Garrett Smith requests Atoka sponsorship for 50th anniversary 48 Hours Music Festival

The Atoka City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, featured a significant proposal from Garrett Smith, president of the 48 Hours Music Coalition, regarding the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 48 Hours Music Festival. Smith, accompanied by several coalition members, sought city sponsorship for the event scheduled for November 1.

During his presentation, Smith highlighted that the coalition has already secured over $25,000 in sponsorships from local businesses and grants. He requested that the city match this amount to cover the audio-visual needs, specifically lighting and sound for the festival's stage. The coalition has contracted four artists for the event: Josh Weathers, Jordan Rayner, Jackie Rohrer, and Jason Bolin and the Stragglers.

Smith expressed enthusiasm for the progress made on the festival stage, emphasizing its potential to enhance tourism and bring economic benefits to Atoka. He proposed that the city be recognized as the main sponsor across all promotional materials, including advertising and social media, which would highlight Atoka's involvement in the festival.

The request included details about the logistical needs for the event, such as hiring sound technicians and securing accommodations for them, as the necessary equipment and personnel would need to be brought in from larger cities like Sherman, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa.

The council's response to the proposal and any subsequent decisions regarding the sponsorship were not detailed in the transcript. However, the discussion underscored the coalition's commitment to celebrating the festival's milestone and its potential impact on the community. Further deliberations and decisions are expected in future meetings as the council considers the request.