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Inola, Oklahoma is a quiet town of some 1,500 residents located just 20 minutes east of Tulsa and displays a caring and nurturing atmosphere. Inola's small town cafes are known for their home-style cooking and have a reputation for being some of the best in Oklahoma. The weekly newspaper still comes out on Wednesday, farmers still grow their famous hay, but some things would be different without the volunteerism that has been exhibited over the years. The Inola Volunteer Fire Department, starting from scratch with no equipment and training, are now probably one of the premier volunteer fire departments in Oklahoma. Most of the volunteers are available 24 hours a day to extinguish fires, give medical assistance, or assist with other disasters that might present themselves. On a more playful note, the Inola Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Basketball Game pits the local firemen (young and old) against local radio station (stacked team). The firemen usually win, well, maybe not always, depends on who is keeping score. Old Walt's Haunted Hayride, held each October, has become a major fund raiser for its sponsors, the Inola Lions Club, along with the Inola Fire Department, Sigma Chi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and the FFA and is held on land owned by a local rancher. The 8K Inola Run for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital sponsored by the Sigma Chi Chapter of ESA, just celebrated their 20th run. The Run is sanctioned by the U.S. Track and Field Association and brings in runners from across the state. Proceeds raised go to St. Jude's Hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee. The Gamma Pi chapter of ESA sponsors a Fashion Show in the spring and an Octoberfest for the kids in the fall of each year. Proceeds from these fund-raisers go back into the community, usually supporting the schools. Inola Lions Fishing Derby is a fun event for all participants and enjoyed by all ages, mostly children. Prizes are awarded for all classes of catch. Inola Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is an annual event that EVERYONE looks forward to enjoying. Many churches, clubs and organizations enter floats, antique cars, bands, clowns and even the kids have a great time showing off their decorated bicycles. The youth, as well as the senior citizens, take time out of their busy schedules to help when needed. There are activities such as Youth Soccer,Little League Baseball, Football, Basketball, Softball, Cheerleading, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, church activities, the Senior Citizens Center and civic clubs such as the Lion's Club and Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international service organization. In Inola there are many people who work energetically for the small town they call home.
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