Visiting Panhandle & Great Plains

Red Carpet Country dominates the Oklahoma Panhandle and northwest region of the Sooner State. Known for its wide-open spaces, pioneering spirit and outdoor activities, spring and summer are ideal for a visit. Home to Beaver Dunes Park, Black Kettle National Grassland and Recreation Area and Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge, northwestern Oklahoma offers a variety of interesting locations for a getaway. Amidst the majestic landscapes you’ll find events from rodeo’s to hometown celebrations. Elk City’s Rodeo of Champions and Guymon’s Pioneer Days Rodeo are two of Oklahoma’s most exciting cowboy competitions. How About a classic car show in Weatherford, or travel to  Enid for the traditional county fair.

Celebrate the pioneer spirit of Oklahoma’s panhandle region in Guymon at the 2012 Pioneer Days and PRCA Rodeo. Held May 4th through the 6th, the rodeo is one of PRCA’s largest outdoor events. Called the saddle bronc capital of the world, Guymon’s Pioneer Days rodeo features 4 performances include saddle bronc riding steer roping along with bull riding, team roping, and barrel racing. Rodeo events are at Henry C Hitch Pioneer Arena. Pioneer Days’ festivities bring a parade through downtown on Saturday morning, a fun walk and 5K run along with the Pride of Texas carnival – join family and friends in Guymon for this annual tradition.

Take a trip back in time to the heydays of Route 66 at Weatherford’s Heartland Cruise Car Show. The 2012 event, June 5th and 16th features a parade of classic cars cruising down former Route 66 through the heart of Weatherford to Rader Park. See more than 250 classic automobiles on display Saturday at Radar Park. The fun also includes food, vendors and games – come check out the classics in Weatherford.

Have an old-fashioned 4th of July at the Independence Day Celebration in Blackwell. Located off Interstate 35 in north central Oklahoma, Blackwell hosts the festivities at Memorial Park and Blackwell Fairgrounds. Decorate your wagon or bicycle for the day, and get ready for sack races, three-legged races and the wheelbarrow races. Stick around until dusk and top off the day will the Blackwell fireworks display.

Summer is not complete without a visit to the Garfield County Fair. Enid hosts the fair at the Garfield County Fairgrounds, just off Purdue Avenue at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center. See the best of Garfield County livestock, agriculture and home crafted products, enjoy the fair food and join the kids on the midway for the carnival rides and amusement games. Enjoy an ideal end of summer event - the Garfield County Fair.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Elk City at the 2012 PRCA Rodeo of Champions. From August 31 through September 2nd Elk City hosts one of Oklahoma’s most popular Rodeos. Don’t miss the PRCA Rodeo of Champions parade Saturday Morning, and three nights of exceptional rodeo competition. Elk City is conveniently located off Interstate 40, less than two miles west of Oklahoma City. Catch the excitement at Beutler Brothers Rodeo Arena on the north edge of Elk City.

Panhandle & Great Plains Hotel Map