37th annual Opening Night hosted by the Arts Council Oklahoma City bringing thousands to downtown 

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Thousands of individuals throughout the metro are preparing for 2023 as the 37^th annual opening evening hosted by the Arts Council Oklahoma City in Bicentennial Park kicks off Saturday.  

There are actions for everybody of all ages and likewise a ten foot ball rise when it hits midnight! 

“Opening night is a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. So, we have multiple venues at City Hall, Oklahoma City Museum of Art. We have the downtown library, the Civic Center in particular. And the Hall of Mirrors is a children’s area with Bricktown clowns and a very special artistic Children Activities Festival, specifically designed by Arts Council OKC staff,” stated Angela Cozby, Executive Director, Art Council Oklahoma City. 

Angela Cozby, the govt director of Art Council Oklahoma City stated they’re anticipating to see thousands of individuals in downtown Oklahoma City Saturday evening. 

“We’ve had anywhere from 5,000 to 35,000 to 40,000 people… The weather is absolutely perfect. There’s plenty of parking and local garages. We’ve been working with Oklahoma City Police Department and local officials to ensure a safe and exciting event. So, we just really hope the community wants to come out and celebrate 2023,” stated Cozby. 

There are foot vehicles, dwell music, fireworks and naturally a ball rise at midnight. 

“We have our finale, which kicks off at 9 p.m. with Short Dog on stage here in Bicentennial Park, right out in front of the Civic Center,” stated Cozby. 

Saturday morning there was additionally a 5K to kick off the festivities. 

Runner, Myles Mayfield from Mustang got here in first place in below 20 minutes and beating over 250 runners.  

“Feels good, but also kind of odd because I’m used to being in cross country races, seeing a good ten, 20, 30 guys ahead of me,” stated Myles Mayfield, 5K winner from Mustang. 

It’s Myles Mayfield’s first time successful a race like this and stated his plans for New Year’s Eve consists of resting after the massive win. 

“Probably go home and rest and just maybe hang out with family and just have a nice night,” stated Mayfield.  

Several folks throughout the downtown space gearing up for his or her New Year’s Eve Plans.  

The New Year additionally introduced in lots of people from out of city. Michelle Ibanez from Dallas stated that is her first time in Oklahoma City. 

“We’re here to celebrate the New Year’s. We’re just going to hang out, walk around here and explore the area… It’s really fun, actually. We are trying to go on the boat ride so we can get a little more experience of the area,” stated Michelle Ibanez, on the town from Dallas.  

Michelle’s targets for 2023 are hitting the gymnasium extra. 

“I want to start hitting the gym more. I want to join powerlifting, weightlifting,” stated Ibanez. 

Other persons are additionally heading to Saturday evening’s Thunder recreation. 

“We really hope they win. And then we’re just going to go home and just have fun until midnight and go to bed,” stated Sarah Macllister, from Oklahoma City. 

Her New Year’s Resolution consists of donating blood and operating a 5K. 

“I want to donate blood and I want to run a 5k,” stated Macllister.  

One household from Springfield, Missouri is additionally heading to the basketball recreation Saturday evening.  

“I’m here to watch the Thunder beat the Sixers tonight… We just came to hang out with family and have some fun hanging out in Bricktown and just kind of sightseeing,” stated Caelum Friggle, from Springfield, Missouri.  

Another out of towner from Arkansas can be attending the recreation.  

“We’re walking around looking for somewhere to eat, and then we’re going to go to the game,” stated Taylee Davis, from Arkansas.  

Taylee Davis stated she’s positively staying up till midnight. 

“We’ll be celebrating it together,” stated Davis. 

Davis additionally planning on working arduous in the gymnasium. 

“Stay in the gym, work hard,” stated Davis. 

Two women in Oklahoma City got here from Tulsa and have some New Year’s resolutions.  

“Probably travel a little bit more.. Just get out somewhere else other than our little town,” stated Jocelyn Bernal, from Tulsa. 

“I want to graduate next year,” stated Carli Dillard, from Tulsa.  

Tickets for opening evening are $10 an individual, however you’ll be able to get pleasure from the fireworks and ball rise Saturday evening at no cost! 

“Tickets will be on sale in our headquarters area, which is located right inside the Museum of Art. They’re currently also on sale at OnCue locations and Dunkin locations, and they’re only $10 for a wristband. So very, very affordable. It kicks off at 7 p.m. The 9 p.m. finale show begins right here in Bicentennial Park, which you don’t need a wristband to attend that,” stated Cozby.