With school’s back in session, remember to stop for yellow school buses — and look out for children walking to school and crossing the street.
Parents can teach their children to look both ways, but there are a few more tips to keep in mind, especially for when the weather gets wetter and darker this fall.
1. Look both ways and use crosswalks — but don’t assume you’re seen
Teach kids at an early age to look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Then remind them to continue looking until safely across.
If kids cross roads with more than one lane, remind them that just because one car stops doesn’t mean cars in other lanes will, too.
Always use traffic signals and crosswalks if available — but don’t treat them like force fields. Remember drivers are humans, too, which means they won’t always see crosswalks or people walking in them.
The same goes for school zones. There’s a false sense that these are safe areas, but parents and children are rushing around and not always paying close attention to the road.
2. Make eye contact with the driver
Even if the child has the right of way, teach them to make eye contact with the driver so both parties are aware of each other.
3. Eyes up, phones down
Be attentive when walking to avoid tripping, or worse, walking into traffic. Teach kids to put phones, headphones and devices down when crossing the street. It’s particularly important to reinforce this message with teenagers.
Being distracted by technology while walking is becoming one of the major causes of pedestrian accidents.
4. Walk in a group
This provides safety in two ways: a group of students may be more visible to a driver than a single student and it provides personal safety from someone who may wish to do harm to a student.
5. Walk on sidewalks or paths
It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
6. Cross with an adult
Children under 10 should cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.
7. Be a good role model
Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.
Encourage kids to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach them to look for turn signals or back up lights.
Teach kids it is unsafe to run out in the street between parked cars or run across the street not using the crosswalk.
8. Be visible
Students should have some form of clothing, backpack or other item that is reflective, or some form of light to shine as they walk. Dark clothing is a major factor when it comes to pedestrian versus vehicle accidents.
The historic Paseo Arts District is Oklahoma City’s art community. Over 80 artists and more than 25 businesses and galleries participate, all within walking distance. Opening receptions showcase the new work of the gallery/studio owners or the work of guest artists. Once you visit for a First Friday Gallery Walk, you will want to linger for the Paseo’s unique atmosphere.
Join local artists between NW 30th and Dewey and N.W. 28th and Walker in Oklahoma City.
Class every Saturday from 9-10am at the Sky Rink event pavilion 801 South Robinson Avenue
Zumba is a form of aerobic dance exercise similar to Jazzercise; its distinctive characteristic is its use of Latin American music and dance rhythms to create a party-like atmosphere in class sessions.
Farmers Market
Every Saturday | 9am – 1pm Corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and South Robinson Avenue
Shop all local Oklahoma farmers, producers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Make us part of your Saturday morning routine to pick up the freshest produce, meats, poultry, honey, coffee, spices, baked goods and more.
Free parking during market weekends is available around the perimeter of the Park and in the special event parking lot on the northwest corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and Thunder Drive across from Paycom Center.
Set out your bulky trash no later than 6 a.m. on your monthly pick-up date. Please allow up to three days for crews to pick everything up.
You may set out your bulky waste up to three days prior to your assigned pick-up day, but no sooner. Setting it out earlier may result in a ticket or a fine.
Place your bulky waste on the curb and not in the street. Leave about 5 feet of space on all sides, and do not place bulky waste near mailboxes, trees, electric boxes, gas meters, power lines or other obstacles.
Place items loose on the curbside in an area where they can be easily picked up.
Do not place items on the driveway or over storm drains.
Do not cover your water meter.
Do not place bulky waste in an empty lot or on unoccupied property. This is considered illegal dumping and the waste will not be picked up.
The first four cubic yards (about the size of two refrigerators) are included in your monthly service fee. Customers who place out more than the allowed amount will be charged for additional waste on their next Utility bill.
What we pick up:
Large and small household appliances, including refrigerators. However, for any appliances containing Freon or other coolants, including refrigerators or air conditioners – customers need to call (405) 297-2833 to make special arrangements prior to your regular bulk pick-up day.
Mattresses, furniture and carpets
Small trees and landscape waste from DIY projects. Large tree or landscape debris produced by contracted landscapers must be hauled off by the landscaper.
