We all scream for ice cream!

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch... but free ice cream? Well that's a different story.  Tomorrow, Sept. 7, is Downtown Employee Appreciation Day.  From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., we'll be in various locations around the downtown area handing out free ice cream to hardworking downtown employees.

Look for us outside Leadership Square and in the Chase Tower Plaza. We'll also be driving golf carts around Automobile Alley, Bricktown and Arts District. We'll keep you in-the-know by tweeting the mobile cart locations. Make sure you follow DOKC on Twitter (@downtownokcinc, #freeicecream) for live updates! 

One more thing! If you mention @downtownokcinc in a tweet on Downtown Employee Appreciation Day, you'll be automatically entered to win a special prize. Tell your friends and coworkers!

Thinking about taking the leap to urban living?

Whether you're looking to rent, buy, or you're just curious, the Downtown Home Tour will offer you a glimpse of what it's like to live in the heart of the city. Join us on Sept. 30 from noon - 4 p.m. to check out new, popular, high-end properties in the downtown area. 

It's free to participate, but space is limited, so sign up online before Sept. 26. Each registered attendee will receive a free ticket to the Taste of Bricktown event on Oct. 7.

The Downtown Home Tour is hosted by Downtown OKC, Inc. on behalf of the Business Improvement District. For more information, call 405.235.3500 or visit downtownokc.com.

Who's who downtown?

This week's Who's Who features Clifton and Kathy Grider, the couple behind The Library of Food and Spirits, the Nook and one of Bricktown's newest additions, Frequency Nightclub. We hope you enjoy learning more about one of downtown's coolest couples!

So you guys own and operate a few downtown businesses. Tell us more! 
We always wanted to be involved in downtown OKC. When we had the chance to purchase the Library, we jumped on it. Little did we know, our older competitors would close up shop, leaving us owning downtown's oldest surviving bar and grill. We also saw a need for an affordable breakfast and snack place, so when the space next to us became available, we grabbed it and opened the Nook. Through our relationships with our customers at the Library, we met the previous owner of a bricktown nightclub.  To our delight, we had an opportunity to take over his lease and opened up Frequency with our business partners. Nothing like having three wonderful businesses within walking distance in the downtown area.

What’s so great about being a business owner downtown anyway?
As any downtown business owner will tell you, the last couple years have been exciting but difficult.  We get to see first hand OKC's transformation into a new city.  We've had the chance to witness the arrival of pro basketball, the Devon tower, new hotels, and new businesses relocating here. Our bar has hosted many new downtown residents as housing has been built. We have met celebrities, athletes, but more importantly, Oklahomans. Being in downtown has been challenging, but with the pending completion of Project 180, we feel we are right in the middle of it all.

What do you like most about your job?
Meeting people is by far the greatest thing about it. We get to meet all types of people and hear the stories they tell. Being a business owner requires a lot of time, but you get to choose what to do, and when to do it.

If you had one hour to spend $1,000 in downtown OKC, how would you spend it?
That's easy! We would take all of our friends for drinks and dinner at the Library and be at Frequency by the end of the hour to start a night of dancing and fun. Seriously, we know the retail choices downtown will continue to increase as Project 180 gets completed, but we hope that people remember that places like the Library, Becky's Hallmark, Nancy Farha's, the Snow Pea, etc., have been providing food and retail options for downtown residents, workers and visitors for 20+ years.  There was a time when, without these businesses, downtowners would have had no options at all.

Where do you like to go for date night?
With this many businesses to run, operating at different hours and days, a quiet night at home is an awesome date night. When we get out, we always choose a locally-owned restaurant with great service and tasty food. Kathy loves the movies and I prefer listening to live music.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
The lake is the only place for us when we get away.  Lake Murray is our home away from home and the place where we let our hair down. (Or at least Kathy does.)

Whether you're an electronic music fan or just in the mood for some comfort food, we're pretty sure Clifton and Kathy have a spot for you. The Library and the Nook are located at 119 N. Robinson (in the lower level of the Robinson Renaissance Building) and Frequency is located in Bricktown at 209  Flaming Lips Alley.

