Neighbors Mark Tulsa Ice Storm Anniversary

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A winter storm arrives on the one-year-anniversary of 2007's devastating ice storm.  It was an event that most around northeast Oklahoma would like to forget, but one neighborhood on Tuesday night was trying to relive it.

The ice storm, which left 640,000 home and businesses without power in Oklahoma, left an indelible memory for those who lived through it.  For most, it's not a pleasant one.  But, for one group of neighbors in mid-town Tulsa it was a reason to party.

"It was a really nice opportunity to come together and share some time together, and make the most of what we had," said Jill Parr, who hosted the party.

When the lights went out last December, Jill Parr and her husband were the only ones around with a generator.  So, as the days went by, more and more neighbors, as many as 20 at a time, would come over to warm up and enjoy a hot meal.

"With no electricity, no power, they were all so helpful.  It's nice to remember that in a good way with the good things that happened," said Harry Cramton.

The same neighbors gathered Tuesday to remember with an Ice Storm Anniversary party.

The neighborhood really wanted to recreate that ice storm feel, so on Tuesday night everything is running on generator.

It may seem like an odd event to celebrate, but neighbors say they forged bonds while weathering the storm.

"I think times like that bring neighbors together to help each other out.  Some are older, some are younger.  You help clear limbs and do whatever to help your neighbors out. It's a good thing," said Ron Peters.

The Parrs say it is a good thing they don't mind reliving.

"We really didn't think about it as helping.  We looked at it as a party every night.  It was just great fun," said Jill Parr.

The neighborhood says its ice storm gatherings were also a way to keep refrigerated food from going to waste.  They say every night a different neighbor cleaned out their fridge and provided dinner.