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Reflecting on 50 years since ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ filmed in Oklahoma

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Reflecting on 50 years since ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ filmed in Oklahoma


This June marks 50 years since the classic film, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” made its debut in theaters in 1974.

Based on the 1961 novel by Oklahoma author Wilson Rawls, this heartwarming coming-of-age story is about a young boy and his adventures to save his money to purchase two red-bone hound hunting dogs in Tahlequah.

With scenes and sets shot across Oklahoma, including Vian, Tahlequah and Natural Falls State Park, this movie put our state on the big screen and started us on a path toward building an industry that is now flourishing.

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Our diverse landscapes, talented workforce and supportive infrastructure have attracted numerous films over the years, leading to a burgeoning industry that contributes significantly to our local economy.

More: Keep it rolling: Oklahoma’s growing film and TV industry tries to maintain ‘upward trajectory’

In the 2021 fiscal year alone, Oklahoma saw 34 projects filmed in-state, which spent a collective $170 million in local state expenditures, supporting a total of 11,004 hires and wages over $100 million. This impact does not include the over 150 productions outside the state’s incentive program, including commercial projects, music videos and more.

The presence of a vibrant film sector not only creates jobs and stimulates economic growth, but also elevates Oklahoma’s profile as a cultural and artistic tourist hub, drawing in visitors to see the places where their favorite movies and shows were filmed. Visitors to film sites further drive economic impact in local communities by exploring the towns and areas nearby.

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More: Guest: With worst times behind it, Fairfax, Oklahoma, is ready for its best of times

To commemorate the landmark 50th anniversary of “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and celebrate the role of film in the state’s tourism industry, our team at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be hosting an event June 22 at Natural Falls State Park, one of the filming sites.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step into the world of the movie, exploring the exact trails where Billy and his dogs, Little Ann and Old Dan, roamed. The event will feature guided hikes to one of the filming locations, a movie at the Reunion Center and a variety of activities that celebrate both the film and Natural Falls.

The health of our tourism sector is intertwined with the success of our film industry. By continuing to showcase Oklahoma’s scenic locations and fostering a welcoming environment for filmmakers and tourists alike, we ensure that our state remains a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and visit.

I hope you’ll join us at Natural Falls on June 22 to reflect on the legacy of films like “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and ensure its impact endures for generations to come, inspiring new audiences and showcasing the best of what our state has to offer.

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Shelley Zumwalt is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.



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6 Oklahoma Sooners earn AP All-SEC Honors

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6 Oklahoma Sooners earn AP All-SEC Honors


The Oklahoma Sooners are readying themselves for the most crucial game of the season, and perhaps the Brent Venables era, when they host the Alabama Crimson Tide next Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. After a 10-2 season, which included a 6-2 mark in SEC play, six Sooners were named to the AP All-SEC teams.

That comes after 10 Sooners earned 11 All-SEC Honors as voted on by the coaches, and kicker Tate Sandell was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.

Selected to the first team were Sandell, punter Grayson Miller, and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna.

Sandell has the highest field goal percentage in the conference and has made all seven field goal attempts of 50 yards or more.

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Miller is fourth in the nation, and first in the SEC, in punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Like Sandell, he’s been a special teams weapon for Brent Venables, helping Oklahoma win the field position battle in a number of their wins this season.

Sategna is tied for second in the SEC receptions with 65, yards with 948, and tied for fourth in the conference touchdowns. He’s been a big-play threat for the Sooners, especially in recent weeks. Sategna closed the season with back-to-back 100-yard days, giving him four on the season. He had more than 60 yards receiving in nine of Oklahoma’s last 10 games.

Earning second team honors for the Sooners were linebacker Owen Heinecke, defensive end R Mason Thomas, and defensive tackle Gracen Halton.

Thomas leads the Sooners with 6.5 sacks despite missing the final three games of the regular season, three and a half quarters vs. Tennessee (injury), and a half vs. Auburn (targeting suspension). He’s been a force each of the last two seasons, earning All-SEC second-team honors in 2024, and was a first-team selection as voted on by the league’s coaches this season.

Halton, like Thomas, was a member of Brent Venables first recruiting class in the 2022 cycle. He’s been awesome again this year, recording 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 31 total tackles. He’s been a force in the middle, making life difficult in the running game and providing an interior pass rush for the Sooners.

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Heinecke has been one of a number of breakout stars for Oklahoma as part of a great linebacker rotation. Heinecke is second on the team in total tackles and tackle for loss, behind only Kip Lewis, and has two sacks to his ledger as well. He’s come up big in key moments for Oklahoma, including the sack and forced fumble against Tennessee, which led to R Mason Thomas’ long touchdown return that changed the momentum of the game, and perhaps the season.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a talented roster and a number of players like Peyton Bowen, Kip Lewis, Eli Bowen, Courtland Guillory, Jaren Kanak, Febechi Nwaiwu, Taylor Wein, and David Stone who deserved inclusion on the All-SEC teams. Even still, six players and a host of players worthy of mention is a great thing for the Sooners as they get set to take on an Alabama Crimson Tide team that earned just three selections to the AP All-SEC teams.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.





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Person dies after jumping from bridge near I-40 and I-35 in Oklahoma City

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Person dies after jumping from bridge near I-40 and I-35 in Oklahoma City


OKLAHOMA CITY –

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) says a person died Tuesday after jumping from a bridge near the I-40 and I-35 interchange in Oklahoma City, prompting an ongoing law enforcement investigation.

Troopers say the response created traffic delays in the area as law enforcement worked the scene.

Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes until the scene is cleared, officials said.

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OHP says more information will be released as the investigation continues.





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Oklahoma Contemporary to host free ‘Polar Party’ event with winter activities

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Oklahoma Contemporary to host free ‘Polar Party’ event with winter activities


OKLAHOMA CITY –

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is inviting families, children and community members to participate in its monthly Second Saturday program.

Organizers say Second Saturday is a free afternoon of hands-on art-making and gallery exploration held on the second Saturday of each month.

Families can enjoy guided activities, family-friendly gallery chats and take-home art experiences designed for all ages. Materials are provided at no cost, and no advance registration is required.

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Periodically, the center expands the event into Second Saturday XL, which is a larger celebration featuring multiple art stations, performances and seasonal programming across the Oklahoma Contemporary campus.

The upcoming Second Saturday XL: Polar Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. 5 p.m.

Guests can take part in winter-themed projects, including wreath making, cookie decorating and snow-globe crafting, along with music, treats and additional family activities throughout the center.

See the full lineup of activities here.

All programming is free and open to the public.

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