Gathering Place: Monarchs and Route 66 Centennial

Tara Rittler,
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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a media event at Gathering Place, where they talked about how they’re celebrating this monarch migration this fall, as well as their plans for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. Read on to learn the latest news:

Monarch Migration

On Saturday, Oct. 4, Gathering Place is hosting The Great Monarch Quest from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities include a scavenger hunt, live music, vendors, and butterfly-themed activities.

If you’re not able to attend Saturday’s event, visit through Oct. 23 to add your own paper flower to Gathering Place’s Monarch Meadow in the ONEOK Boathouse. Read information about the monarch life-cycle, and get ideas for which flowers to plant in your own monarch waystation.

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And if you love a good photo opportunity, stop by the Sensory Garden for a few fun ones!

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Route 66 Centennial Events

The dates and particulars for these events are still TBA, but Gathering Place is going all out for the Route 66 Centennial. Three areas of focus will be Neon (lighting the cherry blossom grove in the spring), Nature (highlighting wildflowers), and Nostalgia (“pollinator-inspired experiences”). The Nostalgia theme in particular features the connection between monarch migration and travel along Route 66. Both are iconic journeys that have had a significant impact. And continue to have, as Route 66 continues to be a popular tourist destination.

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In addition to these themes, Gathering Place will host a series of Route 66-related events/activities. These include:

  • Movie Night: Make your own cardboard car for a drive-in experience!
  • Route 66 Festival: Highlights the cultures and states along Route 66
  • Sneaker Decorating Contest: “Local artists and community members will decorate sneakers inspired by classic Americana.”
  • Themed Fitness Classes: Think swing and western dancing
  • Sand Sculpture Showcase: Route 66 landmarks come to life on Willow Beach
  • The Capital of Route 66 Exhibit: In ONEOK Boathouse
  • Route 66 Photo Opportunities: Located throughout the park
  • Ticketed experiences

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They’ve also given their mascots (Blue the Heron, Tulsey the Turtle and Hazelnut the Squirrel) a cute vintage look for the year. You can see those in the keychains below.

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Again, the dates for these events haven’t necessarily been announced yet, so follow @gathertulsa on social media for updates! We’re excited to see how it all comes together!

Categories: Spaghetti on the Wall

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