After days of Oklahoma wind, a storm rolled through Friday night and early Saturday morning bringing beautiful springtime weather for the evening of the Kay County Amphi theater Opening Ceremony “Celebration of Music” held Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Unveiling of the Kay County Patriotic Art Project contest that surrounds the flagpole began at 6:00 p.m., which includes 28 of the 118 pieces submitted by students ranging from fourth through twelfth grades in Kay County. Many of the students were available for recognition during the ceremony, seeing their finished artwork for the first time along with the community. Audrey Schmitz, Northern Oklahoma College Art department instructor said, “The art and essays submitted by the students expressed and explained the students’ patriotism. The final layout of the finished tiles was important to highlight and feature each individual tile. The proj ect was made possible with a grant from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition.”

The evening continued with the welcome by Newkirk City Manager, Ryan Smykil. Scott Dutton, pastor of Newkirk Church of Christ, gave the invocation. Ponca City VFW members presented the new flag and raised it on a new 50 foot flagpole at the “class reunion corner,” with 8 year old Newkirk student Kenley Engle singing the National Anthem. Newkirk Board President Holly Cline, other NMS board members, and NMS Director Alyssa McCleery held the traditional ribbon cutting. Holly Cline thanked and recognized all who made this project possible, including those who helped with planning, fundraising events, donations, construction, and all volunteers. Cline said a donor wall will be installed later this summer recognizing all who gave a cash donation. Smykil introduced Elizabeth Odom, director of the Newkirk Public School choirs, and Cristi Cary Miller, Newkirk High School graduate and nationally-known choir director standing in as guest conductor for the evening event. The program included musical pieces from the Kay County Elementary Choir and Adult Choir, dance by Madelyn Pugh, songs by Kera Beshirs and Jericah Wood, and the Critter Crossin’ Band, a local group with the sound of bluegrass music. One closing musical piece “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” was sung by both choirs and the audience.

The Kay County Amphitheater is a great place to gather for events and performances, hold a community meeting, church service, or outdoor class reunions. The possibilities are endless! Scheduled are free Second Saturday series programs this summer starting with June 11th Ponca City Federated Music Club, July 9th Reach for the Sky, August 13th Back to School Bash, September 10th Charlie Adams Day, September 17th Don Davis, and October 8th Kyle Dillingham and Peter Markes.

An amphitheatre (British English) or amphitheater (American English) is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports. The term derives from the ancient Greek amphitheatron, from amphi, meaning “on both sides” or “around” and théatron, meaning “place for viewing”