Harlem Globetrotters

As a young boy, the original Meadowlark Lemon / Curly O'Neal Harlem Globetrotters came to the Phillips 66 gym in Bartlesville, and entertained me and everyone in the sell-out crowd for what seemed like all night.  (I'd never been so tightly packed into anything like this before). It probably was only a few hours; but I did not want the night to end. The antics, the laughs, the incredible ball handling skills, the trick shots, the more laughs; it was all so much fun. Great family entertainment; so sorely lacking in today's world.

Fast forward 50 years, and I am at the BOK two Friday nights ago with 15 members of our family enjoying the latest rendition of the HG troupe.  The night was just as awesome.  We started the evening with a large family meal at Spaghetti Warehouse (meal was forgettable, but the companionship was superlative), as we also got to celebrate Ava's 10th birthday.

The evening performance by the HG was enjoyable from start to finish, and focused on the kids all night.  Special things were done for the children before, during, and after the game.  They had been in town all week doing civic and charitable work, and had another game scheduled at the BOK on Sunday afternoon.

Half time was a special group of kids doing "Thriller" (yes, that Thriller), and they did great.  Then there was a group of extra special 5-10 year olds (boys and girls) that go to this special basketball school to learn basketball skills, etc.  They too put on an amazing performance.  (They were not special as in mentally or physically retarded, they were special as in talent).

The sad part about the whole evening was the attendance.  There were less than 3,000 people at the event.  I knew going in that it was not going to be a sell out; but I never would have thought it would have been so poorly attended.

My grandkids LOVED the night as much as their Pappy.  I only hope that the next time they come to town that the crowd will be larger.  Children of today need nights of escape like this to make memories.  Memories that will last 50+ years, like they have with me.

Now THIS is what I call fun!