McAlester Association for Global Interconnections - MAGIC

03/19/2026

We were honored to welcome this incredible delegation from Cork County Council to McAlester. 🇮🇪🤝🇺🇸

Moments like these remind us that connections across the Atlantic—rooted in history and strengthened through friendship—are alive and growing. We’re grateful for the time, stories, and shared vision for the future.

03/18/2026

Events like the St. Patrick’s Community Festival only happen because of incredible partners.

MAGIC would like to thank the many organizations and businesses that helped make this weekend possible:

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
City of McAlester
BierKraft
Spaceship Earth Coffee
Krebs Brewing Co.
Sam Wampler's Freedom Ford
Prairie Artisan Ales
Joe’s Yardbird
McAlester Public Schools - MPS
McAlester Public Library
Pittsburg County Commissioners
McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce
Fifth Quarter Printing
Pete's Place
Captain John's
Puterbaugh Center
Dancing Rabbit Music Festival
AmericInn
Tannehill Furniture & Mattress
Southeast Expo Center
Pink Pop
Pops Kettle Korn
Main Street Junction
McAlester Antique Mall
Designer Cakes
Squeeze Play
Harbor Mountain
Lady Rustic
Cowabunga
The Olive Branch
Happy Design Co.
Evolve Dance

Your support helped create a celebration that welcomed our Irish guests and brought our community together. Thank you for believing in the mission of MAGIC and helping us build connections that reach far beyond McAlester.

03/18/2026

A new symbol of connection has been unveiled in McAlester. ☘️

Inspired by the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Midleton, Ireland, and the Eternal Heart in Tuskahoma, this piece represents the growing partnership between McAlester, the Choctaw Nation, and Ireland — including the emerging relationship with Midleton.

MAGIC would like to thank artist Johnny Reich, along with Mason O’Dell and Carl Heaslet for their craftsmanship and metal work.

In the future, this sculpture will stand at the McAlester Regional Airport, welcoming visitors, business leaders, and friends from around the world with a story of compassion, connection, and shared history.

03/18/2026

It was an incredible week welcoming our friends from Midleton, Ireland to McAlester.

During their visit, the delegation experienced the culture, hospitality, and community spirit that make our community so special — from meeting students and community leaders to exploring local landmarks and celebrating together at the St. Patrick’s Community Festival.

Visits like this are an important step toward strengthening the growing partnership between McAlester and Midleton, and we are grateful for the friendships that continue to grow between our communities.

Safe travels to our Irish friends, and thank you for sharing this unforgettable week with us. We look forward to many more visits in the future.

03/18/2026

What a sight to see in McAlester. ☘️

Our community showed up in a big way for the St. Patrick’s Community March — bringing together families, organizations, students, and visitors from Ireland for a celebration of culture and connection.

From green outfits to smiling faces, the march captured exactly what this weekend was all about: community, pride, and friendship that stretches across the ocean.

03/17/2026

We appreciate being able to present to the group! Our effort aligns directly with Rotary’s mission of service above self, international understanding, and community leadership. We’re grateful for the work you all do for our community.

A huge thank you to Adrian O’Hanlon for joining us as our guest speaker today!
​Adrian shared the wonderful story of the M.A.G.I.C. Program (Midleton And Global Intercultural Connection), the sister-city initiative that connects McAlester with Midleton, Ireland. 🇮🇪🤝🇺🇸
​Coming off the heels of a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day weekend, it was great to hear about the recent visit from our Midleton friends who traveled all the way to check out everything McAlester has to offer. Adrian did a brilliant job updating us on the program’s growth and answering our many questions about how this partnership continues to strengthen our community ties across the pond.
​We are so proud to be part of a city that reaches out to the world!
​

03/16/2026

We’re grateful to the McAlester News-Capital for covering the visit of our Irish delegation and the first St. Patrick’s Community Festival.

MAGIC’s mission is to build connections between McAlester and communities around the world, and this week was a meaningful step toward a future partnership with Midleton, Ireland.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed our guests and helped showcase the best of McAlester.

McAlester celebrated its first St. Patrick’s Day festival Saturday alongside Irish delegation from Midleton, Ireland.

03/16/2026

This week was a special moment for our community.

From visits with the Choctaw Nation to meeting students at Puterbaugh Upper Elementary and celebrating McAlester’s first St. Patrick’s Community Festival, we were honored to host our friends from East Cork as we continue building a partnership between McAlester and Midleton.

The friendship continues to grow. 🍀

03/14/2026

Friendship across the Atlantic continues to grow.

McAlester Mayor Justin Few officially proclaimed March 13, 2026 as Irish Friendship Day in honor of our visiting delegation from Midleton, Ireland. During the ceremony, County Cork Councillor Rory Cocking presented the mayor with a framed image of Ireland’s Kindred Spirits statue and a jersey from the Midleton Hurling and Football Club — symbols of the deep connection between our communities.

We’re excited for what’s ahead today! Join us for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 1–4 p.m. on Choctaw Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street! ☘️

03/14/2026

☘️ Today’s the day! ☘️

Join us for the St. Patrick’s Community Festival today from 1–4 p.m. on Choctaw Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street in downtown McAlester.

We’ll have live music, vendors, and a celebration of the growing friendship between McAlester, the Choctaw Nation, and our friends from Midleton, Ireland.

You can find festival details and learn more about MAGIC on our new website powered by Happy Design Co.:
🌐 https://magicmcok.com/

Bring your family, wear some green, and come celebrate with us!

MAGIC is the official Sister Cities organization for the City of McAlester, Oklahoma. Our mission is to build lasting international relationships through cultural exchange, youth programs, economic collaboration, and community events.