Whether it’s a decades-old fireworks show or a reimagined community gathering, Oklahoma’s Independence Day events are right around the corner.
LibertyFest, Edmond
LibertyFest has been a volunteer-led event since its founding in 1972. Eriech Tapia, president of the event, says that’s part of what makes it so special.
“The aspect of having volunteers makes it, I think, more genuine,” he explains. “We’re always taking new ideas and fresh events while staying true to our legacy of bringing the community out.”
Making LibertyFest more inclusive has been a priority for the organizers.
“If anyone knows anything about Oklahoma summers, they’re hot,” says Tapia. “We learned that a lot of our veterans and older folks just couldn’t come out… So we decided we needed some air-conditioned events.”
As a result, LibertyFest now hosts patriotic-themed trivia, which will take place July 1 at 7 p.m. at Edmond’s American Solera location. The festival also puts on a big band show called ‘Songs and Stripes’ at the Edmond History Museum.
Visitors can still count on the car parade and fireworks show – two of the festival’s long-standing draws. The fireworks show will take place on the UCO campus this year.
Tapia hopes to inspire younger generations to get involved, knowing they’ll help carry the observances forward.
“We’re excited to celebrate our great nation,” says Tapia. “We’re having growing pains like any other nation, but I think if people get out and enjoy their communities in the land of the free, we’d be happier than ever.”
Check out the full lineup of LibertyFest activities at libertyfest.org.
Duck Creek Fireworks, Grove
Started in 1946, Duck Creek Fireworks has become Grand Lake’s largest spectator event. Vinita’s own W.W. Bailey, a WWII veteran, is credited for preserving the celebration.
Year after year, Bailey planned the massive fireworks display that the event has become known for. In honor of his memory, Duck Creek Fireworks donates 10% of its total donations to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to families of veterans and fallen first responders.
The event also features a flyover of WWII warbirds and F16s. Keeping with tradition, Duck Creek Fireworks will take place on the Fourth of July.
To see what else is in store, go to duckcreekfireworksok.com.
Folds of Honor FreedomFest, Tulsa
Last year, the City of Tulsa announced budget cuts, putting Folds of Honor FreedomFest, Tulsa’s Fourth of July celebration, at risk. However, its sponsors, QuikTrip and Folds of Honor, along with a dedicated group of organizers and volunteers, remain committed to keeping the event alive.
“Tulsa is just an incredibly philanthropic town, and [Tulsans] love having this event,” says Ryan Howell with the Tulsa River Parks Authority.
For the first time ever, the 21st Street Bridge will remain open, and event organizers will shoot fireworks from a barge in the Arkansas River instead. This change means bigger, brighter fireworks than years prior. Howell expects, in his words, “a heck of a show.”
Founded in 1976, FreedomFest has grown to attract upwards of 80,000 spectators annually. This year will bring a breadth of family-friendly experiences to Tulsa, including live music, a BMX stunt show, inflatables, food trucks and more.
“The fact that we’ve been doing this for 50 years is pretty impressive, and it’s quite an honor,” shares Howell. “And this year, being the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’re going to try to make it even more special.”
To learn more, check out freedomfesttulsa.com.
