Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How 25 million visitors are reshaping Oklahoma City’s economy and services
Also, don't miss Compost For A Greener Tomorrow on the Oklahoma City Patch calendar
Hi there, Oklahoma City! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How 25 million visitors are reshaping Oklahoma City's economy and services
- What OKC police admitted about officers misusing Flock camera data
- Which wild new fair food will you try first in OKC?
Also on today's calendar: Compost For A Greener Tomorrow and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, OKC ZOO ..!
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Oklahoma City Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Oklahoma City Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Oklahoma City. 
- Friday: Sunshine and very hot, with a high of 108 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 106, low: 76.
- Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 102 and low of 79 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. OKC tourism generated record $4.8B economic impact in 2025 (journalrecord.com) — Oklahoma City's tourism industry generated a record $4.8 billion in economic impact in 2025, supporting more than 36,000 local jobs and major city services. With 25 million visitors spending about $7.9 million a day, officials say tourism-driven tax revenue significantly reduces what OKC households would otherwise pay to maintain infrastructure and public safety. 
2. What Oklahoma City police revealed about officers' misuse of Flock cameras (news9.com) — Oklahoma City police leaders have disclosed discipline for two officers who misused the department's Flock license plate reader database, including a suspended sergeant and another officer given corrective action. The revelations came as the Oklahoma City Council renewed the Flock contract, highlighting how state transparency rules limit what misconduct records must be released. Residents concerned about surveillance and accountability may want to follow future council discussions.
3. Pickle Dr Pepper, deep-fried ranch and more: What's new at the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair (news9.com) — Oklahoma City's 2026 Oklahoma State Fair is back Sept. 17-27 at the OKC Fairgrounds with a huge slate of new foods and drinks. From Pickle Dr Pepper and Deep-Fried Ranch to global-inspired dishes and over-the-top desserts, vendors are rolling out dozens of creative options. Fairgoers can later use the online Food Finder to track down their must-try treats.
4. Oklahoma City celebrates 68 years since historic sit-in movement with Freedom Fiesta (koco.com) — Oklahoma City is commemorating the 68th anniversary of the Katz Drug Store sit-ins with a multi-day Freedom Fiesta focused on unity and civil rights history. Events include an art show and panel Thursday, a concert Friday, a Saturday morning march and re-enactment, and a Sunday Freedom Church service. Organizers hope younger residents learn what earlier generations sacrificed to expand local freedoms.
5. Men of Color Expo honors Byron Dickens as Educator of the Year (koco.com) — A local educator at Oklahoma City Community College is being honored as Educator of the Year at the second annual Men of Color Expo in Oklahoma City. Byron Dickens leads a mentoring program that supports Black male students, helping raise achievement and build community. Former students say the program has been a lifeline for newcomers adjusting to college and life in the city.
📸 Around Oklahoma City
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Oklahoma City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Compost For A Greener Tomorrow →
Crosses Caps, 1305 SW 2nd St, Oklahoma City
8:00 am - Night Market at Scissortail Park →
Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City
6:30 pm - Summer Sizzler- Oklahoma City →
Stars And Stripes Park, 3701 S Lake Hefner Dr, Oklahoma City
7:00 am - Farmers Market at Scissortail Park →
Scissortail Park Ranger Station, 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK, 73109
9:00 am - Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings →
The Yale Theater, 227 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City
6:30 pm - Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons →
The Yale Theater, 227 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City
8:45 pm - OKC - OK Monarch Conservation Action Plan Kickoff Celebration →
Anthem Brewing, 912 SW 4th St, Oklahoma City
1:00 pm - Team Huddle - Advisory
Summit Ms Edmond, OK 73013
8:24 am - Leadership Yukon Meeting
Yukon Chamber of Commerce 10 W Main St #130, Yukon, OK 73099
2:00 pm - Softball vs Sequoyah @ Heartland JV 4:30/ V
Summit Ms Home @ Heartland
4:30 pm - Summit Open House
Summit Ms Edmond, OK 73013
6:00 pm - Singo →
9101 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City
7:00 pm
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Oklahoma City PatchAM possible:
- Cortes Law Firm — (405) 213-0856
- True Care Wildlife — (405) 655-0850
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- My neutered male cat Alfie is missing 4 days now, with tan and black stripes with 4 white paws.
White patch on throat and chest. He's scared of people. If you see him please call 405 810 9640! We live on NW 62 between Miller and Villa in Belle… (Nextdoor Belle Isle West) - What are these wonderful drops of water coming from the sky right now???
It's not much but such a welcome surprise! Started at 5am. (Nextdoor Helm Farm)
- Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member, Petsense in Choctaw. Apply here.
- Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center posted a job opening for Maintenance Technician / Transportation in Choctaw. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oklahoma City here.
Ok Oklahoma City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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