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By KAREN DYE
Newkirk Mainstreeet Association

This Saturday is the 7th annual Charlie Adams Day heritage event in Newkirk. Entertainment begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m., and it is free, thanks to a matching grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lerin Thomas will begin the day with the singing of the National Anthem followed by Cordelia Clapp in full Native American regalia singing the Lord's Prayer and God Bless America.

There are many activities especially for children and the young at heart. These include chalk art on the sidewalk in front of the high school, trick roping by Marty Tipton, the Oklahoma Kid; Joe Long, a famous and fantastic mime; inflatable jumping games provided by the Kay County Officers, free popcorn and prizes furnished by Leaming Construction Company.

The Full Circle Dance Company featuring Robert and Bear Murray will be performing as will Cindy's School of Dance can-can dancers, and the All Starz Cheerleaders from Arkansas City. The Cherokee Strip Square Dancers will be on hand to perform.

Arts and crafts booths will be set up on the Kay County Courthouse lawn as will Vance Johnson with his chuck wagon. Demonstrations of flint knapping, leather work, spinning, basket weaving, and blacksmithing will be on-going throughout the day. Kaw Southwind Casino will be on hand with prizes.

There will be a sanctioned shooting competition across the street from the high school as well as a sanctioned Dutch Oven cooking demonstrations and competition. Ten barbecue teams will be vying for trophies and once the judging is completed, tasting kits will be sold for the barbecue. Those purchasing tasting kits will be able to do their own judging and vote on the People's Choice award. Other concessions will include hot dogs, soft drinks, and homemade ice cream. Free cobbler will be served until it runs out.

The 'Cruisin' for Charlie' poker run registration begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Charron Lounge with the first bike out at 10:30 a.m. and the last bike out at 12:30 p.m.

Carriage rides are available as well as a shoot-out reenactment at high noon and 2:00 p.m. This year's featured historic character is Greta Cottrell Woodson Heslet - a Victor Studio recording star of the 1920s. Crystal Layton will portray Greta. Greta, herself, plans to make an appearance. She is 102-1/2 years young and currently lives in Tulsa. The Honky Tonk Revival Band will keep the day filled with music.

For more information, call 580/362-2377 or 580/362-2155.

Above: Linda Higgins with her horse and buggy that will be in use in Newkirk on Saturday.