Low Water, New Construction, and the Crew Behind Heavy Chevy

September 21, 2026

Drought has left the water unusually low at Muscle Car Ranch, while a dedicated crew works late to complete the new construction above the Heavy Chevy Dock area.

Curtis Hart building the roof above the Heavy Chevy Dock stage at Muscle Car Ranch at night — Roof work continues above the Heavy Chevy Dock area at Muscle Car Ranch.

Low Water Changes the View

The Heavy Chevy structure stands about 45 feet above the largest body of water at Muscle Car Ranch. Drought conditions have left the water unusually low this year, exposing more shoreline beneath the new structure and changing the view around the Heavy Chevy Dock area.

Curtis Hart has spent years digging out silt and maintaining this body of water. The Heavy Chevy structure above it is new, and the low water makes its height and heavy timber construction especially visible.

Building Above Heavy Chevy After Dark

While the water sits low below, construction continues overhead. The crew is working at night and preparing the structure for lights. Curtis says the upper level being built will serve as a roof over the Heavy Chevy area and may eventually become the floor of a cabin.

Crew member standing beneath the Heavy Chevy stage roof structure during nighttime construction at Muscle Car Ranch — Late-night work continues beneath the new roof structure.

View from below of the wooden decking and heavy beams of the new Heavy Chevy stage structure at Muscle Car Ranch — The underside of the new Heavy Chevy stage structure during nighttime construction.

The Crew Behind the Work

TwisterFest comes together because people take responsibility for different parts of a very large event. Daphne has booked vendors and bands and gathered sponsors. Curtis gives particular credit to Robert Shawn Dreadin, who he says has helped more than anyone with the work at the Ranch. Brett, Lori, Shawn, Jack, Jerry, Debindito, and Candace Pollard, who handles event promotion, are also part of the crew helping move TwisterFest forward. Thank you to every builder, volunteer, organizer, supporter, and crew member.

The long nights, construction work, lighting, shirts, grounds preparation, and online updates all come together because people keep showing up. TwisterFest is proud of the entire crew.

TwisterFest Is Almost Here

See the finished work during TwisterFest on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, at Muscle Car Ranch in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The weekend includes more than 40 bands across four stages, classic cars and trucks, food, vendors, live pro wrestling, camping, and the Saturday-night bonfire.

Admission is $10 per person, per day.

Plan your TwisterFest weekend or view the full artist schedule and set times.

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Heavy Chevy Stage Construction Reaches the Next Level at Muscle Car Ranch

September 16, 2026

Construction on the Heavy Chevy Stage keeps moving forward at Muscle Car Ranch, with another major round of massive timbers now in place above the structure.

Heavy Chevy Stage construction at Muscle Car Ranch with large wood timbers installed across the top of the structure — Another round of heavy timber construction went up on the Heavy Chevy Stage at Muscle Car Ranch.

22 more heavy timbers go up

The latest work added 22 3-by-8-by-8-foot timbers across the upper portion of the Heavy Chevy Stage structure. The next step is to begin bolting the new timbers securely into place and start laying part of the stage floor. Once that section is underway, another 22 timbers are scheduled to go up.

Heavy-duty construction continues

The new work continues the same heavy-duty approach being used throughout the permanent stage build. Earlier construction included massive 4-by-16, 20-foot timbers weighing about 500 pounds each, along with three-inch-thick material planned throughout the structure and stage floor. Each step is adding another layer to a stage being built as a permanent part of Muscle Car Ranch, rather than a temporary festival setup.

Building toward TwisterFest 2026

The crew continues working into the evenings as Muscle Car Ranch prepares for TwisterFest 2026 on September 25 and 26 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. TwisterFest brings live music to four stages along with cars, trucks, vendors, wrestling and more throughout the weekend. Daily admission is just $10 per person. View the 2026 artist set times or get TwisterFest ticket information. Festivalgoers can also save on ticket fees by paying at the gate.

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Heavy Chevy Stage Takes Shape with Massive Timber Construction

September 15, 2026

Construction on the Heavy Chevy Stage is moving forward at Muscle Car Ranch, where massive wood timbers are creating a permanent performance space designed to stand for generations.

Built with 500-pound timbers

The stage frame is built from 4-by-16 wood timbers stretching 20 feet, with each timber weighing about 500 pounds. Three-inch-thick material is being used throughout the build, including the stage floor.

Each connection is secured with redundant bolts, creating a solid structure with a weight and feel far beyond conventional stage construction. Curtis Hart expects the finished build to remain standing for more than 100 years.

More than a festival stage

The Heavy Chevy Stage is being developed as a permanent part of Muscle Car Ranch. Construction will continue after TwisterFest, with plans to add a cabin above the stage by Christmas.

The project blends the Ranch’s unmistakable character with heavy-duty craftsmanship built for decades of concerts, gatherings and special events.

Curtis Hart beside the massive wood timber frame of the Heavy Chevy Stage at Muscle Car Ranch — Curtis Hart checks progress on the Heavy Chevy Stage timber construction.

TwisterFest returns September 25 and 26

TwisterFest 2026 takes over Muscle Car Ranch in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on September 25 and 26 with more than 60 bands performing across four stages. Daily admission is $10 per person.

View the 2026 artist set times or buy tickets online. Festivalgoers can also save on ticket fees by paying at the gate.