Patriotism can be defined differently by everyone but to many Americans it smells like hot dogs, sounds like fireworks and looks like kids in American flag clothing running around with sparklers.
Independence Day is a time to have fun spending time with family watching colorful fireworks shows. There are many places around Lincoln County to do just that on the Fourth of July.
In Stroud, the festivities begin at 5 p.m. in Foster Park with a Cornhole Tournament. At 5:30 p.m. bring your patriotically decorated bike, stroller or wagon and line up at the Memorial Gym for the Bike Parade starting at 6 p.m. After that, make sure to bring your homemade ice cream to enter into the Homemade Ice Cream Contest in the Pavilion at 6:30 p.m.
The contest begins at 6:45 and the winners will be announced at 7 p.m.. Even if you don’t submit your own ice cream, hang out after the winners are announced and enjoy some free homemade ice cream. The Stroud Municipal Pool will open at 8 p.m. and remain open throughout the fireworks show, which will begin at dusk.
In Meeker, the fun kicks off at 7 p.m. at Meeker Lake. Activities for the kids include turtle races, bounce houses and a barrel train. There will be karaoke and vendor booths for everyone to enjoy. Some of the vendors include: The Snow Shak, Sooner Kettle Company, Kona Ice, Courtney’s Light Ups and more. Hot See Page 2A dogs, water and ice cream will be provided in limited supply by the Meeker Fire Department. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.
The town of Davenport is hosting a fireworks show beginning at dark at North Park in Davenport. There is no cost of admission to the show which is being put on by the Davenport Volunteer Fire Department. Bring a chair, food and the family to have a great time.
In Prague, the festivities begin with the God and Country Celebration on Sunday, July 2 at 4 p.m. on the south side of Prague Park.
The Fourth includes a full day of activities for the whole family. Sign up for the Kid’s Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. under Park Pavilion 2 in Prague Park and the parade begins at 9 a.m.. This will lead up to the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. over at the Park Gazebo, then the turtle, frog and foot races will begin west of the gazebo at 10 a.m..
There will be free watermelon given out at pavilion 2 at 11 a.m. and giveaways in the same place at noon.
There are many tournaments as well. The volleyball tournament will begin at 12:30 p.m.. Starting at 1 p.m., everyone can swim for free at the Prague Pool. Also at 1 p.m., the corn hole, softball and horse shoes tournaments will begin. After a full day of activities, the fireworks show will begin in the park at dark.
Join the city of Chandler for their annual fireworks show at Bell Cow Lake at 10 p.m. on the Fourth.
While McLoud is not hosting any festivities on Independence Day, the annual Blackberry Festival is taking place July 7-8 at McLoud Veterans Memorial Park.