In January 2024, the Okmulgee County 4-H program applied for a grant that would allow us to revitalize the fairgrounds where so many county residents attend various functions, from the county fair to the Okmulgee County Cattlemen’s Association events.

I am happy to report that in March the 4-H program received a $1,000 Beautification Project Grant. The American Plant Products and Services, LLC and the Okmulgee County Fairboard generously donated $500 each.

On June 17 and 20, Okmulgee County 4-H held its Beautification Camp. Under the guidance of Extension staff, Master Gardeners and Green Fingers members, the group prepared planting sites for beautiful perennials to be planted such as Crepe Myrtles and Daylilies.

We restored the old flower bed at our corner Fairground sign as well as a monument in front of the Extension office. The monument was constructed out of landscaping rock over 40 years ago, recently one side had collapsed. We were able to reconstruct the collapsed side by piecing it together like a puzzle and securing it with concrete, as well as putting a fresh coat of paint on the letters of the monument. It looks as good as new!

Also, the office had acquired a new road sign but with no way to display it; it just sat in the office. About a week before the camp, I reached out to senior 4-H member Cash Stotler. He came up to the office and we talked about the sign, the plans for it, and if he even wanted to mess with it.

We loaded the sign along with some other supplies in Cash’s truck and he went on his way. I fully expected to have the sign returned in a couple of weeks. I received a picture that evening from his 4-H leader of the completed project! So, we were able to install it during the Beautification Camp, too.

If you happen to be driving by the Fairgrounds, take a look and see the improvements. All the participants of the Beautification Camp worked their tails off over those two days, and it shows! Thank you to our donors, volunteers and leaders.