Latest news with #OklahomaCityNationalMemorial&Museum
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In town for the OKC Memorial Marathon? Here's 3 things to do, see before or after the race
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon races are kicking off this weekend with several road closures and weather warnings, but your marathon weekend doesn't have to be covered in a raincloud. Whether you're cheering on someone in the race, looking for a post-race snack, or need to release your mind after the race, the Marathon's footprint gives lots of chances to enjoy some of Oklahoma City. Here are some ways to enjoy the marathon regardless of whether you're running in it or on the sidelines. The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a way to commemorate the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the bombing. Whether you're visiting the city or you're a resident, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a great reminder of why the race continues each year. All racers receive one free admission to the museum on Saturday and Sunday. Several other museums are along the marathon lines, so whether you're sitting at mile one next door to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame or mile 25 near the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, you're not far from a museum downtown. But suppose you want to leave the marathon path for an experience further away. In that case, the American Banjo Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, or the First Americans Museum are also great ways to explore the city. Getting hungry, waiting for your friend or family member to run past your checkpoint? Because of the 26-mile stretch, several options are available to eat on Marathon day, whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a quick bite. Vegetarian options can be found at The Red Cup on N Classen, but if you want to enjoy Oklahoma City's diverse food market, run to Thai Kitchen on Dean A McGee or Tayta Latin Cuisine on Hudson. Related: 10 restaurants along the marathon route to try Happening at the same time just a few blocks south of the start point of the marathon is the Festival of the Arts at Bicentennial Park. At the festival, vendors and artists will be displaying their work and creativity on stages and in booths. The event is heralded as one of the top 25 fine arts festivals in the nation. Whether you're looking for new art to put up, want to clear your mind with a walk through the park, or need a quick bite from the best places to eat at the Festival, there's much to enjoy at the Festival of the Arts. This year marks the 59th annual Festival, which is entirely hosted by Arts Council OKC, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. The four-day festival is an entirely cashless event. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Memorial Marathon 2025: Things to do, see in downtown OKC after race
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Families of Oklahoma City bombing victims turned away after ceremony hit capacity
Several families of victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing are feeling frustrated after they weren't able to attend the 30th Remembrance Ceremony when First Church reached capacity on Saturday. Executive director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Kari Watkins said the sanctuary sat 1,200 people, which was roughly the average the group sees each year. After the ceremony, the national memorial shared a statement of apology on Facebook to those who may have been unable to attend due to the sanctuary's 1,200-person capacity or in the overflow areas. "We are deeply sorry and would never knowingly cause pain to those who have already suffered so much," the post reads. More: Woman removed from OKC bombing ceremony after walking onto stage, talking at officials While the group promised to learn what had happened to prevent individuals from attending, families expressed their situation and grievances in the comment section. One commenter stated that as a family of one of the victims, they traveled from Florida to attend and RSVP'd ahead of the ceremony, yet they, along with other families, "had to stand/sit outside in the cold rain and wait." Another commenter stated that in 2000, at the fifth anniversary, the national memorial delivered tickets to families of victims, survivors and rescue workers. That was something they wished could continue for the future. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC bombing victims turned away from ceremony after site hit capacity
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Woman removed from OKC bombing ceremony after walking onto stage, talking at officials
Those in attendance and watching the 30th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony of the Murrah Building bombing witnessed a small hiccup after a woman walked onto the stage and was shortly escorted out. Officials believe there to be no threat to the public. At the event's start, Dr. Susan Chambers, chair of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, began welcoming the audience to the ceremony. Before she could finish much of her greeting, a woman walked onto the stage toward a row of officials and victim family members. She appeared to be trying to talk to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, according to Pastor Josue Araujo. The pastor of First Church said he was unsure how the individual got on stage, remarking, "Somehow security slipped up" when the program began. From there, he witnessed the individual "speaking with a loud voice" to an individual on the stage. It is unclear who she was trying to speak with; sources involved say it could be Stitt or U.S. Senator James Lankford. The woman's voice was picked up by the microphone on stage, and she could be heard saying, "Help me, please. You know who I am," before being escorted off. Araujo stated that he stepped in to help after seeing that the person who attempted to escort her off was unsuccessful. The individual had a clipboard and papers in hand, the contents of which were unknown. While she may have gotten past security, Araujo said he doesn't think there was any threat to safety. Araujo believes she attempted to speak with the governor. "I just think this is someone who likely knew the governor was going to be present and wanted him to act or make a decision in her favor on something and used this as the moment," Araujo said. Although he did catch her name at the moment, he was unable to recall it during the interview. Officials with the governor's office and law enforcement did not have additional details to share. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Woman removed from OKC bombing ceremony after walking onto stage
