From Hot Dogs to Homegrown Seramas: Oklahoma Sooner Serama Council’s Story

It all started with a tornado, a borrowed set of show cages, and some very hungry poultry people!

Our very first show was held on October 26, 2013. Originally, we had planned to hold the show at Lake Thunderbird earlier that fall—but Mother Nature had other plans. A tornado wiped out our planned site, so we quickly regrouped and found ourselves at a pavilion on Keystone Lake in Mannford, Oklahoma.

At the time, we had only a few show cages, some of which Jacob Ward borrowed from his 4-H club. And because every great poultry show needs a meal, we had a picnic lunch complete with hot dogs.

Bobby Crittenden finally got those hot dogs cooked, and let’s just say they may have been the best-tasting hot dogs any of us had ever eaten.

Cheryl Cave served as our judge, and despite the tornado-induced change of plans, borrowed cages, and hungry exhibitors, we had an absolutely wonderful time.

These photos capture some of those early days—our picnic lunch, Kristy enjoying her chips, Bobby Crittenden, Jacob Ward, and the attendees at that very first show.

And remember… this was before Facebook pages were really a thing!

We were making memories the old-fashioned way: showing birds, eating together, taking pictures, and telling everyone about it afterward.

Then Came 2020…

It was at this time June felt it was time to slow down a little and asked for some help keeping things moving forward.

Angela Panacci stepped up and agreed to help. Knowing that keeping a club and its shows going would take more than one person, Angela reached out to Shannon Wilson.

And that partnership has helped keep the momentum going.

Since then, with June’s help and the continued support of our exhibitors and community, we’ve worked hard to keep the breed, education, and shows going strong.

We’ve done small presentations for local 4-H clubs, visited with local businesses to find sponsors, and worked to bring more attention to the wonderful world of Seramas.

And, of course, Angela and Shannon have discovered that one of the best parts of putting on a poultry show is coming up with new themes and fun ideas that give exhibitors something to look forward to each time.

Shannon’s ribbon and award-making skills have been an incredible part of our shows and something that exhibitors are excited to have the chance to receive. They have added a special, personal touch to each show.

From One Pavilion to a Growing Tradition

What started in 2013 with a tornado detour, a handful of borrowed cages, a picnic lunch, and a group of Serama enthusiasts has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of.

We’ve watched the club evolve, welcomed new exhibitors, made friendships, promoted the breeds we love, and—most importantly—kept the fun in showing these little birds.

Of course, one of our biggest supporters has been Richard Peters and our host club, Canadian Valley Poultry Club. Year after year, we are welcomed back to their shows.

So here’s to the past, the present, and whatever crazy poultry adventure comes next!

From borrowed cages to bigger dreams…
from hot dogs to show birds…
and from one little pavilion to a tradition worth carrying on.

Here’s to many more shows, new faces, great birds, questionable amounts of chicken talk, and plenty of memories along the way!

And yes… we still know how important it is to feed the exhibitors!

Join the Flock

If reading this story makes you think, “This sounds like something I would enjoy!”, please reach out!

We would love to welcome you into the flock.

Edward & Angela Panacci
Route 66 Bake Shop
512-848-6181