Swingin’ the Blues in Stillwater

Swingin’ the Blues

Golfers tee off in triple-digit heat to support Blues Fest

Monique Headley

Scorching heat sending thermometers up to 107 degrees Saturday did not deter avid golfers and music enthusiasts from participation in the 2009 Stillwater Blues Fest Golf Tournament at the Lakeside Golf Course.

On target with projected earnings, more than $2,000 was raised, said Stephanie Gudgel, Stillwater Community Center manager.

More than 30 players joined in the festivities to play 18 holes of golf and get treated to refreshments and the music of Blues guitarist Jack Carlton of the Jack Carlton Band.

“This is our inaugural Blues golf tournament,” said Gloria Short, program coordinator for the community center.

The idea to combine sports and music was inspired by the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival in southern Oklahoma, Short said.

“We had a ball and a lot of fun,” said golfer Roger Fry.

According to Short, the event served as a fundraiser for Oklahoma’s largest free Blues festival.

Such fundraisers are necessary to keep the festival free, said Stillwater Deputy City Manager Mary Rupp.

“Each year it gets harder to raise sponsors for the festival,” Rupp said. “They want to help but some businesses have cut back and the Blues Fest may be the first event they cut back on.”

For some, support of the arts is a continued commitment.

“We go to the Blues festival every year,” said Stephanie Fry, director of member services for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. “We enjoy supporting the arts.”

The Chamber is a sponsor.

The September Blues festival is slated to feature the music of up to 25 performers from Oklahoma, Texas and other states.

Anticipated attendance is 15,000.

“People come from Oklahoma and out of state. They call in January to find out when it will be happening and reserve hotel rooms,” Short said.

The festival is a great financial opportunity for Stillwater, said Short.

“Over a period of three days, it has a great impact on the economy and brings a touch of culture to the city.”

The event also assists to generate future grant funding for the festival, said Short.

The 12th Annual Stillwater Blues Fest is scheduled to take place Sept. 18-20. For more information, visit www.bluesfest.stillwater.org.