It’s that time of year when Chickasha leans into all the hoopla with the Leg Lamp and the result feels a bit like watching a hometown inside joke grow into a regional tradition, then into a full-blown cultural beacon. The glow from that sculpted stocking seems to draw people the way a campfire pulls storytellers. All over town…the affection shows. A&E Grill has suited up their team in holiday Leg Lamp t-shirts, turning every server into a moving reminder that grit, humor, and good food are the triple-threat of a thriving business. You can almost track the seasons by the outfits: football starts, temperatures drop, and suddenly the staff is dressed in soft-cotton holiday cheer, carrying burgers and beverages beneath that iconic lampshade. Ben & Jay’s keeps their Leg Lamp shining in the window like a lighthouse for nostalgia-seekers. Long before the rest of the country caught on, they understood that this quirky symbol wasn’t just a movie prop, it was a story starter. Visitors wander in, point, laugh, reminisce, and then enjoy a great dining experience. “Ralphie’s Restaurant” will open up soon as the creative couple behind Shakespeare Wine venture out to their second venue, just a half block from the 40 foot Leg Lamp. With their previous experience, many expect great things to come from their new restaurant. This new place is a completely separate business from the Air BnB down Chickasha avenue called Ralphie’s House. Shane Henry and Maggie McClure are not just the incredibly talented musicians behind the music videos of Hometown Christmas and Christmas Town, they are also the creative minds behind their tribute house to the movie “A Christmas Story.” And over at The Crafty Queen, our Community’s unofficial ambassador of Tourism, Pamela Prather has already sold several dozen officially licensed Leg Lamps this season. They’re heading out the door under the arms of tourists, families, and road-trippers who’ve detoured off the highway because they heard about “that giant lamp in Oklahoma.” Each one becomes a tiny ambassador once plugged into a living room somewhere far away. Even beyond Chickasha’s borders, the Leg Lamp continues its improbable rise. The Leg Lamp documentary “Fragile”, filmed right here, is finding a comfortable home on streaming platforms and introducing thousands of viewers to the story behind the story. What began as a hometown passion project now beams itself into living rooms nationwide, carrying with it a piece of our community’s creativity and grit, with a little laughter thrown in too. And just this past Sunday, The Oklahoman ran a feature story on how the Leg Lamp has boosted Chickasha’s local economy. Increased tourism, higher foot traffic downtown, and visitors staying longer and spending more. Turns out a single fiberglass leg can kickstart quite a bit of commerce. What some once thought was just a novelty has gone on to pay real dividends for restaurants, retailers, hotels, and the entire holiday season. The truth is simple: the Leg Lamp is no longer just ours. It belongs to every visitor whose face lights up when they see it for the first time. It belongs to the people who proudly wear it on a t-shirt, display it in their window, or watch the documentary with friends. And it belongs to the businesses that lean into the fun each year, building a warm and weirdly wonderful seasonal tradition that only Chickasha could pull off. The lamp keeps glowing, and Chickasha keeps growing and that’s #TheGoodStuff . 

If you’ve spent any time near the Leg Lamp in Downtown Chickasha, especially around the Welcome Center then you’ve probably met one of our community’s brightest ambassadors, Pamela Prather. Pamela owns The Crafty Queen, the charming gift shop nestled right next door, and she brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “shop local.” Walk inside and you’ll find shelves full of uniquely Chickasha treasures: hometown apparel, clever souvenirs, handmade gifts, and one-of-a-kind pieces that help tell our story. Pamela has an eye for fun, a knack for creativity, and a love for all things Chickasha. She even carries officially licensed A Christmas Story merchandise! Yes, the real deal. If you've ever wanted your own piece of the movie magic that made our giant Leg Lamp famous, The Crafty Queen is the place to find it. But here’s the truth, while Pamela sells merchandise, what she really sells is Chickasha. With every visitor who walks through her door, from across town or across the globe, Pamela shares the heart of this Community. She talks about our Festival of Light, our growing downtown, our restaurants, our small businesses, and the people who make this place special. She gives directions, offers recommendations, answers questions, and makes every guest feel like they just met their first Chickasha friend. In a world where hospitality can sometimes feel rushed or overlooked, Pamela takes the time to create genuine moments. Her shop isn’t just a retail space; it’s a welcome wagon, an information booth, a storytelling center, and a warm handshake all wrapped into one. And for Chickasha, that matters! When visitors leave with a good impression, they feel seen, appreciated, and cared for they come back. They tell others. They become part of our story. And that’s because of people like Pamela, who show every day that community pride can be contagious. So the next time you’re downtown, stop by The Crafty Queen. Browse the great merchandise, but also take a moment to appreciate the woman behind the counter who champions Chickasha with every smile and every conversation. Pamela isn’t just running a business, she’s lifting up a Community, and that’s The Good Stuff !