Cowboys Gather to Revitalize Okmulgee Downtown in OSU’s State of Orange: A Day of Service

Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) new service project, State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service, was brought to life on Saturday in Okmulgee. Over 3,000 participants across more than 350 locations nationwide came together to demonstrate how the university’s mission and Cowboy Code extend beyond the classroom and into the community.

In Okmulgee, OSU Institute of Technology (OSUIT) partnered with Okmulgee Main Street to revitalize the downtown area. Three distinct projects were undertaken to breathe new life into the heart of Okmulgee. More than 45 volunteers focused on weeding, planting vibrant flowers, and relocating the beloved ‘umbrella alley’ to a new location closer to the town square.

Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life at OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street board president, expressed that it felt natural to pair the two groups for the State of Orange – Cowboy Day of Service. “OSUIT had a need to enhance the community and Main Street had a desire to continue the work they do downtown,” said Crawford. She highlighted the relationships built with businesses and organizations in Okmulgee over the years through student clubs, making the event a great opportunity to give back to Downtown Okmulgee while fostering connections with a local organization committed to community pride and engagement.

Volunteers from various local organizations, including First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members, and the local Boy Scouts, joined forces with OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street on Saturday. Rusty Milroy, an Okmulgee Main Street volunteer expressed amazement at what was achieved when many hands came together: “It looks great; very beautiful,” he said of the revitalized downtown area.