Tourism might sound like something that belongs to big cities and beach towns, but in Oklahoma it’s just as important on our rural main streets as it is in any urban entertainment district. For communities like Chickasha, tourism isn’t a luxury or an afterthought, it’s a real economic engine, a community-builder, and a point of pride. As OKC focuses on the Thunder playoffs, the 100 year anniversary of Route 66 and many other events that will drive visitors to the metro area, I believe it’s time for us to appreciate what’s happening right here in Chickasha! When people choose to spend a day, a weekend, or a vacation in a small town, they’re doing much more than taking photos and buying souvenirs. They’re helping keep the lights on in locally owned businesses, supporting public services through sales tax, and breathing new life into our historic downtowns and rural attractions. Chickasha is a perfect example of what rural tourism can do when a community leans into its strengths. In rural Oklahoma, every visitor dollar stretches farther. When families come to Chickasha for the Festival of Light, a sports tournament, to see the Leg Lamp or the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, their spending ripples through our economy. Hotels fill up, providing jobs and generating vital lodging and sales tax revenue. Local restaurants see extra business, often enough to carry them through slower seasons. Boutiques, antique shops, and local retailers benefit from increased foot traffic, especially in our downtown . Gas stations, grocery stores, and service businesses see higher sales as visitors stock up and refuel before heading home. One of the strengths of Chickasha’s tourism story is that we didn’t wait for someone else to hand us an attraction. We built our own. Festival of Light turned Shannon Springs Park into a winter destination that draws visitors from across the state and the country. What started small has grown into one of Oklahoma’s signature holiday events. Oklahoma Food Truck Championship has taken a trend…”mobile dining “and turned it into a marquee fall event that showcases small businesses and gives people a reason to discover downtown Chickasha. The Chickasha Leg Lamp , our towering tribute to Noland James and the movie “A Christmas Story,” has become a year-round photo-op and conversation piece. It’s quirky, fun, and exactly the kind of unique landmark that puts a town on the map. Chickasha Sports Complex attracts youth tournaments that fill hotel rooms and restaurants nearly every weekend in peak seasons. Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the country and Chickasha has positioned itself right in the middle of it. Grady County Fairgrounds hosts a steady calendar of fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, trade shows, and special events that draw in participants and spectators from literally all over the country. None of these happened by accident. They came from volunteers, civic groups, city and county support, private donors, and local businesses working together. That’s what rural tourism looks like at its best: local people investing in local ideas. We should never underestimate the power of a First Visit, for many people, tourism is Chickasha’s handshake. That first visit often leads to a second. Maybe they come back for another tournament, another festival, or just to explore more of what they saw the first time. Sometimes, that casual visitor becomes a student, a new resident, or even a business owner. We have already proven what’s possible when a rural Community decides to dream a little bigger. From the Festival of Light to the Leg Lamp, from our sports complex to our fairgrounds, we’ve built a tourism portfolio many towns our size would love to have. Oh and by the way…for those that didn’t think the Leg Lamp would draw tourists year around? A Route 66 tour bus came to town last week to take a picture. They drove 45 minutes out of their way to come here. Stop by and see the Crafty Queen at the visitor center sometime and hear more stories of all visitors she welcomes! Tourism in rural Oklahoma isn’t about becoming something we’re no, it’s about showcasing who we are, our creativity, our history, our hospitality and turning it into opportunity. For Chickasha, that’s not just good news… That’s #TheGoodStuff.

Some nights, you can just feel the heartbeat of a community. That’s what last Friday night felt like at the Grady County Fairgrounds as more than 400 people gathered for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet. It was one of those evenings that reminded us why small towns matter, why local effort counts, and why it’s worth taking the time to stop and celebrate the people who quietly keep everything moving. Under the glow of the banquet lights, you could see the full spectrum of Chickasha in one room: small business owners, long-time professionals, young entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, volunteers, and families. Different stories, different backgrounds, all sharing the same purpose: to celebrate all the positive things that happened in 2025. Events like this matter more than we sometimes realize. Small businesses are the backbone of towns like ours. They sponsor youth sports teams, donate to school fundraisers, help with church events, take a chance on hiring local students, and show up for every raffle, auction and charity drive. When a community need arises like a benefit dinner, a family in crisis, a scholarship fund, our small businesses are almost always among the first to say, “How can we help?” This annual banquet encourages others. When new entrepreneurs hear the stories of local success, of people who started small and built something strong right here in Chickasha then it plants seeds. It tells the next generation that they don’t have to leave town to do something meaningful. They can build, create, and thrive right where they grew up. It reinforces that progress is happening. It’s easy to get caught up in problems, headlines, and challenges. An evening dedicated to awards, milestones, and achievements forces us to take inventory of the good: new jobs created, storefronts filled instead of empty, buildings revitalized, and partnerships formed. It reminds us that, step by step, this community is moving forward. And finally, it pulls us together. Any time over 400 people share a meal and a common purpose, something powerful happens. New connections form, old friendships are rekindled, and ideas for future collaboration start quietly at round tables over coffee and dessert. The Chamber banquet wasn’t just about applause, it was about strengthening the relationships that will generate the next round of successes we’ll be celebrating a year from now. If you own or work for a local small business, volunteer with a civic group, coach a team, or simply choose to shop and eat locally, then you were part of what was celebrated in that room, whether you were able to attend or not. For a complete list of all the businesses and individuals that were recognized, go the Chickasha Chamber Facebook page or website. A community that doesn’t just talk about supporting local, but takes the time to dress up, show up, clap loudly, and say together, “Well done. Let’s keep going.” That’s #TheGoodStuff!