By Paige Orr, FOX23.com News Staff
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — More than 500 community members are rallying behind two local roadside vendors after the City of Sand Springs told them to pack up their stands and leave their long-standing setup along 51st Street and Highway 97.
For years, Sand Springs residents have pulled off near the intersection to buy fresh produce, local honey, and sourdough bread. However, after city code enforcement received a single complaint regarding municipal ordinances and state highway laws, officials informed the vendors they could no longer operate on the shoulder.
The sudden notice came as a heavy blow to Calli Billingsley, owner of Sugar Momma Sourdough, who relies on baking as her primary livelihood to support her family.
“The city of Sand Springs, a man, I forgot his name, he came and he was like, ‘I’m sorry to say this, y’all have to leave,’ and I was just like, why?” Billingsley said. “This is my only income now. And so it’s been the biggest blessing ever for my family.”
Billingsley said she almost went home and quit for the day after being told to pack up. Instead, she asked a business down on 71st Street for permission to set up on their private property. After news of the relocation spread across Facebook, neighbors turned out in full force, selling out her entire inventory within hours.
Supporters then launched a community petition that gathered more than 500 signatures in just two days. Organized under the banner of Sand Springs Community Action, supporters submitted the petition to city council members on Tuesday alongside a formal letter.
“We sincerely hope the City will listen to the voices of the community and work with Clint and Calli to find a solution that allows them to begin selling again,” the group wrote in its letter to city administration.
Billingsley said the outpouring of local support was overwhelming.
“The community definitely showed up for me. They showed up for him, the honey man, Clint,” Billingsley said. “It fills your heart, you know? It’s crazy how much the community that you didn’t know was backing you that much.”
Vendor Clint Ward, who has sold produce and honey on that same corner for more than 20 years, shared similar gratitude, stating he could not believe how quickly neighbors stepped up to advocate for them.
City officials said code enforcement is not actively seeking out roadside vendors to shut down, but staff must follow up when an official complaint is filed. While the city offers a $75 annual peddler’s permit, municipal rules and state laws strictly prohibit vendors or customer parking on public roadways and grassy right-of-way shoulders.
Moving forward, Billingsley plans to stick with her new location on private property off 71st Street.
“I got permission at 71st and Highway 97 from that business right there, and they said I could be there every Friday, which is a blessing in itself,” Billingsley said.
Both vendors said that while moving spots wasn’t part of the plan, they are grateful to have the same community standing behind them.
