The Blue Coats Are Coming, Very Quietly
FFA students from Oklahoma Union High School in South Coffeyville do some sightseeing during their lunch break from the annual FFA convention at the Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City in 2002. Archive photo by Jim Beckel.
If not for the stylin’ blue corduroy jackets, you might not notice the more than 10,000 high school students who will be in downtown Oklahoma City Tuesday and Wednesday this week for the 83rd annual State FFA Convention.
The FFA convention very quietly comes and goes each year without much fuss (a friend at the CVB said they’ve been coming to OKC since 1997), but their economic impact on the city is every bit as substantial as more high-profile events like the Pre-Paid Legal conference, which draws about the same number of people downtown each year.
Hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers in downtown, Bricktown and along the Meridian Ave. corridor love the annual flood of blue coats, because they’re so polite and respectful. I’d venture to guess that attractions like Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill and Bass Pro Shops will do really well on these days.
According to an FFA news release, the theme of this year’s convention is Step Up, Stand Out, challenging the youth to “step up by living their values, showing their pride and encouraging others.”
This conference treats OKC very well, and I think these kids have stood out for years through good works, and people notice. If I see some blue coats while out and about this week, I’m going Step Up and cheer them. Sure, it may be a little awkward.
Have you been impressed by the FFA kids in years past?
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Comments
Many of the Bricktown restaurants LOVE them. Just like you mentioned they are typically very polite and have money to spend. Some of the restaurants even do fast paced special menus or buffets, just to help get the masses all something to eat.
What a great group of kids!
I saw three young blue coats trotting along Sheridan this morning and had to smile. I wonder if they have any idea how much they really are noticed, and appreciated…
OK FFA is so excited to be in Oklahoma City once again! The blue and gold has traveled here for State FFA Convention since 1981.
This year we bring nearly 10,000 FFA members, advisors, sponsors, parents and guests to celebrate the talent and achievements of the state’s more than 24,000 members.
The convention highlights FFA’s development of premier leadership, personal growth and career success in its members.
If I could only find my old FFA jacket from early Tennessee days. It is gone and I don’t know where. I’ll bet my dad used it to wash his car or something after I left home.
Amen, Rob. I once wore the blue & gold. FFA had a wonderful impact on my life. Wish everyone could’ve gotten the experience. Always good to see them in OKC. Great blog!