In the last year, Shaunda Painter and her mother Theresa Hurst of Slick created their own business, Rusty Barn Boutique and Tack, offering western- themed apparel, home décor, and tack. In an effort to promote their new business and offer the people of Slick and the surrounding area a new shopping opportunity, they initially set up an outdoor market in Slick. Soon thereafter, they added other area vendors, increasing buying options for the area as Shaunda spearheaded the creation of the Slick Market.
Beginning a few short months ago, the monthly Slick Market opened for business for the third time last Saturday, December 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shaunda expressed gratitude to Slick’s local government, who allows the market to operate within Slick Town Hall, saying “Thanks to the town allowing us to use their building, we can continue to host the market during winter months and poor weather.
See Market, Page Three depot and First Baptist Church of Slick.
Once parked, shoppers exiting their vehicles are warmly greeted by the tantalizing aromas of comfort food emanating from Cowgirl’s Grill. Owner Tina Scanlan brought her food truck to all three markets and plans to continue for future markets. She offers pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, loaded potatoes, tabouli, desserts like sopapilla cheesecake, rum cake, and pumpkin and chocolate sheet cakes. On Saturday, she also served chicken and dumplings. Every Friday, hungry customers can find Cowgirl’s Grill at the four-way-stop on Alternate 75 in Beggs. To learn more about the business, check out their developing Facebook page “Cowgirl’s Grill”or call 918779-8303.
Upon entering the market, Saturday’s shoppers were immediately greeted by Bristowan Dale Bird of Bird Leatherworks. His tables were loaded with handmade leather goods such as knife sheaths, holsters, small bags, baby shoes, bookmarks, and more. He also makes sporrans, which are the small bags worn as part of the male Scottish Highland dress and function as a pocket.The Scottish sporran was one of the first things Dale learned to craft from leather, and he has since made twenty-five. Seeing his wares, one might mistakenly believe that Dale worked with leather much of his life, but he noted he began late, ultimately becoming addicted to the medium. He said, “Leather is an incredible medium for expression. You can cut, carve, stamp, burn, mold, and form it. I enjoy it and want to do it all of the time. I’m thankful to be able to set up with the Slick Market and support the community, so I aim to make a product that is affordable and will last.” For more information, email birdleatherworks@gmail.com or call 918-346-7031.
Margie Cochran’s booth sits just beyond Bird Leatherworks, offering unique apparel and novelty items, including some children’s toys. Just beyond her booth, the Rusty Barn helms the building with its many westernthemed wares. Shoppers were treated to an array of jewelry, hats, and clothing neatly hung from long racks with some tack items. To learn more about Rusty Barn Boutique and Tack, visit website www. rustybarnboutiqueandtack. com or their Facebook page of the same name.
Continuing around the market, Bristow based business Treat Yourself set up a booth with homemade baked goods and wood crafts. Treat Yourself offers custom cakes and cupcakes, cookies, breads, and other sweet treats as well as wood crafts and children’s rocking chairs. Of the market, Treat Yourself shared, “We like the Slick Market because it brings people to a small town and features local artisans and small businesses, keeping people close to home while giving exposure to all the talented and passionate people.” Visit Treat Yourself on Facebook or call 989-640-9681 for more information.
Finally, Shaunda and Theresa happily share their appreciation for their vendors, customers, the town of Slick, and the community. They wished to thank additional vendors Melody Totten of Paparazzi Jewelry out of Broken Arrow,Tabitha Talbot of Blessed Acres from Okemah, Sandi Vanzant of Bristow, who often brings her crocheted items and crafts, and Shannon McDonald of the Vintage Room, who opens her gift shop on market days. Together, mom and daughter said, “We might be a small community, but our community has really supported us. We’ve had a good turnout each time. Anyone’s welcome to come out and shop. We’d like to meet you and offer a pleasant shopping experience.”