See Page 6 for a list of Halloween Happenings and other events.

Please see Page 7 for safety advice for little Trick or Treaters.

By Jennifer Thornton, tourism director of Visit Edmond 

Anna Beth Ferguson grew up in Edmond and remembers noticing the Blue Hippo on Route 66 as a child while driving with her family down Broadway. "We would pass the Blue Hippo, and it always made me happy. Ever since I was young, I told my mom that I wanted to get engaged at the Blue Hippo someday,” said Anna Beth. As she got older, Anna Beth even told her friends about her wish because she thought it would be funny to have the Blue Hippo smiling in the background as she said I do. It became a family joke and Anna Beth’s mom bought a blue hippo figurine from an antique store to give to her future fiancé, just in case he wasn’t able to propose at the Blue Hippo. 

Anna Beth has worked at Café Evoke since 2021 and went to the University of Central Oklahoma and received an undergraduate degree in studio art with an emphasis on ceramics. She is now in graduate school at the University of Oklahoma for ceramics. Her goal is to be ceramics professor, and her dream is to open own ceramic studio in Edmond. 

Anna Beth met Dillon Cammack in 2023 on the Hinge dating app. "We love exploring Edmond on our dates and I would point out the Blue Hippo when we drove by,” said Anna Beth. "Our first date was at The Patriarch, and our favorite restaurants are Jerusalem Mediterranean Cuisine and the Mule.” Dillon grew up in Oklahoma City and his dad owns a landscaping company. Dillon’s goal is to run the family business someday. He loves playing disc golf at Arcadia Lake, Mitch Park and Oklahoma Christian University. "I didn’t tell Dillon about my engagement wish, but I think my mom told him when he asked my parents for my hand in marriage,” said Anna Beth.

On Wednesday, August 13, on their two-year dating anniversary Anna Beth and Dillon planned a fancy date at Boulevard Steakhouse. On the way, Dillon was fidgety and acting strange. He said their reservation fell through, and he started driving to 3 Tequilas instead, which is near the Blue Hippo. "I could not believe it when he pulled into the parking lot by the Blue Hippo,” said Anna Beth. "I knew what was going to happen!” When Dillon opened the ring box, the blue hippo figurine was nestled alongside a beautiful engagement ring. Their friend was also hiding and recording the proposal. "Of course, I said yes, and we DID get to go to Boulevard Steakhouse!” said Anna.

Their marriage is planned for November with a reception at Café Evoke. Edmond’s quirky Route 66 icon will forever be a fun family story!

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate Homecoming 2025 with a week of activities, Oct. 19-25.

This year’s theme, "Saddle Up Central,” is a nod to the rich history associated with Homecoming, bringing together UCO students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community to commemorate the university’s growth over the years.

"Homecoming is a vibrant celebration with over a century of tradition and community at UCO,” said Chloe Clinton, coordinator of Student Engagement.

"We are excited to celebrate the 108th Homecoming and to bring everyone back to Central through various activities and events.”

The week of events will culminate Saturday, Oct. 25, with the Homecoming Festival, tailgating and the Broncho Football game. The festival begins at 2 p.m. on the west side of Chad Richison Stadium, in Parking Lot 47. The festival will feature free activities for children, face painting, inflatables, food trucks and more. 

The Alumni Engagement Tailgate, sponsored by MidFirst Bank, will begin at 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 53, with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Bronchos will take on Northeastern State at 7 p.m. in the annual Homecoming Football game at Chad Richison Stadium. 

Additional activities include:

• Central 5K, 8 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, College of Business: UCO faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to walk or run in the Central 5K. Entry for students is $5 and $25 for all others. Register at go.uco.edu/Central5K.

• Bronchos, Boots and Boogies, 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, Buddy’s Lawn: A night full of boot decorating and line dancing.

• Golden Bronchos Reunion Brunch, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, Nigh University Center Ballrooms: Central State University alumni who graduated from the university in 1975 or prior are invited to attend.

• Bronchos After Dark, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, Nigh University Center Ballrooms: Dust off your dancing boots, grab your Broncho spirit and dance the night away.

• Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet, 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, Nigh University Center Ballrooms: Join UCO Alumni Engagement as they honor this year’s recipients of the highest award given to Central alumni. To purchase tickets, visit www.centralconnection.org/daa.

• The Homecoming Stroll Down, 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, NUC, Constitution Hall: The National Pan-Hellenic Council

(NPHC) at UCO will showcase their pride, culture and unity through friendly competition. Each chapter will bring its best for a chance to win a scholarship to support their organization. Purchase a ticket to support the NPHC.

• Bronchtoberfest, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, Frenzy Brewing, 15 S. Broadway, Edmond: An opportunity for alumni and friends to network. Register at www.centralconnection.org/bronchtoberfest and enjoy a complimentary drink.

• YELL, 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, Chad Richison Stadium: Student organizations compete at the fifth annual YELL as they demonstrate their Broncho Pride with their best chants.

All alumni Homecoming events are sponsored by MidFirst Bank. For more information or to register for alumni events, visit centralconnection.org/homecoming.

For a complete schedule of events hosted by the Homecoming Activities Board, visit www.uco.edu/homecoming.