September is a month that celebrates something Oakdale has never been short on, hard work.

From the ranches and farms to our small businesses, schools, hospitals, and job sites, this community has always been built by people who take pride in their work. Labor Day gives us the chance to recognize that work, while the Day of the Cowboy reminds us of the values that have shaped Oakdale for generations: grit, integrity, responsibility, and service to others.

This year, we're especially honored to celebrate those values by featuring Ace Barry on our cover. Ace is a true legend in the cowboy community, and his life has helped preserve the traditions and spirit that make Oakdale the Cowboy Capital of the World. It is a privilege to share his story, and we're incredibly grateful to him for allowing us to share and celebrate his remarkable legacy. I hope you'll take the time to read about the man under the hat.

I also hope you'll join us on September 26 at the Oakdale Saddle Club and Rodeo Grounds for the Day of the Cowboy celebration. Admission is free, and it's a wonderful opportunity to honor our western heritage and the people who continue to carry it forward.

Inside this issue, we're also recognizing the dedicated employees behind several of Oakdale's long-standing businesses. These are the familiar faces who have spent years serving our community and helping local businesses earn the trust of generations of customers.

As Greet Oakdale grows, so do the ways we can serve our community. Our Welcome Bucket Program is now welcoming new families with gifts and information from local businesses if have a new neighbor, please nominate them! 

Oakdale Insiders continue to help us discover the people, businesses, and stories that make Oakdale special. We meet monthly for Coffee and walk-ins: the first Wednesday at 9:00 and the third Thursday at 4:00 pm for a community-style round table gathering. Watch our socials for locations!

This month, I'm especially excited to talk about our Trade School Scholarship Program. The future of Oakdale depends on the next generation of skilled workers—our welders, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, healthcare professionals, and so many others. If you're a local business or resident who believes in investing in young people, I invite you to join us in supporting this program. Together, we can help ensure the values of hard work and craftsmanship continue to thrive for generations to come.

Thank you for reading, supporting our local businesses, and helping us celebrate the people who make Oakdale extraordinary. I hope to see many of you out celebrating the Day of the Cowboy this month.

Jessica Rhoton
Publisher, Greet Oakdale