The boom is back to the Fourth of July in the Sooner State.
After two years of curtailed celebrations — from cancellations and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to pyrotechnics-free festivities caused by last year's fireworks shortage — July Fourth celebrations across Oklahoma are planning a big bang this year.
From the 50th anniversary celebration for Edmond's LibertyFest to the old-fashioned fun of Pawnee's July 4th Games on the Square, here are 22 Oklahoma Independence Day celebrations to check out in 2022:
1. Edmond's LibertyFest
When and where: Various events and venues.
Information: https://www.libertyfest.org.
Edmond's Independence Day extravaganza is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several events. The festivities start with the long-running rodeo at 8 p.m. June 24-26 at Carl Benne Arena, followed by a car show from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 25 at Hafer Park and KiteFest from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 25 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 on the west side of Mitch Park.
The celebration continues with the Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m. June 30 near Mitchell Hall on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. ParkFest is from 12:30 to 3 p.m. July 2 at Mitch Park, the road rally begins at 10 a.m. July 3 at Earl's Rib Palace, and the Liberty Sprint starts at 7:30 a.m. July 3 at at Ayers and Broadway.
On July 4, the parade begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Edmond and what's billed as the metro area's largest fireworks display blasts off at 9:30 p.m. at Hafer Park.
2. Stars & Stripes River Festival and Block Party
When and where: 8 a.m. to dusk June 25 and July 2 in the Boathouse District, 725 S Lincoln Blvd.
Information: https://www.riversportokc.org.
The Stars & Stripes River Festival is expanding this year to two days of events over two weekends. On June 25, the Stars & Stripes Regatta will include rowing and dragon boating racing along with Riversport Adventures, whitewater rafting, food and live music, capped off with fireworks on the Oklahoma River.
On July 2, the Stars & Stripes Block Party will start with dog yoga and feature surfing and whitewater fun, plus special attractions like a Dog Dock Diving exhibition, live music, a watermelon eating contest, yard games, food and more fireworks at dusk.
3. Red, White & Boom!
When and where: 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh.
Information:https://www.okcphil.org.
For the second year, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will perform its free annual Independence Day concert at Scissortail Park, and this year, the fireworks will return to the beloved event and illuminate the downtown OKC skyline.
4. Norman's 4th Fest
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 4 at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Ave. in Norman.
Information:https://www.facebook.com/normanokparks.
Attractions will include yard games, face painting, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, adult beverages and live music, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk.
5. Yukon Freedom Fest
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 3 and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament, and City Park, 2200 S Holly Ave.
Information: http://www.yukonok.gov/freedom-fest.
The free two-day celebration includes a car show, children's parade, sand art competition, the Cherry Bomb Youth Triathlon, hot dog eating contest, food trucks and more. The Hi-Fi Hillbillies, Irv Wagner's Concert Band will play July 3, while Super Freak and the OKC Philharmonic will perform July 4. Plus, fireworks shows will blast off at 10 p.m. both days.
6. Mustang Firefighter's Freedom Celebration
When and where: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 25 in Mustang's Wild Horse Park, 1201 N Mustang Rd.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/Mustang-Fire-Department-1756013841205346.
The event includes food trucks, fire trucks, a live DJ and more family fun activities. Fireworks are legal in Mustang from June 27 through July 4, so no individual fireworks are permitted within Wild Horse Park during the June 25 celebration.
7. Midwest City's Tribute to Liberty
When and where: 6 p.m. July 4 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave.
Information:www.midwestcityok.org.
The event features live music, including The Andrews Sisters Tribute by Character Connection Co. and a performance by The Wise Guys, along with food trucks and a 9:45 p.m. fireworks show.
8. Tulsa's Folds of Honor FreedomFest
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. July 4 on the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
Information:http://freedomfesttulsa.com.
The festivities will include children's activities, live music and a Red Bull Sky Dive Team Jump Landing. The activities will be divided between River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., and Dream Keepers Park (formerly Veterans Park), 1875 S Boulder Ave., and culminate at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks over the Arkansas River, staged from the 21st Street Bridge.
9. Bethany Freedom Fest
When and where: 10 a.m. July 2 in downtown Bethany and at Eldon Lyon Park.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/CityBethanyOK.
This year's event will feature a full day of activities, starting with a parade marching at 10 a.m. on historic Route 66 from Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, to Eldon Lyon Park, 7400 NW 36.
The celebration will continue with Street Fest, including a car show, entertainment and vendors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Bethany. At 9:55 p.m., fireworks will light up Eldon Lyon Park, which will open at 7 p.m.
10. Moore's Celebration in the Heartland
When and where: 2 to 10 p.m. July 4 in Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12 in Moore.
Information: https://www.cityofmoore.com.
Inflatables, helicopter rides, children's activities, food trucks and live music will lead up to the fireworks show set to music at about 9:45 p.m.
Get the full list on The Oklahoman.
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