Weekend Events Bring Thousands To Downtown Oklahoma City

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Downtown Oklahoma City is expected to be packed this weekend with what some call the "Perfect Storm" and that also mean big bucks.

In Stage Center downtown, thousands turnout to feast their eyes on the Festival of the Arts.

"I'm actually looking for some yard art for my lawn this year of course the food," said Brenda Leonard.

She's also one busy woman this weekend going from the festival to Sunday's Memorial Marathon to Thunder's playoff game. Some call the trio of events "The Perfect Storm" which Oklahoma City officials are happy to have.

Right across the street, this homey hangout is cooking up some profits at Johnny's lunch box.

"The crowd is so different than my usual business, because I lose my lawyers and doctors and judges. They go there and my artist and my vendors and people who didn't know I existed come over here," said Lunch Box owner Ed Strawn.

There's no slowing down for Strawn as hundreds of customers come to grab a bite everyday.

"This is probably the best year we've had," he said.

With the Thunder kicking off round 2 of the playoff here at home on Sunday, more than 18,000 people are expected to pack the Oklahoma City Arena

Sunday morning, more than 25,000 people will be racing in the 11th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

As Leonard enjoys the festival now, she plans on being at the Memorial bright an early rain or shine for her 5th half marathon.

"When I started running I just decided that it's an important race to do. I enjoy doing it and it has a lot of meaning behind it," Leonard said.