(Drumright, Okla.) It may have been a cold and blustery day, but the 40th OilPatch Jamboree & Jog and the Smokin’ in the Patch were enough to warm the hearts of those braving the elements Friday and Saturday in Drumright. The two-day event was kicked off with music by the Red Dirt Rangers as the smell of wood-stoked fires and smokin’ meat wafted through Whitlock Park last Friday evening.
On Saturday, participants of the Jamboree Jog made their way through Drumright as music filled the air with the sounds of Rick Reiley and Gene Collier, Slapout, and The Flat River Band. People lined the streets in anticipation of the BIG parade. The parade went on as far as the eye could see as Mr. and Mrs. OilPatch (Rick and Myrna Sellers) led the way followed by Drumright police, the Drumright band, fire trucks, oil field equipment and other eager participants. Sirens and candy brought smiles to the faces of the young and the not-so-young as the party continued.
Drumright sure knows how to celebrate!
The party continued at Whitlock Park on Saturday afternoon as area firefighters were honored both days for their heroic efforts during the recent wildfires. The competition was “hot” for Drumright, Oilton, NE Lincoln County, Shamrock and Cushing fire departments as they squared off in the Smokin’ in the Patch competition. Oilton took the heat and won the $1,000 in prize money.
Folks sampled the wares of Smokin’ in the Patch contenders and various vendors while listening to the sweet sound of Shawna Russell and her band. (check her out on Facebook and at www.shawnarussell.com) From her own songs – “Sounds Like a Party,” “Waiting on Sunrise” and “Everybody’s Got a Story” to some other favorites such as “Angel from Montgomery” – the Shawna Russell Band proved to be a crowd favorite.
Closing out the party – The Damn Quails – rising stars in the Red Dirt market. Bryon White, Gabe Marshall and company rocked the stage with their own songs such as “Better Place to Stop” and “Another Story” as well as a great rendition of the John Fullbright tune – “Satan and St. Paul.” (check them out on Facebook and their website: www.thedamnquails.com)
All in all, Drumright OilPatch Jamboree was an event to go down in the rich history of the OilPatch.
Check out more photos on our Facebook page KUSH 1600.
***