Homecoming "Jamboree" brings huge, safe, crowd

Blackwell residents seemed to have a blast at the City of Blackwell’s Top of OK Jamboree during Homecoming weekend.

During the event, red dirt music stars such as Wade Bowen, 51 Junction, the Trent Fletcher Band and Cassy Kendrick performed a free concert at Blackwell’s Morgan Field.

The first-of-its-kind event featured several food trucks, a pop-up vendor marketplace and a beer garden.

In a joint statement released by the Top of OK Jamboree, the organization called the event a success, estimating that 1,500 individuals attended the concert.

“Positive feedback was received from the artist as well as guests,” the statement read.

“The safety and security provided for the event was top notch thanks to the Blackwell Police Department, Kay County Sheriff, Blackwell and Newkirk Fire Departments, and Miller EMS. We are proud to say there were no security or medical issues during the Top of Oklahoma Jamboree.”

Officials thanked those who made the event possible.

“We appreciate the vendors inside and outside of Morgan Field as well as the sports boosters who provided food and drinks for the patrons,” officials said. “In addition to providing a concert experience, we had guitars autographed by each artist. One guitar was raffled at the concert and the other was donated to Blackwell Fire Department’s Christmas for Kids auction. It is our intention to provide this event annually to the community.”

At the recent meeting of the Blackwell City Council, City Manager Jerry Wieland praised Top of OK Jamboree organizers. He said the money raised from the concert will go toward next year’s jamboree.

The event was sponsored by: Bob Hurley, King’s Well Service, Blackwell Family Medicine, Duke Energy, Kay Electric, Los Potros, BancFirst, Stride Bank, Prairie Smoke BBQ, Get Real Cable, the Tonkawa Tribe, the City of Blackwell, the Blackwell Area Chamber of Commerce, Golden Chick, Mark Estep at State Farm, Earnheart Gas Stations, Heather Cannon Honda and other benefactors.