Even in a year without the Route 66 Christmas Chute, Sapulpa took home nearly every award they were nominated for at the 2025 Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening.
The banquet featured nominations in over a dozen categories that focused on Oklahoma Main Street’s core missions of historic preservation and economic development. In 2024, Sapulpa won five awards and was named “Program of the Year.” This year, they added another five.
Held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Oklahoma City, the occasion marked the organization’s 40th anniversary and the 35th annual awards ceremony.
The first award to land in Sapulpa’s favor was “Main Street Hero,” an award that deservedly went to Bennett Steel owner Dave Bennett. Bennett is a fourth-generation ironworker whose unwavering dedication and generosity have profoundly shaped his hometown of Sapulpa. He’s been a vital force behind some of Sapulpa’s most impactful projects, including the Route 66 Christmas Chute. For over 25 years, Bennett has quietly but consistently supported Sapulpa Main Street and become a true community champion.
Sapulpa also took home the award for “Creative New Event,” for our Cinco de Mayo celebration, created to celebrate and embrace the local Hispanic community’s heritage. The event featured food, music, dancers, and Luchador wrestling, all on Route 66.
Sapulpa took home the award for “Best Placemaking Project” with our Alleyway Renovation, which transformed an aging utility corridor into a vibrant pedestrian space with benches, public restrooms and the now-famous 74066 photo op at Herald Square.
James Calley Brewing Co. picked up another win for Sapulpa in the “Best Interior Design Project Over $25,000,” proudly preserving the historic Anderson Machine Shop Building and the industrial character of its 1916 origins, while transforming it into a vibrant dining and brewing space.
James Calley Brewing Co. won again in the “Best Facade Rehabilitation Over $25,000 ” category and was a finalist in the “Best Adaptive Reuse Project Over $25,000” category but did not win.
Have a tip for us? We rely on our readers to help keep us in the loop, so we can keep everyone else informed. If you have a news tip or question, send an email to news@sapulpatimes.com and we’ll get back to you!
Route 66 Engineering was a finalist in the “Best Facade Rehabilitation Under $25,000” category but did not win.
Sapulpa’s children’s boutique, Frilly Flamingoes, was a finalist in the “Best Visual Merchandising” category but lost to Ever Boutique in Ada.
David Reed was recognized as Sapulpa Main Street Board Member of the Year.
Sapulpa Main Street Director Cindy Lawrence was one of three finalists chosen for the prestigious “Watonga Bob Shoemaker Award,” which was awarded to Maci Graves of Ponca City.
Subscribers to the Timeloop+ got this news first. Don’t miss out and become a subscriber for just $6.99 a month! Sign up today.
