By JACLYN BURKE
Student Writer
Summer break is just a memory at this time of the semester, so that can only mean one thing: Winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to get outside and get to know Alva and the surrounding areas. Take a break from your homework and explore some interesting places that the community has to offer.
- Great Salt Plains Lake
Go see some scenic views. Take a boat, a fishing pole and enjoy a quiet evening out by the lake. The view is great, but the sunsets are even more phenomenal. There is no cost to get into the lake area, and it is only 20 minutes away from campus. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rodea
The NWOSU rodeo will be held in Alva, OK on Oct. 29-31. It will be a fun weekend of rodeo performances. Who knows, you might even run into some of your fellow classmates that will be competing in various events.
- Alva Speedway
The Woods County Fairgrounds is home to the newly renovated Alva Speedway. It is located just south of the Ranger football field. If you are a race fan, this is the place for you to go spend a weekend evening watching some kart racing. Check out their Facebook page for updates on the race schedule.
- Little Sahara State Park
Bring your own ATV and race the sand dunes and participate in other activities, or go watch some of the action packed things that will be going on. It is just a 30 minute drive from Alva to Waynoka.
- Alva Golf and Country Club.
If golfing is your thing, go out and play some golf, or just have a good time with your golfer friends while the weather is nice, because it will not be like that for long, as temperatures are already starting to drop. Head north on 281 in Alva for 3 miles and you’re there. Their regular hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Faulkner Cave
Faulkner Cave is sure to spark some interest. You better not wait too long to go visit because the cave will get really cold quickly as the temperatures start to drop. It is located in Alva. While you’re there, you can go for a hike around Short’s Canyon Park, which is where Faulkner’s Cave is located. The cave is typically open from 5:00am to 9:00 pm.
We all know Alva is a small town with what seems to be nothing to do, but do not be fooled. There are plenty of other activities to do before winter shows up and it becomes too cold for these outdoor adventures.