09/28/2026
📃 A HEARTFELT THANK-YOU FROM MAJOR OLSON 🙏🫡
Dear Mangum,
When we began planning this community event, I had a simple hope: to bring our town together for an evening of fun, fellowship, food, and a movie under the stars.
What happened was so much more.
Nearly 700 people showed up. Families filled the area, children ran from one activity to the next, inflatables stayed busy, food was shared, vendors connected with the community, first responders welcomed children into their world, and the evening ended with an outdoor movie on a giant screen. It was joyful, energetic, occasionally chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Most importantly, it happened because people stepped up.
I want to begin by thanking every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and heart to make this event possible.
Jenny, thank you for your chili, which perfectly complemented the hotdogs. Dale, thank you for coming out and cooking all those hotdogs. The Mangum Fire Department donated the buns, and the Greer County Sheriff’s Office donated some seriously delicious hotdogs. The Greer County Courthouse made its restrooms available, which was a tremendous help.
Thank you to D.J. Rentals in Elk City for giving us an exceptional deal on the inflatables. Your generosity made it possible for us to offer so many activities to the children and families who attended.
Thank you to all the vendors who came out to share their products, give away swag, and interact with our community. Sabor-Gaute-Mex, Western Oklahoma State College, The Last Straw, Tin City, Sweet Island Ice, and the American Legion all showed up with either gift bags or hugely discounted prices on drinks and food. No one asked you to do that. You saw a community event and chose to support it because you love Mangum and wanted to do something kind for our town. That generosity means more than I can say.
No block party is complete without music... I am so grateful for The Lighthouse Church worship team. Thank you for giving your time and sharing your gifts with us. Your music brought a beautiful warmth to the evening and helped set the tone as our community came together. I know the work that goes into preparing and performing, and I’m grateful you chose to be part of this night.
Our local first responder row was one of the highlights of the evening.
The Mangum Fire Department let children climb on the fire trucks and see their equipment. The Greer County Sheriff’s Office brought an impressive display with a department vehicle and took the time to teach everyone about its usefulness to the community. Greer County EMS brought its equipment and allowed everyone to take a closer look. Mangum PD brought grab bags, scratch-and-win tickets, a selfie station, and, of course, tons of stickers. I especially loved seeing the children have their blood pressure taken and receive printed results as souvenirs. I also want to recognize the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and offer my sincere apology. I was overloaded and simply forgot to invite you... I know you would have been there in a heartbeat to join the other first responders. I vow never to forget again. I am truly sorry.
Thank you to Ace Hardware for lending us a popcorn machine and helping make movie night complete. It was a huge hit.
To our donors: this event never would have happened without your generosity. Mayor Mary Jane reached out, and you stepped up with significant donations. The amazing thing is that no one asked for compensation or recognition. You were simply local businesses and families giving what you could to make this event happen.
From the depth of my heart, thank you.
I also want to recognize my volunteers and partners who brought entertainment, leadership, and additional volunteers to the event.
Shawn Laughlin from The Lighthouse Church and Donnie Coffman from The Red River Cowboy Church, thank you for everything you brought to the evening. Donnie, I loved the train! Shawn, your influence and leadership inspired me to make these things happen, to be fearless and commit to my hopes for this town.
Mayor Mary Jane, when people said you were the perfect person to help us raise the money needed for this event, they did not misplace their faith in you. Asking for donations is never an easy conversation, especially during hard times, but your grace and spirit shine through. This event literally would never have happened without you and the donors you brought to us.
Joseph Marsh, you are probably one of the most beloved people among the children of this town, and you are a leader in this community in more ways than you know. You put in the work to make my ridiculous requests for the movie, screen, and projector become a reality. Mangum is blessed to have someone who gives so much of his personal time to this town and community. Your work is forever appreciated.
Brittany McClintock, you were the anchor who helped me turn a crazy idea into a successful event. I knew your experience with putting on events would be useful, but I do not think you understand how much I appreciated everything you contributed. Right down to the wire, you came in and made sure the fine points, the details I never thought of, were handled. You made sure everything else was lined out, and this event would not have happened without your help and leadership. I am eternally grateful. Please remember how grateful I am when I try to convince you to do this again and again. I will be there anytime you need help, too.
To my town, my friends, and everyone who helped make this happen, and everyone who showed up, thank you. You turned an idea into a night filled with laughter, connection, and memories.
And finally, to my beautiful wife, Heidi: thank you for your love and patience while I lost my mind on some of these days. Your support gives me the heart and strength to keep trying new things for our community. You are my best friend forever.
God bless you Mangum, see you on the next adventure.
