'The Whole Place Is Special:' Tulsans Ready To Celebrate At The Big Dam Party

People joining the celebration say this is historical for Tulsa because it shows the city's growth and will draw more people to Green Country.

There are big plans this Labor Day Weekend.

"Coming to the dam good, or big dam party," said Catherine Uhren of Tulsa.

"I'm going to the Dam Party maybe Friday through Saturday," said Sabrina Murray of Tulsa.

The Uhrens are looking forward to watching people try out the Wave Park.

"Can't wait to watch people get in it and come down it. We've seen them testing it out with the kayaks and surfboards," said Glenn Uhren.

The four-day, free celebration at Riverside Park is packed with fun activities and big attractions.

"I really want to see the big rubber duck maybe, yeah, face painting," said Murray.

"White water open to the public, shuttles, rowing regattas, big dam run, oh there will be art, food trucks, all kinds of stuff, oh yeah, very nice," said Glenn.

The Uhrens live a few miles away from the park and have kept an eye on its progress.

"This whole place is special. We jokingly think of this whole park as ours, and we don't mind sharing it, you know. Every day we're out here walking. Man, we absolutely love it. It's a one-of-a-kind place, and we love seeing it get as much use as it gets," said Glenn.

Sabrina Murray agrees. She moved to Tulsa five years ago from Kingston, Jamaica, and has been impressed.

"It's definitely been growing a lot since I first moved here. There's lots to do here now. I really like it. I've enjoyed living here," said Murray.

This weekend has been a decade in the making. Catherine Uhren says the Big Dam Party is necessary.

"They've put a lot of work into it, so they need a big sendoff to get everybody excited about it and bring people down here to see it," Catherine said.

The Big Dam Party kicks off Friday at 4 p.m. The City of Tulsa says there will be over 800 parking spots available and shuttles from several different locations.

Organizers say they are monitoring the weather and will make adjustments to keep attendees safe.