The most burning question that visitors to the Plaza District had before April was, “What about brunch?” according to Cayla Lewis, district communications coordinator.
After a meeting of the district’s organizers and stakeholders, an answer emerged: Plaza Sunday.
Launched in the spring, the event takes place the first Sunday of each month to give families and friends a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
“Plaza Sunday is the perfect day to ditch the car and TV for a while, ride your bike or take a nice stroll and enjoy all the food, entertainment, and local shopping,” Lewis said.
A leisurely stroll in the Plaza also creates heavy foot traffic for businesses that used to be closed Sunday afternoons before the inaugural event.
John Milner, co-owner of Tree and Leaf Clothing, 1705 N.W. 16th, said the entire area — including the artists he regularly features in his store — benefits from the community exposure.
“Plaza Sunday brings two types of traffic into the district: People that are familiar with the area and some that are coming for their first time,” he said.
For Sunday, local artist Tony Thunder will exhibit cartoons, illustrations and paintings that feature a wide range of characters from his American Hangover collection, said Dusty Gilpin, co-owner of Tree and Leaf.
“His work is very skate- and street-influenced,” Gilpin said.
In addition, Tree and Leaf will be showing the works of Alesa Clymer, the poster print artist being featured by the store this month.
For future Plaza Sundays, Tree and Leaf plans to host caricature artists, graffiti demonstrations, art showings and sales.
Brunch seekers can find solace at Saints, 1715 N.W. 16th, or
Urban Wineworks, 1749 N.W. 16th, the latter of which will showcase its
new brunch menu and complimentary pastries. Roxy’s Ice Cream Social will
serve dessert or a midday snack, too.
As
a new staple of the Plaza District, the event includes live music from
Allie Lauren. Artistic opportunities will be available at Bombs Away Art
show at DNA Galleries, 1709 N.W. 16th, with Regional Food Bank of
Oklahoma for tornado relief.
Paint N’ Cheers, 1614 N. Gatewood, will offer a canvas and Kool-Aid painting class, and outdoor chalk art will be available for kids.
“Get your bellies full, your ears pampered and your heart full of family and friends — right here on the Plaza,” Lewis said.
