for a Tuesday night tradition at the Elks Lodge. Cash prizes are up for grabs starting with Early Birds at 6:00 PM, followed by Regular Rounds at 7:00 PM. The venue is non-smoking, has concessions and an ATM on-site, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a little luck! |
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Family Story-Time at the Okmulgee Library📅 First & Third Monday of every month | 🕒 6:30 PM | 📍 Children's Section — Okmulgee Public Library | 🎟️ Free Wear your comfiest clothes, grab a floor pillow, and come sit with your people. The Okmulgee Library hosts free Family Story-Time on the first and third Monday of every month in the children's section, and everyone is welcome -- kids, parents, grandparents, whoever you want to bring. It's a simple, screen-free night that kids actually look forward to, and honestly? The grown-ups do too. Call and ask for Ms. Ivy at (918) 304-5204 if you've got questions. We'll see you there. |
Line Dancing (All Ages) with OklaMOTION Dance Studio📅 Every Monday | 🕒 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM | 📍 408 W Main, Henryetta | 🎟️ $5 per person Just a short drive to Henryetta, and you'll be boot-scootin' with neighbors of all ages and skill levels. Whether you've never line danced a day in your life or you know every step to "Copperhead Road," this 45-minute class set to country music is designed for everyone. Spots fill up fast, so book ahead at oklahomadancestudio.as.me or email oklamotiondance@gmail.com to reserve your spot and pay in person. |
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Okmulgee Livestock Auction📅 Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday | 🕒 6:30 PM | 📍 13449 Birch Rd, Okmulgee | 🎟️ Free to attend Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the action, the Okmulgee Livestock Auction is a twice-monthly tradition for cattle, horse, sheep, and goat sales. You can check in livestock Sundays, Mondays, and all day Tuesday until sale time—and a yardman is always on-site to help you load and unload. Hay and clean water provided at no extra charge. Questions? Call (918) 752-5212. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The famous oil baron associated with Okmulgee's oil boom was E.W. Marland. |