EVENT: Connors State College Centennial celebration
DATE: April 26
Connors State College, formerly Connors State College of Agriculture, was authorized by an act of the first legislature of Oklahoma on May 10, 1908. Warner, Oklahoma was selected for the original site. The town of Warner also donated 160 acres to the college and that expanded the holdings, at that time, to 462 acres. A 1927 Legislative Act approved Connors State College as a fully accredited two year college.
Fast forward to 2008, 100 years in the making, and Connors State College, has maintained its rich agricultural presence in Muskogee County. The college serves a diverse student body and has a very dedicated faculty and staff. This rich history of agriculture has had a major influence on the students that have graduated and furthered their educational goals. Not all the graduates have been in agriculture, but all have experienced the values of a small, highly motivated and firmly based educational institution.
To honor this rich heritage and the important history of Connors State College, a centennial celebration is being planned. The theme of this event is “Roots and Boots”. To kick-off the day’s events the Connors Alumni and Friends will be hosting their annual reunion and their induction of the Hall of Fame recipients for 2008. In addition, a full day of activities is being planned with an evening of music entertainment and barbeque dinner to conclude the day. The feature musical venue will be the Red Dirt Rangers. According to Annette C. Eshleman, “Red Dirt as a musical genre grew out of the Stillwater, Oklahoma, music scene and has been rising in popularity since the early 1980s. It is a straightforward, unpretentious music delivered from the heart.”
Opening for the Red Dirt Rangers, from northeastern Oklahoma is the bluegrass band, Spring Street. Originally, Spring Street was founded in 1990 by Mike Williams, Dan Nieto and Steve Carroll. Connors’ own Larry Todd plays bass guitar. Other members that make up this wonderful group are Randy Ramsey, Nick Alberty, Allen Irvin and Halston Williams (Mike’s son). Spring Street is noted for their inspirational music, their strong four-part harmonies and instrumental prowess. Runt’s BBQ will provide the evening meal. The meal and entertainment will start at 4:30 p.m., at the indoor arena at Connors State College, Warner, Oklahoma. The costs of tickets are $15.00 in advance (which includes the meal). A limited number of tickets at the gate will be $18.00.
Also, those participating in the day’s free activities, and demonstrations, are the Oklahoma Antique Tractor Association Members of Chapter 116 which will have on display over 25 antique tractors, vehicles and farm implements. The Muskogee Quilter’s Guild will have their quilts on display with demonstrations in the art of quilting. Vendors/demonstrators that support agriculture in their crafts and skills are asked to participate. Food Concessions will be provided by the student club members. There are still booths available by reservation. If you would like to reserve space for your craft, and or, demonstration, or for further information please call the Foundation office at 918-463-6343 or 918-463-6342.
The centennial celebration is also being supported by the Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC), The Town of Warner Oklahoma, Tru-Value Hardware-Warner, the Muskogee Farmer’s Market and Connors Development Foundation, Inc. Connors Development Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that was organized in 1979 to aid and support the students, faculty and staff of Connors State College. The Foundation also supports the Alumni and participates in Alumni development. For more information about Connors Centennial Celebration or other planned Centennial events, or for more information about Connors State College and Connors Development Foundation, please call or visit on-line at www.connorsstate.edu.