Be sure to like Frequency's Facebook page and follow The Library on Twitter to keep up with special events and deals.

Help the Mayor kick off Walking Wednesdays

On Sept. 12 at 11:30a.m., the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Mayor Mick Cornett will kick off Walking Wednesdays to promote exercise and fitness in downtown OKC. 

Consider this a challenge to make walking part of your daily routine - it's easier than you think! If you walk around the perimeter of the Myriad Gardens 1.5 times, you’ve walked a mile. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoor ‘track’ right in the heart of downtown.

Participants will meet at the Band Shell on the Great Lawn. The first 50 attendees will receive a free pedometer. See you there!

Pre-sale Cirque du Soliel tickets for downtown supporters

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that the critically-acclaimed touring production Dralion will perform in Oklahoma City at Cox Convention Center from Dec. 19 - 23 for seven performances only.

As a downtown supporter, you have the opportunity to save $10 on select tickets! Visit Ticketmaster.com's pre-sale ticket page now because the offer ends today, Sept. 6 at 10 p.m. 

Don't miss your chance to beat the crowds and witness this harmonious blend of Eastern and Western acrobatic prowess at a special price. For more information about Dralion, visit chesapeakearena.com.

The City of OKC - keeping you in the know

The City of Oklahoma City is launching a MAPS 3 e-newsletter in the next few weeks to keep you informed about upcoming community meetings, ground breakings and other MAPS 3 progress. Click here to subscribe.  The newsletter will be sent to your inbox periodically.   

You're also invited to attend a community meeting for the MAPS 3 downtown park on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Downtown Library.

Wanna hear a story?

The Arts Council of Oklahoma City presents the 32nd-annual Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival, Sept. 6-8 on the Arts Council Campus (400 W. California Ave.) in downtown OKC.

The Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival now consists of three evening performance with a newly added Thursday evening performance – all intended for adults. A special family matinee is held at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The tellers will also teach their art in professional workshops during the mornings and afternoons, with free events hosted during the lunch hour.

“We are so excited to bring these incredible storytellers to Oklahoma, said Christina Foss, director of the Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival. “We will hear all sorts of stories from humorous to inspirational to ancient tales with music to personal stories, which will make for a very special festival.”

After much planning, volunteer co-chairs Anita Baker and Tony Lacy promise a weekend full of entertaining stories from world-renowned tellers Dolores Hydock, Clare Murphy, Steve Poltz and Antonio Sacre.

The Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival is presented by Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy Corporation, with additional support from Allied Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, including ticket prices and a full schedule of events, visit artscouncilokc.com.

Learn workplace first aid and CPR

A fellow employee falls to the floor. What should you do first? What should you do during the 9 minutes before EMSA arrives? Learn the proper way to react when seconds count to help your colleague.

Join EMSA Paramedic Instructor, Heather Yazdanipour, at the Tuesday Topics seminar on Tuesday, Sept. 11, from noon-1 p.m.
This seminar will answer essential questions to emergency response all within the safety of the OKC Downtown College in Norick Downtown Library.

The best part is... all Tuesday Topics seminars are free and lunch is provided! All you have to do is RSVP at 405.232.3382. 

Tuesday Topics is brought to you by these sponsors: The OKC Downtown College, Allegiance Credit Union, Norick Downtown Library, and Downtown OKC, Inc.

What's happening at the library?

There's so much cool stuff happening at the Downtown Library this month, we thought we'd give you a quick-and-dirty overview. Mark these dates on your calendar, folks!

Steampunk Mini-Con
Saturday Sept. 8, 11:30-3:30 (For teens & adults)
Join us for an exploration into the world of Steampunk. Enjoy activities, crafts and much more!

