Tami Boxley wanted something different for this year’s 89er Day Celebration’s button theme.
She looked no further than an Oklahoma license plate design which includes recognizing Oklahoma as the nation’s 46th state.
Guthrie was designated as the territorial capital, and in 1907 as the first state capital of Oklahoma. In 1910, state voters chose Oklahoma City as the new capital in a special election.
“I got the idea from the car tags that had just come out,” she said. “I felt like it might make people (that weren’t aware) understand that the 46 (design) is we’re the 46th state in the nation.”
This year’s 89er Days Celebration will be held April 15-19 which celebrates the historic birth of Oklahoma. That began with a cannon shot at noon on April 22nd, 1889.
The celebration includes a fun family carnival, chuck wagon feed and auction, 89er Queen competition, food and craft vendors in the largest and oldest parade in the state of Oklahoma.
Boxley, who serves on the 89er Days Celebration planning committee, said she visited with staff members at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum to also gather input on her “46”-button theme idea.
“We looked at different things at the museum and talked about different things and that’s kind of how I came up with it,” she said.
Boxley said 89er Days buttons have been around since about 1907. She said it has featured numerous Oklahomans through the years including former Miss America Jane Jayroe who hails from Laverne. Boxley said she already has next year’s button theme planned. “I wanted to have this year, next year, and the possibility for the third year ready to go so that it goes smoothly,” she said. “Next year I wanted it to be the seal of Oklahoma. I try to pick something that’s very relevant to the state of Oklahoma.”
Boxley said her family has a long history of being part of the 89er Days Celebration.
“As a child, we always rode our horses to town and rode in the parade. I can’t ever remember there being a parade that I did not attend,” she said. “My mother and my grandfather were both very active as well as my uncle. I’m from Guthrie and I live on an 1889 farm, this has always been very true to my heart. It’s just something I love.”
2025 also marks the 96th year that the American Legion LeBron Post 58 is officially sponsoring the 89er Day parade and celebration.
Boxley said the 89er buttons are $5 each, and revenue sales benefit Post 58. Buttons will be available at participating downtown Guthrie businesses, the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, and through 89er Committee members.
“It goes to sustain the American Legion. It’s their number one fundraiser,” she said.
Boxley said she is proud to be a part of planning the 89er Days Celebration.
“It’s always been something of being proud of, of being a part of it, understanding what happens with our community and seeing the people that come out to watch the parade and enjoy it. It’s just a community pride. 89ers is just a fun event,” she said.