TULSA, Okla. — The coronavirus pandemic has canceled or postponed many events, but one Tulsa bar isn’t letting it get in the way of its anniversary.
The Soundpony is celebrating its 14th anniversary on Tuesday. And while it’s not having the party it wanted, its employees are hosting a virtual one on Facebook. Complete with a hot dog cake.
“It is the main, you know, vein of culture for me and for a lot of other people," said Amelia Pullen, a bartender at The Soundpony.
Pullen has been a bartender at The Soundpony for eight years. Her dog, Charlie, is also a staple at the bar. She said the bar is like a second home to her and she misses the people there.
“Hanging out and talking and telling stories," she said. "To me, it’s not even really bartending. It’s just knowing people and making people feel good.”
Co-owner Joshua Gifford said when they opened the bar in 2006, there wasn’t much in downtown Tulsa. He said its now become like a community watering hole.
“We’ve got an amazing eclectic group of people that come in to our establishment," he said. "Musicians from all over the world playing all kinds of genres.”
Part of the Facebook event is an auction selling items and merchandise from The Soundpony to raise money. While it can reopen May 15, Gifford said they’re going to wait until the beginning of June, and he’s excited about the future.
“I feel like it’s my job to make everybody happy down there," he said. "So, I take a little bit of personal pride in that. I want it to be there forever.”
Gifford has set up a fund to help support The Soundpony employees while it’s shut down. If you'd like to donate, you can do so here.
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