Several organizations and businesses in Chickasha earned awards at the 2025 Redbud Awards last week.
The Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, the Festival of Light and the Chickasha Economic Development Council took home several awards for tourism, events and community branding. The awards are hosted by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and Oklahoma Tourism to recognize the best tourism in the state.
According to a press release, The Grady County Fairgrounds and Event Center received the Redbud Award for Outstanding Agritourism Attraction. The Chickasha Festival of Lights won a Merit Award for Outstanding Event. The Chickasha Economic Development Council and Chickasha Chamber of Commerce received a Merit Award for Best Overall Marketing Campaign for the campaign “Why Chickasha?”
“These awards are a powerful recognition of the hard work, creativity, and community spirit driving our efforts every day,” said Jim Cowan, president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Chickasha EDC. “We’re thrilled to see Chickasha recognized for the incredible experiences we’re creating for both visitors and locals.”
The release said Chickasha is making an impact across the state and beyond with the Festival of Lights, the campaign and the year-round events and agricultural heritage at the Grady County Fairgrounds. This year, the fairgrounds hosted the finals for the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association and for the Oklahoma Junior High School Rodeo Association. Last month, it hosted the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show, which featured junior and senior competitors from across the country.
“The Chickasha Chamber and Economic Development Council continue to lead the charge in showcasing Chickasha as a vibrant, welcoming destination that blends tradition, innovation, and hometown pride to visitors from all over the world,” the release said, adding that the community has won 12 state awards since 2021.
Along with the awards, Cowan was named the Chair of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. In the voluntary position, he will help guide the organization in its mission to “support, promote and strengthen” Oklahoma’s travel and tourism industry, according to a press release.
The release said Cowan’s leadership has helped spearhead numerous programs and events, creating the “Visit Chickasha” platform used to promote local events to visitors. He also played a role in creating the Christmas Town marketing campaign and handled media relations for the Chickasha Leg Lamp, the release said.
“His forward-thinking approach and collaborative spirit make him a natural fit to lead OTIA during a time of growth and innovation in Oklahoma travel,” the release said.
Cowan will serve a one-year term as chair and will serve on the OTIA Board of Directors as Past Chair the following year.