Fencing
Small waste produced by DIY home repair (no contractor waste)
Glass and mirrors (must be wrapped in cardboard and secured)
What we do not pick up:
Acids and caustics*
Antifreeze*
Automotive repair waste: Includes parts and/or liquid waste from automotive, boat or motorcycle repair, tires and rimes, automobile frames, crankcase, transmissions, wheels and tires, brake fluid, degreasers and lubricants
Bagged landscape waste. All bagged leaves or landscape debris must go in your big blue bin.
Batteries of any kind, including automotive batteries*
Bricks, concrete, rocks or similar materials from DIY home projects.
Contractor waste: Uncontained sheetrock, concrete, gypsum and roofing materials, remodeling and demolition debris, dirt, bricks, rocks or concrete. These should be carried of by your contractor.
Explosives
Diapers and pet waste
Excrement
Fertilizer*
Fuels of any types, including propane tanks*
Landscape waste: includes landscape waste and trees cut by a professional contractor. Special conditions will apply for special pick-ups as the result of severe weather.
Nuclear materials
Oils, including automotive oil, house repair lubricants and cooking oils*
Paints and solvents*
Pesticides*
Poisons* (Includes pest control, landscape and other poisonous materials)
Please be safe and remember that fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Oklahoma City. Please do not set any off within the neighborhood. I have attached a list of 22 places where you can go on multiple nights this weekend to see fireworks legally from Brandy McDonnell of the Oklahoman. Wherever you go, be safe!
22 events in 2022 where you can celebrate July 4th across Oklahoma
Edmond’s Independence Day extravaganza is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several events. The festivities start with the long-running rodeo at 8 p.m. June 24-26 at Carl Benne Arena, followed by a car show from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25 at Hafer Park and KiteFest from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 25 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 on the west side of Mitch Park.
The celebration continues with the Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m. June 30 near Mitchell Hall on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. ParkFest is from 12:30 to 3 p.m. July 2 at Mitch Park, the road rally begins at 10 a.m. July 3 at Earl’s Rib Palace, and the Liberty Sprint starts at 7:30 a.m. July 3 at at Ayers and Broadway.
On July 4, the parade begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Edmond and what’s billed as the metro area’s largest fireworks display blasts off at 9:30 p.m. at Hafer Park.
2. Stars & Stripes River Festival and Block Party
When and where: 8 a.m. to dusk June 25 and July 2 in the Boathouse District, 725 S Lincoln Blvd.
The Stars & Stripes River Festival is expanding this year to two days of events over two weekends. On June 25, the Stars & Stripes Regatta will include rowing and dragon boating racing along with Riversport Adventures, whitewater rafting, food and live music, capped off with fireworks on the Oklahoma River.
On July 2, the Stars & Stripes Block Party will start with dog yoga and feature surfing and whitewater fun, plus special attractions like a Dog Dock Diving exhibition, live music, a watermelon eating contest, yard games, food and more fireworks at dusk.
3. Red, White & Boom!
When and where: 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh.
Attractions will include yard games, face painting, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, adult beverages and live music, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk.
5. Yukon Freedom Fest
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 3 and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament, and City Park, 2200 S Holly Ave.
The free two-day celebration includes a car show, children’s parade, sand art competition, the Cherry Bomb Youth Triathlon, hot dog eating contest, food trucks and more. The Hi-Fi Hillbillies, Irv Wagner’s Concert Band will play July 3, while Super Freak and the OKC Philharmonic will perform July 4. Plus, fireworks shows will blast off at 10 p.m. both days.
6. Mustang Firefighter’s Freedom Celebration
When and where: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 25 in Mustang’s Wild Horse Park, 1201 N Mustang Rd.
The event includes food trucks, fire trucks, a live DJ and more family fun activities. Fireworks are legal in Mustang from June 27 through July 4, so no individual fireworks are permitted within Wild Horse Park during the June 25 celebration.
7. Midwest City’s Tribute to Liberty
When and where: 6 p.m. July 4 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave.
The event features live music, including The Andrews Sisters Tribute by Character Connection Co. and a performance by The Wise Guys, along with food trucks and a 9:45 p.m. fireworks show.
