COVID-19 saw life across the entire planet be upended as many were forced to stay isolated within their dwellings and away from the outside world. Many communities suffered as a result of the pandemic, but Ponca City was amongst those that managed to thrive and survive.

Danny Head wanted to hold a party for Ponca City to feed 5000 people and to celebrate making it through the pandemic.

The celebration, dubbed “Ponca City Family and Friends”, was held in the evening on Thursday, June 30 with two tents set up at Lake Ponca across from the Ambuc Playground and Pavillion.

The Head family was assisted by many entities in town including the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ponca City, Farha, the police department and more, in addition to 60 volunteers to help manage the tables.

“The support that we have received from the town has been amazing,” said C.R. Head, Danny’s son.

The event started 30 minutes earlier than advertised, and within that time they already had more than 1000 people come by to enjoy a free meal.

“It’s been amazing! I live in Oklahoma City, but I graduated from here and grew up in Ponca City, and I’ve received phone calls, I’ve received Facebook messages, from people just saying: ‘Hey, we saw that you were going to be doing this out at the lake and we want to see you,’ I saw one of my high school math teachers came by just to say hi,” said Head. “So I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Ultimately, 3,300 pulled pork sandwiches were served at the event.