Press Release
December 7, 2016
Contact: Robbin Davis
Pioneer Woman Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-765-6108
rdavis@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/pioneerwoman
Fourth Annual Holiday Happenings
PONCA CITY, Okla. — For the fourth year in a row, seven of Ponca City’s attractions and some of the downtown businesses have partnered to provide family friendly activities and shopping events that offer unique holiday experiences.
“Four years ago, it was the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum and the Ponca City Art Center. This year Standing Bear Museum, the Ponca City Art Center, Main Street Ponca City and the Marland Grand Home have joined along with a few of our downtown shops,” said Robbin Davis, director of the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum.
Local businesses joining in this year’s Holiday Happening events include the Cherokee Strip Company and the Bag Lady Boutique. Each location will offer a variety of activities, entertainment, discounts and refreshments starting Saturday, December 3, and then each weekend through Saturday, December 24.
“This year all of the attractions have expanded the activities to multiple weekends. The holidays are a time for families and fun. We want everyone to come out, enjoy themselves and make some memories,” continued Davis.
Activities kick off Friday, December 2, with hot chocolate and music on the Veterans’ Plaza courtesy of Main Street Ponca City the night of the City’s annual Christmas parade, followed by the First Saturday Christmas Market at the Cherokee Strip Company. The Bag Lady Boutique and the Cherokee Strip Company both offer unique items as well as fun shopping atmospheres.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, located at 701 Monument Road, will host a free presentation by Paula Denson entitled “Christmas on the Prairie,” discussing the holiday celebrations of 19th-century settlers. Denson, a native of Ponca City, is the author of “The Royal Air Force in Oklahoma,” which was published in 2006 by the Oklahoma Heritage Association. She also founded and served as CEO and president of North Central Oklahoma Historical Association, which published a nationally award winning history of North Central Oklahoma in 1996. Additionally, from noon to 2 p.m., the museum will host Mrs. Claus as she spins her holiday tales. Free cookies and hot cocoa will be served. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a Holiday Open House, shopping and holiday treats. Also on Saturday, December 24, the museum will be open for last minute shopping featuring a vintage candy selection, stocking stuffers and unique, handmade items. For more information, call 580-765-6108.
The Marland Grand Home, located at 1000 E. Grand Ave., is celebrating its centennial with a 1916 Vintage Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 10. Activities will include a 1916 themed Christmas tree and a vintage toy exhibit. Homemade goodies, treats and gifts will be for sale. The Grand Home 100th anniversary cookbook and commemorative “Whit the Fox” ornaments will also be available. There will be complimentary hot cider and singing of vintage Christmas carols from 10 a.m. to noon, and a host of costumed Santas from around the world will have stories to tell. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. children can create a handmade “Whit the Fox” Christmas card. There will also be a chance to win a decorative Mary Virginia Marland snowperson (2 p.m. drawing). And from 1 to 3:30 p.m. there will be photos with Santa. For more information please call 580-767-0427.
Also on December 10, the Ponca City Art Center, located at 819 E. Central Ave., is offering a new family activity this year, Grapes & Glazin’, a guided pottery glazing class for the whole family as they enjoy a glass of grape juice. Each family will get to paint their own Christmas tree. This fun, no experience needed class gives beginners a glimpse into the world of pottery, including its creative process of colors and design, while keeping it easy and fun. All glaze supplies and firings are included in the $20 price, plus each family will have a one-of-a-kind holiday treasure for years to come. Other handcrafted pottery pieces will be available for purchase, with opportunities to create additional pieces. All work created during this class will be available for pick up one week from its creation date. A reservation is required for both the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. session of Grapes & Glazin’.
On Saturday, December 17, the Art Center also will host its Second Annual POP UP Shop & Nosh with local merchants and artists to create a unique shopping experience. Guests can browse a stress-free environment and take advantage of great gift ideas, all while noshing on baked goodies and delicious warm beverages. Free gift wrap will be available for all purchases. Finally, on Tuesday, December 27, the Art Center will host an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. The Open House will include holiday treats and drinks, guided historical tours of the Soldani Mansion, live music and voting for the annual Christmas Tree Contest. Both the POP UP Shop & Nosh and the annual Open House offer free admission. Call 580-765-9746 for more information.
The Standing Bear Museum and Education Center, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 60, U.S. Highway 77 and U.S. Highway 177, will present an artist showcase featuring Native artist Clyde Otoboby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. Guests will be invited to visit with the artist about his inspiration and his work process. Otoboby’s work has a strong local and national following and is in many public and private collections. Additionally, the center will host Cowboy Santa on Saturday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can listen to holiday stories and enjoy holiday treats. For more information call 580-762-1514.
“Our hope is that this event will continue to grow and be one that the local community looks forward to every year. It ties perfectly into all of the holiday events that go on in our community, including the lighting of the Christmas tree downtown and the Festival of Angels,” said Davis.
For more information about any of the programs and events for the Holiday Happening, contact one of the locations or Robbin Davis at the Pioneer Woman Museum at 580-765-6108, piown@okhistory.org or visit the Ponca City Holiday Happening’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/poncacityholidayhappening.
The Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, located at 701 Monument Road, is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Images to accompany this story can be obtained by contacting Robbin Davis at 580-765-6108 or rdavis@okhistory.org.