8. Tulsa’s Folds of Honor FreedomFest
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. July 4 on the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
The festivities will include children’s activities, live music and a Red Bull Sky Dive Team Jump Landing. The activities will be divided between River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., and Dream Keepers Park (formerly Veterans Park), 1875 S Boulder Ave., and culminate at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks over the Arkansas River, staged from the 21st Street Bridge.
9. Bethany Freedom Fest
When and where: 10 a.m. July 2 in downtown Bethany and at Eldon Lyon Park.
The celebration will continue with Street Fest, including a car show, entertainment and vendors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Bethany. At 9:55 p.m., fireworks will light up Eldon Lyon Park, which will open at 7 p.m.
10. Moore’s Celebration in the Heartland
When and where: 2 to 10 p.m. July 4 in Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12 in Moore.
The celebration will include food trucks, hometown hospitality and vendors, but the main event will be the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show set to music. Car access to the park will be prohibited after 4 p.m., and Lakeview Bridge will be closed at 7 p.m. But free parking will be offered at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium and Cimarron Plaza.
12. Choctaw Independence Day Celebration
When and where: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at Choctaw Creek Park, 2001 N Harper Rd.
The fireworks will launch from the Southpoint Recreation Area across Lake Eufaula from the marina. Seating will be available at Eufaula High School’s Paul Bell Stadium, 530 Lakeland Drive.
14. Blanchard Independence Day Celebration
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. July 2 at Independence Park, U.S. Highway 62 and NE 10 in Blanchard.
The event includes helicopter rides, a kids zone, food and vendors, military honors, live music by SquadLive and the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band and a fireworks display.
15. Lawton Fort Sill Freedom Festival
When and where: 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 1 and 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 2 in Lawton’s Elmer Thomas Park, 501 NW Ferris Ave.
The attractions on July 1 will include food trucks, zip lines, bounce houses and street performers. The daylong festivities July 2 also will include the Parade in the Park, live music by Oklahoma “American Idol” contestant Emily Faith and the 77th Army Rock Band and a huge fireworks show choreographed to music at 9:30 p.m.
16. Quapaw Nation Powwow
When and where: July 1-4 at the Quapaw Nation tribal grounds, 5681 S 630 Rd. in Quapaw.
Food trucks, inflatables, live music, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, a mechanical bull and more will be part of the festivities, plus fireworks at dusk.
18. McLoud Blackberry Festival
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 8 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 9 at Veterans Memorial Park, Sixth and Park in McLoud.
One of the oldest continual festivals in the state, this event was designed to celebrate both the blackberry harvest and July 4. Dating back to the 1940s, the fest includes a carnival, parade, live music, the Cobbler Gobbler contest and more.
19. Jenks Boomfest at the Oklahoma Aquarium
When and where: 6:30 p.m. July 4 at the Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Drive.
Folks can visit the aquarium’s indoor exhibits, then head outside to watch the fireworks at about 9:30 p.m. Food trucks and beverage options will be available, and attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Last tickets are sold at 8:30 p.m., and all aquarium exhibits close at 9 p.m. Members are admitted free, non-members pay general admission rates, and parking is available for $10.
20. Purcell Independence Day Celebration
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 1 at Purcell Lake, 1400 Chandler Rd.
The old-fashioned fun ranges from the egg toss and turtle races to the boot throw and money in the straw. The community’s Independence Day festivities also include the 76th annual Pawnee Indian Veterans Homecoming June 30-July 3 at the Pawnee Football Field, the Pawnee Indian Veterans Parade at noon July 2 in downtown Pawnee, and fireworks at 10 p.m. July 4 at Pawnee Lake.
You should have received your newsletter or if not you will receive it shortly. We have a correction on the QR code that was published. The corrected QR is located above Considering Selling or Purchasing a Home below.
Richard lives here in Harvest Hills South and keeps up to date on the housing market. Please reach out to him if you have any real estate questions.
Due to the increasing crime, we need more patrollers for both days and nights. Please volunteer! We can work with anyone’s schedule. Training is being offered on Saturday by Officer Skalla. Please go to the website listed below and complete the registration. Please let me know if you will be attending and we can meet you there and let you know more about Harvest Hills South and our schedule.
Harvest Hills South Neighborhood Association 