There’s something special happening in Chickasha, and if you were at this week’s groundbreaking, you could feel it in the air. Shovels turned dirt on a project that signals what many of us have known for a while now: national big-box retailers are choosing Chickasha . These new additions, set to open in 2026, aren’t coming here by accident. They’re coming because Chickasha is growing, thriving, and proving itself to be a destination. Our population has officially surpassed 17,000 , and our trade area now reaches over 120,000 people . That’s a powerful number, and it’s attracting powerful opportunities. But what’s even more exciting is that we’re nowhere near finished. More homes are going up across the community, and new businesses at the Industrial Park are gearing up to bring jobs, investment, and long-term stability. Momentum isn’t just building…it’s accelerating. And here’s the best part: this success isn’t happening because of luck. It’s happening because people here work together. From City Hall to local businesses, from volunteers to residents who simply want a better tomorrow, our schools, the Chamber, the EDC, Chickasha is proving that collaboration is our greatest strength. When we show up for each other, good things follow. When we plan boldly, progress follows. When we speak with one voice, opportunity listens. Mayor Grayson put it perfectly at the groundbreaking when he said the three words that define today’s Chickasha are: Unified. Thriving. Unstoppable. Those aren’t just words, they’re a reflection of who we’ve become and who we intend to be. Unified in purpose. Thriving in growth. Unstoppable in spirit. And if the last few months are any indication, Chickasha’s brightest days aren’t ahead of us—they’ve already begun and that’s # TheGoodStuff .

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 !

This Thursday, Chickasha gets something truly special… a moment just for us. Before the Festival of Light officially opens for the season and before thousands of visitors stream into our community, we celebrate Locals Night . It’s the one evening each year when the Shannon Springs Park lights belong entirely to the people who call this place home. There’s nothing quite like seeing the Festival of Light without the steady flow of car traffic. Locals Night lets you experience the magic in a way that feels intimate and personal as you walk hand-in-hand with friends, strolling beside families you know from school or church, or even hopping on a bike and cruising under millions of lights. It feels like Chickasha at its best: relaxed, joyful, and connected. In many ways, this night sets the tone for the entire season. It reminds us that before the festival becomes a multi-state attraction that draws crowds from every direction, it starts with Community. Hundreds of volunteers put their hearts into building this wonderland and Thursday is our chance to soak it in together, to appreciate the work of so many volunteers and to enjoy a peaceful evening before the busy weekends ahead. And while you’re enjoying the night, don’t forget to help Chickasha shine even brighter. The Festival of Light is once again in the running for Best Holiday Light Display in the USA and your online vote can help us reach the #1 spot. It’s an easy way to show some hometown pride — and it brings even more attention to the businesses, restaurants, and shops that rely on this season. So gather your neighbors, grab your walking shoes or your bike, and come enjoy the quiet magic of Locals Night. Before the excitement truly begins, we get a night just for ourselves, a reminder of why this Community is so special. Go enjoy #TheGoodStuff!

Chickasha is stepping into the holiday season with a bright bit of news. The Chickasha Festival of Light has again been nominated as a Top 10 Christmas Light Display in the country by the USA Today! That kind of recognition does not just happen. It comes from decades of dedication and pride poured in by the people who call this place home. Please consider logging in and voting on this Readers’ Choice poll. The Festival of Light did not grow into a nationally known attraction through luck. It grew because hundreds of volunteers give their time, energy, and heart to create something magical for families near and far. From stringing lights to directing traffic to greeting guests with a warm Oklahoma smile, these folks show what community spirit really looks like. They deserve every bit of praise that comes with this nomination. Then you add in the crews from the City of Chickasha that started working at Shannon Springs park in September and the pride they take in making sure everything looks so good. A Top 10 spotlight brings more than glowing headlines. It brings visitors, activity, and momentum for our local economy. Chickasha businesses are preparing for what promises to be one of the busiest holiday seasons yet. More families walking Downtown. More meals shared at local restaurants. More shopping with local merchants. Every light at the park helps spark opportunity across our community. Last Friday, Intellego Medio released the documentary Fragile’ on streaming platforms. It tells the story of the Chickasha Leg Lamp the past few years and will showcase everything that has happened. Expect TV, Radio, Newspapers, Podcasts and social media highlighting our town just in time for the holiday season, giving visitors another reason to experience our Community! This nomination is a reminder of what happens when people step up and believe in their town. That is the heartbeat of #TheGoodStuff. Chickasha keeps rising because our community keeps choosing to invest in one another. As the lights shine brighter this Christmas season, so will the spirit of the people who make it all possible. At the State of the City, Mayor Zach Grayson said there are three words that define our Community right now: Unified, Thriving and Unstoppable! I can’t think of a better description!

It wasn’t that long ago that Chickasha was the one traveling to other towns to see what was working. We were studying how they grew their downtowns, recruited industry, and created momentum. Today, that script has flipped. Chickasha is now welcoming other communities for visits. Recently, we’ve had emails and calls from communities like Hobart, Atoka, Weatherford, and Comanche, all wanting to learn what’s happening here. They see the new retail chains choosing Chickasha, the growing energy around our downtown, the progress at the Airport Industrial Park, and the collaboration between our public and private sectors. They’re asking, “How are you doing it?” And that’s something we can all take pride in. Because what’s happening in Chickasha isn’t the result of one program, one business, or one person — it’s the collective effort of an entire community choosing to move forward together. From City Hall to Main Street, from our business leaders to everyday residents who support local events and shops, Chickasha is showing what can happen when people believe in their town. Success builds on success and others are noticing. We have had visits from all the leading Governor and Lt. Governor candidates that are seeking election next year. They are interested in what we are doing and how can they connect with our leaders. Despite our recent success, we have so many things to work on, so many areas we need to get better. We are making significant progress, but still have so much to do. It’s rewarding when other towns look to Chickasha for inspiration, but we can’t lose the momentum we currently have. Having other towns respect what we are doing, that’s not just good news for us, it’s proof that progress is contagious. We’re not just growing; we’re leading by example. And that’s #TheGoodStuff.

