Don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for Yukon’s summer concert series to return. This has been a great tradition for more than 20 years and it’s reassuring that our City of Yukon leaders realize how important outdoor events like these concerts are to Yukon’s quality of life.
The first concert will be Thursday, June 11 – and live bands are booked each Thursday through the summer.
I was living in a house on Ronald Street, which backs up to Chisholm Trail Park, when these concerts started. (I was directly east of a set of port-a-potties before a new restroom was built). Fortunately, my former next-door neighbor still lives there and invites me to watch the free concerts from her back porch.
In past years, it has been easy to walk over to the Yukon Parks & Recreation concession stand for a fresh grilled hot dog or hamburger.
For the first three concerts in June, there will be food trucks for the crowds to enjoy; hopefully the Yukon Parks & Rec concessions will return for the July and August concerts.
As always, music lovers will come out to enjoy these weekly concerts featuring local musicians of many varieties – country, pop, rock-n-roll, and jazz.
This year, with more people practicing social distancing due to COVID-19, I predict the chairs and blankets will be spread out more than ever. Well, Chisholm Trail Park covers 50 acres so there is plenty of room for you, your family and friends.
See you out there on Thursday nights starting June 11.
DATES TO REMEMBER: Mark June 5 and July 18 on your calendar.
Next Friday, June 5 will be the “in-person” graduation ceremony for the 25-member Southwest Covenant Schools’ Class of 2020. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the spacious Covenant Community Church sanctuary.
I covered my first Patriots’ graduation last year and can attest it is a special event where all students participate.
Because of unfortunate circumstances related to the health crisis, Yukon High School only was able to have a “virtual” commencement on May 19 for its 611 Miller graduates.
But plans have been made for an in-person graduation on Saturday, July 18 at the Yukon High School football field. With so many students participating, the audience size must be limited and spacing protocols implemented.
RETURNING LIVE: The Yukon Legislative Breakfast will be back next Tuesday, June 2 at the Yukon Police Department after a “live” break due to the pandemic.
As someone who has participated in several Zoom video meetings, I believe it is much better to meet with others in person “face to face.” While Zoom certainly has helped us during this unprecedented time, it does not replace being there.
Many local business people have been “gathering” via Zoom at the Yukon Chamber’s Friday morning community coffees. This well-attended event will return in living color next Friday, June 5 at Trinity Baptist Church, 620 N Cemetery Road. Lots of space there!
ZOOM OR NOT: While many meetings have been Zoom only, the Canadian County Commissioners and Yukon City Council have met in person (with teleconferencing available) since the COVID panic gripped Oklahoma. I’ve attended every regular weekly county commissioners’ meeting since mid-March in person. A few times I was the only member of the public sitting in the audience.
JUST THE FACTS: The Oklahoma State Health Department reported Thursday there have been 128 positive COVID-19 cases in Canadian County with 3 deaths. Some 114 people who tested positive have recovered, thankfully.
WAY TO GO: Congrats to Lois Garner, Hattie Hughs, Kylie Moseley, Cody Watson, and David DeLoera. These five 2020 high school graduates have been awarded annual Yukon Chamber of Commerce scholarships. You’ll read more about these students soon!
ON THE SCENE: Your friendly staff at the Yukon Progress hasn’t skipped beat over the past 10 weeks, coming to our Spring Creek Building office as usual to put out our two print issues plus the Piedmont Gazette and Okarche Warrior weekly editions.
What this health situation has done is reinforce for all of us the need to wash our hands thoroughly, not sneeze in someone else’s face or invade people’s personal space. We also know why we should stay home if we’re sick.
I still believe in shaking hands but now offer the “elbow bump” option to those who are hesitant. Following safe hygiene practices helps keep all types of viruses from spreading.
