Public Events Pop Up In Tulsa As COVID-19 Cases Decline

As COVID-19 cases drop in Tulsa County, events are happening for the first time in a year.

Bar owners said they are excited about hosting events and expect a lot of people to come out.

Mercury Lounge owner Bobby Dean Orcutt said even as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations drop, they're still taking precautions.

"We were able to survive this year and we figured we would celebrate and go as big as possible.” Orcutt said.

He said they are doing that Friday night by celebrating their 16th birthday of Mercury Rising, a three-day festival of music featuring nationally recognized artists and regional favorites.

Orcutt expects a large gathering this time, but that wasn't the case last year, when they had to cancel because of COVID-19. He believes phase three of the vaccine distribution is a big step toward normalcy.

“We are feeling life coming back,” Orcutt said.

Pearl Beach Brew Pub owner James Speegle said COVID-19 has also affected his business, but he said this year looks hopeful. He said tomorrow they plan to have their Saint Patrick’s Day Blind Draw Volleyball Tournament.

Speegle expects around 80 players, plus bar customers.

"Lucky that we have a little over an acre out here, so it gives people a good chance to spread out,” Speegle said.

The Saint Patrick's Day Blind Draw Tournament will begin Saturday at 2 p.m. and Mercury Rising is going through Sunday.