Music, bright lights, loud cheering and the candles that are being lit are Roman ones — it must be the nation's birthday. Oklahoma City will have a blast on the Fourth of July, and communities throughout the area will light up the sky in celebration.
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Leading the events this year is the "Red, White & Boom on the River” celebration, which geared up yesterday and continues today. Now in its second year, "Red, White & Boom” takes place at Downtown Airpark, on the south bank of the Oklahoma River. The event features fireworks at dusk along with live music, games, a children's carnival and food vendors. Music includes performances by the Hosty Duo, A.J. Johnson and Why Not, and the Dan Danger Band, and the 10 p.m. fireworks will lead up to a concert by the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Beginning at noon today, the Bricktown Independence Day Celebration at the corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma features an art display along the canal and live music. Children's groups will sing and dance beginning at 5 p.m., with a hot dog eating contest following at 6 p.m. Then the Oklahoma RedHawks face off against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, with fireworks following the game.
Now in its 50th year, Bethany's Freedom Festival features a full day of events today. This year's festival at Eldon Lyon Park, 7400 NW 39, includes the Centennial Freedom Run beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continues at 10 a.m. with The Oklahoman Centennial Parade, beginning at Southern Nazarene University and marching through Bethany to the park. The event includes carnival rides and games, food, a banner-signing for U.S. troops and live entertainment, followed at sunset by one of the largest fireworks events in the state.
Edmond's annual Liberty-Fest, hailed as one of the "Top 10 Places to Be on July 4” by CNN, continues with the massive LibertyFest Parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Edmond. The University of Central Oklahoma grounds will feature food, music, rides and games, and the event closes with a huge fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Just west of Oklahoma City, Yukon's Freedom Fest is a two-day festival with events at Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament, and Yukon City Park, 2200 S Holly. The Cherry Bomb Triathlon begins at 8 a.m. at Yukon City Park, and Freedom Fest continues with a parade, children's play area, a hot dog eating contest and an 8:30 p.m. performance of patriotic music by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, followed by fireworks.
And starting at 1 p.m. at Reaves Park in Norman, the 33rd annual Norman Day Celebration features a sand volleyball tournament, a baby crawl, pony rides, a hot dog eating contest and live music, culminating in fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Of course, there are many more fireworks events happening throughout the state. Here's a listing of some other great patriotic events celebrating the 232nd birthday of the U.S., and for more fun on the fourth, go to wimgo.com.
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JULY 4 FIREWORKS
Tulsa
FreedomFest '08 takes place at Tulsa's River Parks, with thousands of people setting up lawn chairs along the Arkansas River to see one of the state's largest fireworks displays. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. For more information, call (918) 596-7275.
Lawton
The I Love America Celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. at Lawton's Elmer Thomas Park with children's games, skydiving demonstrations, military displays and a 100-piece choir and orchestra performing gospel and patriotic music, followed by fireworks at dusk. For more information, call (580) 536-9325.
Bartlesville
Sponsored by the Bartlesville Kiwanis Club, the 4th of July Freedom Fest is an all-day celebration at Washington Park Mall, 2350 SE Washington Blvd. in Bartlesville, featuring food vendors, live music and fireworks at sunset. The event also includes a children's parade and an F-16 flyover. For more information, call (918) 336-8708.
Ardmore
Just outside Ardmore, Lake Murray State Park and Lodge hosts a massive fireworks display at dusk. Spend a day waterskiing, swimming or fishing, then stay for the magic after sunset. For more information, call (580) 223-6600.
Muskogee
Outlaw Motor Speedway, 8 miles south of Muskogee on U.S. 69, celebrates with the sixth annual Independence Day Special, a multiclass racing event followed by fireworks. Admission is $5 to $30. For more information, call (918) 687-9200.
For more events throughout Oklahoma, go online to wimgo.com.
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