PAWNEE — The Pawnee County Historical Society and Dick Tracy Museum and Headquarters will celebrate the 95th birthday of one of Pawnee’s most famous fictional characters during Dick Tracy Day on Oct. 3.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in Pawnee and will honor Chester Gould, a Pawnee native who created and illustrated the internationally recognized comic strip featuring police detective Dick Tracy.
Gould created Dick Tracy in the 1930s, during a period when organized crime was a prominent concern in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune purchased the comic strip, helping make Tracy one of the bestknown fictional police officers in the world.
The celebration will include the annual Dick Tracy Day parade at 10 a.m., honoring Tracy as well as area law enforcement officers.
Other activities will include a character and drawing competition, a Dick Tracy scavenger hunt and a bounce house. An official reception featuring cupcakes and drinks will be held at the Pawnee County Historical Society Museum and Dick Tracy Headquarters.
Members of the Oklahoma Comic Arts Foundation will conduct an illustration workshop for those interested in learning more about cartooning. The workshop will offer guidance and answer questions about illustrative art, character development and creating original cartoon characters.
A free vendor area also will be available for those with merchandise to sell.
The parade is open to entrants and floats. Those interested in participating in the parade or reserving a vendor space can contact event organizers at itsthelittlethings.collective@gmail. com.
The event is sponsored by the Grand River Dam Authority and other local merchants and businesses.