Music lovers are in for a treat Saturday, September 28, when the Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival kicks off in downtown Purcell.

The event starts at 11 a.m. featuring local Oklahoma musical artists Red Grass String Band, The Bottom of the Barrel, Gary Gibson, Etowah Road and hometown celebrity, Parker Millsap.

Admission is free.

***

Happy birthday to Betty Barnes, Allison Northcutt, Andrew Cummings, Riley Wren, Tyler Sherman, Ixcel Murrieta, Denise Garanzuay, Marcia Haynes, Jeremy Lizana, Humberto Aguinaga, Jesus Espinoza, Cary Glen Warren, Kevin Konrade and Miguel Legarda.

***

Happy 63rd Wedding Anniversary to Jerry and Elaine Butler.

***

Friday night is Homecoming at Purcell High School.

The homecoming parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. and make its usual trek down Main Street.

The 2024 football homecoming queen will be crowned Friday night in a ceremony prior to the Purcell-Plainview football contest at Conger Field.

The King and Queen will be announced at the coronation ceremony starting at 6:20 p.m.

***

The Purcell Public Library will present the “DIY Potted Plants” Thursday, September 26, from 4-6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Join us as we come together to learn about the science behind taking care of plants while potting and decorating plants for attendees to take home!

You will have the opportunity to get to know people who share a similar interest and learn more about plants. Plants, potting materials, and pot decorations will be provided for this experience.

Registration is required and the program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

***

The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 4, at the Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course in Purcell.

The four-man scramble will have an 8 a.m. shotgun start followed by lunch and an awards ceremony.

For more information or to sign up contact Elisabeth Baker at elisabeth@theheartofok.com or call 405-527-3093.

***

The 1st Annual McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is an event aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to victims.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, at 8 a.m. at the Purcell Lake Trails.

All proceeds from the event will be placed in a new nonprofit for McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness.

***

Hope on Wheels, a mindful journey bus tour, organized by Parents Helping Parents will be in Purcell Thursday, October 3.

The tour stop will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce between 3:10-4 p.m.

The group partners with organizations across Oklahoma to deliver mental health and substance use resources to those who need it most.

To learn more about the bus tour and how to participate, email amanda@parentshelpingparents.info or call 405-550-7325.

***

The Purcell Public Library will present “Music Connection” Tuesday, October 15, from 4-5 p.m. in the small banquet room of the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center.

Music Connection is a interactive music and story program for children ages three to seven and their caregivers.

It includes singing, playing instruments, listening, moving to music and more.

Engaging with music is a fun way to build and strengthen early literacy skills, helping kids succeed in learning and in life.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

***

Here’s an easy casserole to make for a busy night!

Baked Mexican Goulash

1 box dried macaroni or rotini pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope taco seasoning

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 pint chili beans

1/2 cup salsa

1 small can sliced black olives

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and taco sauce for topping

Cook dried pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain.

Return the browned beef to the skillet, and add the package of taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Cook for a few minutes to incorporate the seasoning into the meat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, tomatoes, chili beans and salsa. Stir to thoroughly combine.

Pour pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the sliced olives over the top of the pasta. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese.