Let’s cut through the February frost—Presidents’ Day isn’t just about mattress sales or that three-day weekend you’ve been counting down since New Year’s. For Edmond folks, it’s a chance to celebrate history without the powdered wigs (unless that’s your thing). Here’s how to make the most of America’s quirkiest federal holiday right here in our backyard.
Washington’s Birthday? Presidents’ Day? Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off
First, a quick history lesson even your TikTok-addicted cousin could follow: Back in 1885, Congress decided George Washington deserved his own holiday. Fast-forward to 1971, and lawmakers playing calendar Tetris moved it to the third Monday in February. Some tried to rename it Presidents’ Day to include Honest Abe Lincoln, but the proposal flopped harder than a 19th-century stovepipe hat.
Yet here we are—calling it Presidents’ Day anyway. Blame retailers. They saw a marketing goldmine between Washington’s Feb. 22 and Lincoln’s Feb. 12 birthdays and went wild. Now we’ve got car dealerships offering “Cherry Tree-Level Deals” and grocery stores pushing “Abe’s Log Cabin Soup Specials.” Classic America.
Edmond’s Presidential Playbook: No Horse-Drawn Carriages Required
You won’t find Mount Vernon here, but Edmond’s got its own presidential flair. Swing by the Armstrong Auditorium—its grandeur would make Teddy Roosevelt nod approvingly. Prefer the outdoors? The Mitch Park Walking Trails won’t give you Lincoln’s log cabin vibes, but they’re perfect for pondering life’s big questions (like why Taft got stuck in a bathtub that one time).
Local Tip: The Edmond Historical Society Museum (hours: 10 AM–5 PM Tue-Sat) has a replica of the Oval Office that’s 90% less stressful than the real one.
Sales So Good, Hamilton Would Throw Away His Shot
Let’s talk bargains. Many Edmond stores along Broadway are stretching hours from 9 AM to 8 PM, offering deals that’d make even frugal Calvin Coolidge crack a smile. Highlights:
- Vintage 66 Boutique: 20% off everything red, white, or blue (or any combo thereof).
- The Grill on 5th: Presidential Burger Special—order the “Teddy Roosevelt” and get free fries. (Yes, it’s bigger than your head.)
- Best Buy Edmond: Let’s be honest—you’re here for the TV deals.
Presidential Park Trivia to Impress Your Cashier
While Oklahoma lacks presidential birthplaces, we’ve got bragging rights:
- Ulysses S. Grant made Yellowstone our first national park. Road trip, anyone?
- Gerald Ford remains the only president who worked as a park ranger. Imagine him leading a junior ranger workshop at Arcadia Lake.
- Theodore Roosevelt has more parks named after him than any president. Our Roosevelt’s on I-35 doesn’t count, but their pancakes are presidential-tier.
A Day for Democracy (and Discounts)
Whether you’re hitting sales at Quail Springs Mall (open 10 AM–9 PM) or debating Jefferson vs. JFK over coffee at Café Evoke, Presidents’ Day reminds us that leadership comes in many forms. Even the kind that gets you 60% off a vacuum cleaner.
So grab a cherry-flavored treat, salute your nearest flag, and remember: This holiday’s evolution from Washington’s birthday to retail extravaganza is as American as… well, buying stuff on sale. Edmond wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org
Header Image Source: Meadow Marie on Unsplash