Tai Chi for Better Balance
Every Monday starting Sept. 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Melt away your Monday stress while improving your balance and mobility.  This is a very low impact, beginner level Tai Chi course. We will learn eight form exercises endorsed by the OKC County Health Department. This is a 12-week progressive series, however, you are welcome to drop in anytime to give it a try. Co-Sponsor: OOCHD

English as a Second Language - Advanced
Every Monday, 1-4 p.m.
Strengthen and improve your English so you are ready to interview for a better job, be successful in school or just be more engaged in your community. No registration required.  Co-Sponsor: OKC Adult Learning Center

Computer Basics
1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an introductory class that will teach basic navigation and common uses for computers and software such as web browsing, Microsoft Word, Excel and basic computer security. Classes are held in the Route 66 Computer Lab. No registration necessary.

Movie Night
Every Wednesday  6-8 p.m.
Join us for an action packet adventure, a good laugh or heartfelt drama every Wednesday on the big screen in the 46th Star Auditorium.   Movies are rated PG-13. For a current listing of titles call 606-3879

Noon Tunes
Every Thursday  12-1 p.m.
Cosponsored by the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System. September performances:
6 - Jane Mays
13 - Allegria Real
20 - Ali Harter
27 - UCO Ensemble

There are plenty more events happening during the month of September. For a full list, visit the Downtown Library's online event calendar.

What's 'in' this fall?

Nancy Farha's is a 'must-visit' for women's clothing and accessories. Today, Nancy is hosting a special party to show you what's in this fall. Visit any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy refreshments, giveaways and 20% off selected items. Helpful hint: get there early because the drawings begin at noon!

Nancy Farha's is located at 120 N. Robinson on the ground floor of the First National Center. For more information, view the online event flyer or call 405.235.7848.

Win dinner for two at Vast, courtesy of Downtown Proud

Tell us what you love most about downtown OKC and you could win dinner for 2 at Vast at the top of the Devon Tower, courtesy of News9's Downtown Proud. One lucky winner will be randomly selected each week: now through Oct. 15. The final week, one lucky person will win for two at Vast, as well as a one-night stay at the Colcord Hotel, a VIP tour of the Devon tower and tickets to the Broadway Series at the Civic Center Music Hall.

To enter, simply complete the online giveaway form at News9.com. You can also enter by texting 'DOWNTOWN' to 79640.

Good luck!

Other downtown news & events

News

Life in downtown Oklahoma City attracts families (NewsOK)
Downtown housing in Oklahoma City, which has seen an influx of young professionals and empty nesters in the past several years, is now seeing yet another demographic: families with children.

Oklahoma’s largest corn maze pays a 35-acre tribute to the Thunder (Yahoo! Sports)

Oklahoma City Council to hold special meeting to study Fort Worth, Charlotte redevelopment (NewsOK)
The Oklahoma City Council is holding a special meeting this month to study redevelopment efforts in Fort Worth, Texas, and Charlotte, N.C.

Events

Cell phones in summer, [Artspace] at Untitled, ongoing

The Art of Golf, OKCMOA, through Oct. 7

Walk to Cure Diabetes, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Sept. 8

Drop-In Art, OKCMOA, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29

Film: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, OKCMOA, Sept. 6-9

Film: 2 Days in New York, OKCMOA, Sept 7-8

Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Civic Center Music Hall, through Sept. 9

Film: Beauty is Embarrassing, OKCMOA, Sept 13-16

STATIC film screening, IAO Gallery, Sept. 14

OKC Philharmonic Grand Opening Night, Civic Center Music Hall, Sept. 15

Mustang Brewing Co.'s Beer Dinner, Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse, Sept. 16

Blue Man Group, Civic Center Music Hall, Sept. 21-23

Project180 Update

Don't frown at the construction downtown... let us show you how to get around!

Visit the Project180 website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Be informed and prepared for traffic changes downtown by joining the Project180 mailing list

Get the Project180 weekly map here

Check out the Downtown Traffic Advisory updates. This list provides a summary of downtown streets expected to be under construction for the next few weeks.

Connect with Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.

Like us on Facebook: Downtown OKC, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @DowntownOKCInc

211 North Robinson
Suite 225
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3500

downtownokc.com