Independence Day To-Dos 

There are just as many ways to celebrate Independence Day as there are firecrackers sold out of roadside fireworks stands. To be sure, a few attractions are apt to lure the big crowds. From June 28-July 4, the City of Edmond throws LibertyFest, a multi-day event fitting a car show, kite fest, pageant, parade and more into a week ending with fireworks on July 4. Oklahoma City also flocks to the 2012 Bethany Freedom Festival, Bethany’s annual extravaganza at Eldon Lyon Park. Tulsa has ONEOK FreedomFest at the Tulsa River Parks on the big day as well as Sooner Boomfest at Jenks’ RiverWalk Crossing. Looking for something different? The city of Nowata throws its annual turkey “drop” at the Independence Day Wild Turkey Fest; Grove offers a taste of Louisiana with the Arts, Crafts, Music & Cajun Festival; Stillwater’s Boomer Blast catches the waves with wake boarders and skaters at Boomer Lake Park; the cities of Tishomingo, Pawnee and Pauls Valley go old-fashioned with turtle races, apple pies, watermelon seed spitting and picnics on the lawn. For details and more, check out the Community listings in the calendar.