More than 1,500 people showed up for OPEA’s “Schmooza Palooza,” the 12th Annual State Employee Appreciation Day held May 7th at the state Capitol.
“It was a resounding success,” said OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger. “The weather was perfect, the band was great and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.”
The Oklahoma Employees Credit Union donated $500 in gift cards, and the winners included Ruth Johnson, Amy Gibson, Jennifer Deerinwater, Paul Johnson, Anetta Cooper, Sherry Gandy, Patti Pearce and Deanna Farmer.
The Kelvin Drake Band provided live music, and featured old rock and roll classics like Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” and Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay.”
“At one point the hot dog line stretched from the Sequoyah Building, all the way back to the state Capitol building,” said Mark Beutler, Director of Communications. “We learned a valuable lesson and next year will have at least two lines so we can get everyone through faster.”
A separate event was held Friday, May 8th at the state Kerr Building in Tulsa, with employees treated to a pizza lunch and additional prizes.
