Patrick Ford
Editor
In Oct. 2023, Okmulgee Main Street was excited to share a new experience with the community called “Umbrella Alley.”
Located in the alley at 5th and Morton, adjacent to the OSU Clinic, the little-used passage received a major clean-up from Okmulgee Main Street members and from the Okmulgee Young Professionals, who provided several volunteers and equipment.
The installation gave the umbrellas the look of just floating in the area. The alley became an instant hit with many community members taking and sharing pictures in the area.
However, the best laid plans don’t always work out.
It was determined that, though the alley was the perfect spot, the north wind is not so forgiving.
The ‘wind tunnel’ practically destroyed the display, taking away the multi-colored umbrellas.
Last week, and after much consideration, Main Street has selected an improved location, with greater protection from the wind, along with being more visible.
It will be located in the alley between Central & Grand. However, help is needed to bring back this project, Umbrella Alley 2.0, to life.
A GoFundMe drive, organized by Main Street Board member Andy Goodnight, is underway, with a goal of $6,500 needed to revive the project. If you would like to donate, you can find the Umbrella Alley 2.0 at https://gofund.me/7c24cbac or contact Okmulgee Main Street at 918-758-1015 to contribute. To date, over $1,300 has been raised since the launch.
Okmulgee Main Street is located at the southeast corner of 6th and Central Streets, in downtown.
