The Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival is this Saturday, September 27, in downtown Purcell!

The first band will perform at 11 a.m. and performers will include The Great Divide, Brother Heywood, Etowah Road, Gary Gibson Band and Red Dirt Rangers.

The event will also feature food trucks and vendors and admission is free.

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Happy birthday to Jane Sparlin, Wiley King, Chris Valencia, Betty Barnes, Allison Northcutt, Andrew Cummings, Riley Wren, Adeline Still, Hortencia Legarda, Tyler Sherman, Ixcel Murrieta, Denise Garanzuay, Marcia Haynes, Jeremy Lizana, Humberto Aguinaga, Jesus Espinoza, Cary Glen Warren and Kevin Konrade.

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Happy 64th Wedding Anniversary to Jerry and Elaine Butler.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Hispanic Heritage Festival” Thursday, September 25, from 5-7 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Discover the diverse cultures, traditions and experiences that make up our Hispanic community. Join us for food, fun and even some furry friends!

Deepen your connection with your community and expand your mindset on Hispanic culture. Learn with others in this interactive program with different Hispanic performers, entertainment, food trucks and more!

The program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Connection Corner: Coffee with Your Community” Friday, October 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Enjoy free coffee and pastries from local business Sassy Sifter and take the opportunity to chat with fellow members of your community!

Coffee and food will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Book Discussion: How to Solve our Own Murder by Kristen Perrin” Thursday, October 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Join in a lively discussion and connect with others to read, discuss and explore.

The program is designed for adults and registration is required.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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This year’s Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Halloween of the Heart - Treats on the Trail will be held Saturday, November 1, from 3-6 p.m. at the Purcell Lake.

House-to-house trick or treating in Purcell will also be held on Saturday, November 1.

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The Pioneer Library System Foundation invites families to the 3rd Annual Royal Games, a free, family-friendly garden party for children and their caregivers, on Saturday, November 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park in Newcastle.

This year marks the first time the Royal Games will be held in Newcastle.

This enchanting event will transport children and their caregivers into a world of princes, princesses, knights, and jesters through games, crafts, story time, and other hands-on activities.

Kids are encouraged to wear medieval or royal costumes to add to the fun.

For more information call the Purcell Public Library at 405-528-5546.

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This is a good recipe that everyone in the family will love.

Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)

4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (blanched if fresh)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)

Preheat your oven to 375°.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain well to avoid excess moisture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy base is the flavor backbone of your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Then fold in 1-1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or panko with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.