If you’ve been driving around Chickasha lately, you’ve probably noticed something — progress is in the air, and it’s showing up in every corner of our Community. From smoother roads to big investments in our future, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for the City of Chickasha. Let’s start with something everyone can appreciate: better streets. The City of Chickasha has been hard at work repaving and improving roads all across town. These infrastructure upgrades not only make daily commutes safer and smoother, but they also signal to residents and visitors alike that Chickasha is a Community investing in itself. Good roads lead to good impressions and that’s exactly what we want people to experience when they come to our town. Another major step forward is the City’s ongoing work to secure bids for a new water treatment plant. This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in decades — an investment that will ensure clean, reliable water for homes, businesses, and future growth. It’s a project that’s not just about today, but about building a foundation for tomorrow. Economic development is also seeing tremendous momentum because the City has been working closely with the EDC and developer Chet Hitt to recruit new businesses to the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park. These partnerships are already paying off, with new companies taking notice of Chickasha’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. Every new manufacturer or employer that chooses Chickasha adds strength to our local economy and opportunity for our citizens. Don’t forget about those major Retail announcements a couple of months ago, can’t wait to see them start opening at the end of 2026. But it’s not all hard hats and infrastructure. Chickasha continues to shine when it comes to Community spirit and celebration. The City is once again a major sponsor of two of our most beloved events: the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship and the Festival of Light. These events attract thousands of visitors each year and showcase the best of who we are, creative, welcoming, and full of small-town charm with big-time heart. From economic development to Community engagement, it’s clear the City of Chickasha is moving in the right direction. These aren’t just projects or sponsorships — they’re investments in people, in pride, and in progress. Thank you to the Mayor, City Council our City Manager and all the City staff! #TheGoodStuff is happening all around us. Let’s take time to appreciate it, because it hasn’t always been that way. Chickasha is shining brighter than ever because when we all work together, great things happen. Right now… Chickasha is proving that momentum builds success!

Last week, several Chickasha business leaders joined developer Chet Hitt, the City of Chickasha, and the Chickasha Economic Development Council, on a recruitment trip to Los Angeles. Together, we met with manufacturers who are exploring relocation opportunities in states where it’s easier and more affordable to grow — and we want them to know that Chickasha, Oklahoma, is open for business. Trips like this are powerful reminders that economic development doesn’t happen in a silo. It takes everyone—from business owners and city officials to developers, educators, and residents—to create the kind of community where companies want to invest. It also never hurts to have the Governor of Oklahoma endorsing our efforts! When we talk with potential employers, we’re not just selling land or buildings. We’re selling a Community—one that works together, supports each other, and believes in its future. That unity and collaboration are what make Chickasha stand out from other communities our size. Building relationships with new employers takes time and persistence. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but every meeting, every handshake, and every shared story brings us one step closer. The work our team did in Los Angeles area this past week was planting seeds that will grow into new jobs, new opportunities, and new energy for Chickasha. I’m proud of how far our community has come. We’ve seen firsthand how collaboration—between the City, EDC, local developers, and business leaders—has already led to exciting announcements and growth at the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park. That same teamwork is what will continue to move Chickasha forward. So, as we reach out to companies across the country, we carry with us the spirit of our hometown: hardworking, welcoming, and determined. Economic development is not just a job for one department or one person—it’s a community mission. And when Chickasha works together, success is not just possible—it’s inevitable and that’s # TheGoodStuff. 

One of the most exciting parts of my job is seeing the momentum that Chickasha continues to build. Over the past year, our Community has been putting itself on the map in ways that are catching attention far beyond Oklahoma’s borders. Most recently, the Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC), along with Chet Hitt, owner of the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park, has been working hard to recruit manufacturers straight out of California. But before we could head to California, Chet got confirmation that KnightTek signed a contract to be the first in the park and they are expecting to employ around 50 people. This week a group of Chickasha businesses will join the EDC and Chet Hitt in downtown LA for a recruiting event. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Governor Stitt will join us as we anwer the question: Why Chickasha? So why are we recruiting California? Simply put—manufacturers are looking for a better way forward. The Golden State has long been a hub for industry, but rising costs, burdensome regulations, and a sky-high cost of living are making it harder for businesses to thrive there. Oklahoma offers something different. Here in Chickasha, we can confidently say we’re a more affordable, business-friendly alternative. Consider just a few economic factors: Lower cost of living: Oklahoma consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the country. From groceries to healthcare, dollars stretch further here. Lower home prices: While California’s median home price is well over $700,000, families in Chickasha can still find quality homes for a fraction of that cost. That means employees relocating here have the chance at home ownership—a dream that feels out of reach for many on the West Coast. Lower energy prices: Businesses that rely heavily on energy consumption see immediate savings in Oklahoma, where utility costs are far below California’s. A business-friendly environment: With fewer regulations and a pro-growth mindset, Oklahoma leaders at every level are committed to supporting job creators. Chickasha is well-positioned to welcome these manufacturers. The Airport Industrial Park, with Chet Hitt’s vision and investment, offers a ready home for companies that want to expand, relocate, and succeed. It’s not just about moving factories—it’s about creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our tax base, and building a brighter future for our community. So when we say, California, here we come!—we mean it. We’re ready to show manufacturers that in Chickasha, opportunity isn’t just a slogan. It’s real, it’s here, and it’s growing every day and that’s #TheGoodStuff!