10 Most Oklahoma Things That Only Happen In Oklahoma

You might not know it, but you're experiencing life really uniquely in Oklahoma. There are so many things here that simply don't happen anywhere else. And we're all so used to it, we don't even notice it.

From the constant weather changes to some of our small-town quirks, these moments are what make life in Oklahoma unforgettable. Here's a rundown of ten things that could happen in the Sooner State.

1. Tornado Sirens During A Football Game

Only in Oklahoma do you get a tornado warning during district play. That was the theme last season when our wild weather spat out 75 twisters. It was Mother Nature vs. Friday night lights, and football won.

2. Ordering a “Coke” and Getting Asked What Kind

Oklahomans call it pop, but somehow “coke” means Coke, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Pepsi - all of it.

“What kind of coke you want?” is basically its own dialect.

3. Driving Through All Four Seasons in One Day

Winter jacket at 7 a.m., sweating in shorts by lunch, and a thunderstorm on the way home. We don’t check the weather, we just roll with whatever the next fifteen minutes happen to be.

I remember at least one wild weather pattern across the Sooner State that included a Winter Weather Warning, Freeze Warning, Flood Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Tornado Warnings, and an earthquake from one side of the state to the other all in the same day.

4. Church, Then the Gun Range

Sunday’s full schedule: church in the morning, followed by lunch at Braum’s, then off to the range or the deer lease. Faith, food, and firearms.

5. Chicken Fried Steak Bigger Than the Plate

If it’s not hanging off both sides of the bun or the plate, did you even order it in Oklahoma?

6. Tornado Selfies

Sirens blaring? Time to pop outside and catch a glimpse. Maybe snap a selfie for good measure. The Oklahoma rule is, if a tornado doesn't look like it's moving, it's headed right for you. That's also the only agreed-upon moment in time when taking shelter is necessary.

7. Arguing Over Whataburger vs. Braum’s Burgers

This one will divide families. One began in Texas, the other is pure Oklahoma. Either way, you’re probably grabbing fries from both. Personally, I think it's a mixed bag. You can often get great grub at either, but both have a tendency to let you down when it's all you've been craving.

8. Everyone’s a Storm Expert

Oklahomans don’t need the news when severe weather strikes. Been there, done that, and everyone has a story about their own brush with Mother Nature. The fact that we watch the tornado coverage is more out of entertainment.
The things that come out of David Payne's mouth are priceless.

9. The Fair is a Holiday

Deep-fried butter? Chocolate bacon? Free concerts? Giant pumpkins? The Oklahoma State Fair isn’t just an event, it’s a way of life.

10. Casually Walking Past a Rattlesnake

Whether you’re on a trail, working on a tractor, or simply in the backyard, seeing a snake just means stepping around it and moving on.

We were fishing a farm pond once. The water was a little low, so you could walk between the water and the grass on the bank. My cousin and I were walking along there when the brush next to us started rattling. Slow and steady, we just backed away.

What’s your “only in Oklahoma” moment?