Guide to the 4th of July

I have always loved the 4th of July.  It screams of my favorite things: family, fireworks and homemade ice cream. In my mind, this holiday means summer has TRULY arrived, leaving behind the crazy Oklahoma spring weather.  I also love the underlying unity we share as we celebrate independence with everything decked in red, white and blue.

We are especially excited this year as our little one is at the age where he can somewhat understand and enjoy the festivities that surround this celebration.  The hard part will be choosing what we do as there is so happening in and around our great city.

Festivals

No matter which side of town you call home, you don’t have to go far to find some 4th of July fun.

To the north, Edmond hosts Libertyfest, this week of events (June 26-July4) includes a car show and parade as well as one of the largest firework displays in the metro area.  If you are looking to be more involved in the festivities, check out the cardboard boat regatta or kitefest.  This nationally recognized event is sure to amp up your holiday celebration with a variety of activities for the entire family.

If you would rather head south, be sure to drop by A Celebration in the Heartland on July 4th.  Held at Buck Thomas Park in Moore, this all day event also features a car show as well as a sand volleyball tournament.  For the little ones in your family, enjoy the children’s tent, inflatables and Happy Train.  Musical entertainment begins the evening which concludes with a large fireworks display.

In the heart of the metro you will find the Stars and Stripes River Festival.  Rowing and dragon boating on the water is only enhanced by great food and entertainment onshore. There is also a Kayak race and 5K run.  One of the best parts is it’s held the weekend before the holiday (June 28) ensuring you don’t have to choose!

You can also venture west for Freedom Fest in Yukon or Freedom Festival in Bethany.

Fireworks 

fireworks

Most of the events above conclude with a fireworks display, but there are a few others worth mentioning.

One of the most popular events in the central metro area, Bricktown’s Fourthfest kicks off downtown at 4:00pm on July 4 with live music until the fireworks start at 9:30pm.

On July 3rd, city dwellers can also check out Red White and Boom, a free concert and fireworks display by the OKC Philharmonic held at State Fair Park.  The music starts at 8:30pm with the fireworks show around 10:00pm.

Fun starts at 6:00pm on July 4 in Midwest City for Tribute to Liberty. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and kids fun until the sky lights up at 9:45pm.

Family Fun

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate minus the crowds found at a festival or fireworks show,  you can always beat the heat at one of the metro area spray grounds or community pools.  The long weekend is also a great time to gather the family and explore the zoo or head indoors for a day at the Science Museum.

Whichever path you choose this holiday,  be sure to pack your sunscreen and don’t forget the ice cream!

 

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Lindsey
Born and raised throughout the Midwest, Lindsey has officially called Oklahoma home for nearly ten years. Wife to Michael and mother to Ivan, she left the corporate world to be home with her family full time in 2012. When not chasing her ridiculously active 18-month old, Lindsey enjoys being involved in community organizations and planning outings for a local moms group. She also enjoys running, reading, road trips and all things mid-century.

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