07/09/2018
Would love to see y'all there!
Western Music to raise funds for wildfire victims
Rush Springs, “Watermelon Capital of the World” will be the site of a prelude to their Watermelon Festival with a gathering to raise funds for the Oklahoma wildfire victims and the Rush Springs Fire Department. Two weeks prior to the festival, the OK Wildfire Relief Gathering will take place, at the Lions Club and the Family Life Center of the Southern Baptist Church, noon-6 p.m., July 28.
The event, sponsored by the Rush Springs Lions Club and International Western Music Association (IWMAOK) will feature entertainment, refreshments, food, desserts and an auction of donated items. Ron Secoy, former Lions Club president and vice president of the IWMAOK is spearheading the effort. He said there is always a need to support the fire department and this year wildfires have taken their toll burning over 200,000 acres.
“In my mind, that’s are fellow farmers, ranchers, neighbors and Okies that is some cases have lost their way to make a living to include livestock, fences, structures, crops and pastures. It’s not hard to imagine the destruction, loss of livelihood and psychological damage that has been done.” he stated.
He chose July 28th because for one it is also the National Day of the Cowboy and something groups like the IWMAOK should be celebrating.
“As a collection of many talented cowboy poets, singers and musicians, the National Day of the Cowboy ought to find us performing to give the public an idea of the role and tradition of the cowboy told in music and poetry.” he explained.
The IWMAOK is providing 11 performers including local attorney, Dan Williams. Among the group there are two Ms. Senior Oklahoma Queens, Dove Schmidt and Dawn Anita Plumlee, poets Don Williams, Robert Beene (who also sings and writes songs), James Crouch, Roy Madden (multi-talented) and poet laureate Francine Roark Robinson. Singers, songwriter and musicians are Donnie Poindexter and Curtis Krigbaum.
Additionally the line up includes Jay Snider who is a nationally known cowboy poet of Cyril OK and Joe Settlemires, jazz and Texas swing guitarist who has had Grammy nominations and was the youngest of the Texas Playboys. Local talent includes Del Shield, Traci Roberts, Kerri Rice and Native American flute player, Duane Paul of Duncan. Billy Williams, a cowboy poet, from out of state will round out the line up.
Ribs, brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs sides and beverages will be served in the Family Life Center. Rib and brisket dinners will be $10 per plate with hamburger or hot dog plates being $5. Desserts, being supplied largely by Sophisticated Sweets of Lawton, but will also include items from local residents, will be at various prices with both single serving and whole items offered will be served in the Lions Club.
Entertainment will be in both the club and the center. In the Lions Club items for silent and live auction will be displayed. Current donated items includes gift certificates, art, quilts, jewelry, CDs, books and even some huge jar of pickles. Secoy welcomes any donated item including food and even money donations.
The gathering is in cooperation with the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, Cowfolks Care and the Rush Springs Opry. Some of the performers will grace the stage of the Opry that evening. The Rush Spring FFA, Watermelon Queen Emily Long and several private citizens have agreed to help out at the gathering. Entrance cost is $10 per person for anyone 13 years old or above and $25 for a family.
For more information contact Ron Secoy via Facebook, at [email protected] or (580) 606-9574.