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Illumination of hope': New OKC memorial tribute honors the past and inspires the future
There are now big, bold and bronze 'OKC' letters greeting residents and visitors as they enter Sixth Street from Interstate 235, but it's much more than a road sign. The new installation is part of a revitalization effort on Sixth Street to signify a gateway to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Under the railroad bridge, 'Be the Light' is illuminated and the goal is to honor the past while also inspiring the future. For Blayne Arthur, daughter of Dr. Margaret L. 'Peggy' Clark, who died in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995, the new project is a culmination of the work many good people have done since that day, she said. 'I think we have had so many positive things happen in the last 30 years,' she told The Oklahoman. 'The community, the Oklahoma Standard, how we've all come together to say we want this to be the place where people want to live, where they want to raise their kids, where they want to have their businesses, and I think we've seen tremendous success,' she said. Arthur said people could have responded negatively to what happened, but said she loves the focus on 'being the light' and working collaboratively. 'I think in the next 10 years, we'll just see increased growth of the city, increased opportunity to be inclusive of all people and what they want to have happen and make this one of the best places that you can live,' she said. Arthur serves as Gov. Kevin Stitt's secretary of agriculture and chief adviser. Kari Watkins, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, told The Oklahoman the new installation is more than just artwork. The installation opened on Friday, April 4. 'The art and placemaking really have the power to shape emotions and turn a street into a story,' Watkins said. 'It's about creating this powerful experience. One that honors the past while inspiring the future.' When residents and visitors exit from I-235, they see the 'OKC' sign and can take Sixth Street to Harvey Avenue, straight to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. That stretch of road is also being renovated, and improvements include re-surfaced streets, 'Oklahoma City' signage and lighting. In 2023, more than 503,000 visitors were directed to use the Sixth Street exit if approaching from the north, or the Harrison Avenue exit if coming from the south, east or west, Watkins wrote in a letter to the city. As people travel under the railroad bridge, 'Be the Light' signage can now be seen. 'That is our message to people as they come in and out every day. Go do something good. Go be kind,' Watkins said. She said the upcoming 30th anniversary is a big milestone, adding the city is putting downtown back together piece by piece, and one of the key pieces is the gateway. Watkins said she's excited about the new installation and reflected on how far the city has come since the bombing. Some of the economic recovery can be seen in Automobile Alley and other areas. The gateway is the result of a partnership between The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and Downtown OKC Partnership, The Oklahoman reported in January. 'We're pleased to be able to do our part and so many people have given to us and been so kind to us that we want to give back to others,' Watkins said. The significance of the bombing is still relevant today, she added. 'We're living in a world of divisiveness and anti-government, so the memorial and its mission is very relevant.' When people see it, Watkins said she wants them to think of a city that has seen the very best of humanity when it was faced with the worst of times. 'We have to figure out how to find common ground and work together,' she said. 'In the word community is the word unity. It's up to us to work together.' The gateway installation and Sixth Street renovation were revealed shortly after the memorial and museum announced a new expansion called 'Foreword,' which will feature a new orientation theater, exhibit enhancements, upgraded security features, additional elevators, a state-of-the-art civics lab, a new film studio and a redesigned store, The Oklahoman reported in January. Dr. Susan Chambers, chair of the memorial board, said places of remembrance deserve more than a road sign. They deserve a gateway that tells their story, she said, adding it's also a call to action for the present. 'It's about how we show up for each other in our city, in our community, in our world,' she said. 'Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you have the power to be the light.' Public Works Director Debbie Miller said she remembers the day of the bombing and how devastating it was, but Oklahoma City has grown to be vibrant and resilient. She said it's a testament to the city itself. Downtown OKC Partnership President Jennifer Nakayama thanked those involved with the project and said the work is also a result of municipal government sharing resources with nonprofit organizations that move the community along. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City's Sixth Street sees improvements, new art installation
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former President Bill Clinton to speak at OKC bombing remembrance ceremony
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Former President Bill Clinton will be attending the 30th anniversary Oklahoma City bombing remembrance ceremony on April 19 as a keynote speaker, according the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. 'We are honored to have President Clinton back,' said Kari Watkins, President and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. 'He's been back several times and we're honored that he wants to come back and be part of this important time of remembrance and education.' Clinton was president on the day of the bombing on April 19, 1995, and previously spoke at the 20th anniversary remembrance ceremony. The ceremony will honor the 168 lives lost in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Join KFOR live on April 19th for the ceremony. You can watch on TV, online, or on our new Smart TV app, KFOR+, available on Roku, Apple TV, and FireTV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
