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Holiday will be a boom time
Jul 02, 2012 (Muskogee Phoenix - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Wednesday's annual Freedom Celebration at First Assembly of God in Muskogee is "the" show to attend in Muskogee.
"It's like one huge, patriotic block party on 40 acres," said the church's pastor, Steve Rose. "But, it's a true family event really, primarily for the children."
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the church, where there will be much to do long before the huge fireworks show begins at dark.
"Even though it will still be hot out there at 5 p.m., there will be acres, literally acres of inflatables, including water slides and other water toys to keep cool," Rose said.
There will also be carriage and pony rides and live performances.
"It's a true Muskogee event, for the rich or the poor, where we can come together as one community and celebrate our freedom," Rose said. "We come together and celebrate our patriotism, and we can pray for our country as one group."
New this year will be performances by 144 students of the church's "Smart School." This summer, 200 students attended "school" at the church with certified teachers and studied math, reading, character and dance, Rose said.
The shows, 45 minutes each, will start at 6 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dark. All attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Admission is free. Ice chests and coolers are not allowed.
However, concessions will be available, Rose said.
"There's lots of food. We sell it at a very reasonable price, so everybody can afford something," he said. "And we have a whole crew of volunteers to make sure people are fed."
Another large show goes on in Wagoner on Wednesday night.
The town's traditional fireworks show at the high school football field near Maple Park begins at dark. But before the fireworks, the band Downtown Country will begin performing at 7:30 p.m.
Concessions will be available.
During the day there will be free swim at the nearby water park and live music in the park.
Fireworks shows are also planned at Fort Gibson High School, Sequoyah State Park on Lake Fort Gibson, Warner, Diamondhead Resort and Tenkiller Dam.
Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.
If you go
Tuesday
--Checotah -- Checotah Sports Complex. Festivities include music and fundraiser booths. Fireworks at dusk.
--Eufaula -- Fourth of July Celebration at Lake Eufaula Cove. Music from 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday
--Muskogee -- Freedom Celebration at First Assembly of God Church, 3100 Gulick St., beginning at 5 p.m. Fireworks at dark.
--Wagoner -- Wagoner Football Field. Concessions and music available. Fireworks at dusk.
--Fort Gibson -- Fort Gibson Football Field. Fireworks at dusk.
--Tenkiller Dam -- Greater Tenkiller Area Association fireworks show. Begins at dusk.
--Diamondhead Resort -- 12081 Oklahoma 10 in Tahlequah. Fireworks begin at dusk. $5 per person, children 12 and younger free. Information: (918) 456-4545.
--Warner -- Rogers Park. Fireworks begin at dusk.
--Sequoyah State Park -- Western Hills Lodge. Fireworks begin at dusk. Free admission. Information: (918) 772-2545.
___ (c)2012 the Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.) Visit the Muskogee Phoenix
(Muskogee, Okla.) at muskogeephoenix.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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