Fireworks and cookouts were not the only local, family friendly events of last weekend. With brightly colored flags, balloons, and streamers riding the wind, passersby could not help but notice the grand opening event at The Wild Jennys last Saturday, July 1.
Aside from the vibrant attention catchers wildly dancing upon the breeze, visitors first laid eyes upon the business’ name and logo painted on the wall as they pulled into the parking lot. Both name and logo bear special sentiment for co-owners Rachel Taylor and Jenni H., especially for Rachel.
In explaining what makes their logo and name special, a misty-eyed Rachel lovingly described how her late father made her dreams a reality through the business and how the name honors him. Speaking softly with tears in her eyes, Rachel relayed how her father, Bill Taylor, chose to live life on the rowdy and adventurous end of the spectrum, earning him the moniker “Wild Bill [Taylor]”. She noted his love of muscle cars and speed as one “wild” aspect of his life. Desiring to pay homage to her dad, she opted to include his nickname in the business name. Adding sentiment, the word “wild”, as it appears on the building and in the business’ logo, is scripted in Wild Bill’s own handwriting.
While the grand opening was far from wild, it offered an adventurous freedom for all attendees as youngsters played and read in the book nook, families and friends snapped photos with the painted backdrop on the store’s exterior west wall, creatives of all ages dove into goody bags and painted flower pots to take home, youngsters played with balloons, ring toss cacti, and busted open pinatas stuffed with candy and toys, and persons of all ages were treated to the witty humor and upbeat musical stylings of Oklahoma’s own oneman- band: Hosty. In fact, small children danced about and played kazoo with a carefree, wild joy from which most of us adults could surely learn. Squeals of delight filled the air from several directions.
Rachel and Jenni estimated that 75 to 100 people attended the event and shopped the store. Although their grand opening event is over, The Wild Jennys’ owners invite everyone to stop in, engage their creativity, and shop their unique menagerie of goods. Additionally, be sure to follow The Wild Jennys on Facebook for future community events.