A group of Jenks residents wants to build the city's first dedicated history museum, and they're asking neighbors to help by eating chili.

The Jenks America Museum and Historical Society hosts its Historic Jenks Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Veterans Park. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, vendors and a People's Choice vote, according to KJRH.

Wayne Parker, a member of the historical society, told KJRH that Jenks is the only nearby city without a museum and that the group is losing stories as time passes. The city was officially platted on July 15, 1905, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Jenks has grown from 465 residents in 1907 to an estimated 28,175 in 2025.

The society is seeking a permanent space dedicated to Jenks history.

Right now, the group keeps a small display of memorabilia inside Jenks City Hall and stores additional artifacts with Jenks Public Schools. Parker told KJRH the group is "not in a big mode of collecting artifacts right now" because it lacks a dedicated space.

The financial hurdle is steep. Parker estimated operating a museum would cost about $150,000 a year if the group hires staff, and said buildings in Jenks are expensive. The nonprofit, a registered 501(c)(3), is using events like the cook-off to close that gap.

Brian Sherman, another society member, summed up the pitch to KJRH: "We're going to cook some chili. We're going to drink some beer. We're gonna have a great time, but most important, we're gonna raise money for the museum."

In a December 2025 KJRH report, group president Tadd Bogan described a five-year goal of opening a physical location with interactive exhibits and artifacts visitors could touch. The group was also developing micro-museums, small glass display cases placed around town.

Saturday's cook-off lineup includes Tom Basler on piano at 11:30 a.m., the Cayla Butler Ukulele Band at 1 p.m. and the Shelby Eicher Trio at 3 p.m., according to the society's website. Taster kit sales begin at 12:30 p.m., and awards follow at 4 p.m.

Admission is free; tasting kits will be available for purchase beginning at 12:30 p.m. Residents interested in the cook-off or the museum effort can reach Wayne Parker at 918-671-0132.

Upcoming

  • Saturday, Oct. 17: Historic Jenks Chili Cook-Off, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Veterans Park, Jenks. Free admission.
  • Monday, Nov. 2: Jenks America Museum and Historical Society monthly meeting, 6 p.m., Louie's in Jenks.