Lights Over Alva to welcome students

 


The Lights Over Alva event began last year with one musical entertainer and some food trucks. It was a way to welcome Northwestern Oklahoma State University students to Alva and show them the downtown area.

Alva Chamber of Commerce Director Alex Mantz said last year the event was publicized mainly among the students, but this year they want to include Alva residents as well. They’re also making a push for parents of students to attend.

Speaking to the Alva Tourism Committee Wednesday, Mantz said this year’s Lights Over Alva will feature two popular area musical groups. Panhandle Dirt is a five-piece band with vocalists who play original red dirt, classic rock, classic country and Americana style music. Josh Meloy is a solo country artist from Stillwater.

Mantz said it’s been arranged for a group of NWOSU athletes to be available at 5 p.m. that evening to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans. This is an effort to attract youngsters for the early part of the evening. Snow cones will also be available for the youngsters. There will be some activities such as corn hole and horseshoes for everyone.

Food for the event will be provided by a number of food trucks. There will also be tables set up for retailers and others with information and products for students.

Lights Over Alva will be held on the courthouse lawn on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5 to 10 p.m. That’s move-in day at the university. Those attending will want to bring lawn chairs, beach towels or blankets for seating, but there will be some bleachers available too.

Although this is the second year for the event, it’s the first time the Alva Chamber has approached the tourism committee for funding. They asked for $5,250, which will cover entertainment, sound, advertising and porta-potties.

Dr. Charles Tucker asked how many attended last year, and Mantz said about 100. She said that event was limited to a shorter time with only one entertainer.

Committee Chair Norville Ritter said it is important to get the college students downtown. Some of them never venture to the downtown area. Mantz said that’s one reason Bahama Breakaway is held on the downtown square.

Connor Martin suggested the addition of beer vendors. Looking at similar events at other colleges, he believes that would greatly increase attendance.

Martin made the motion to approve the $5,250 in tourism tax money for Lights Over Alva, seconded by Terri Parsons. The motion passed unanimously.

The only committee member absent for the July meeting was Jaunita Dotson. Minutes of the June 19 meeting were approved. Secretary Jodie Bradford gave the June financial report. At the end of June, the committee had $567,514.87 available after deducting funds already encumbered by other grants.

 

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