LIBERTYFEST moves fireworks site
EDMOND — LibertyFest will be a rockin’ celebration as the festivities begin this weekend with some changes to the 46th annual event.
This year’s theme is a “Rockin’ 4th of July,” and culminates in Wednesday’s parade and fireworks show.
• On Thursday, the University of Central Oklahoma will host its Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m. near Buddy’s Cafeteria with the summer band performing.
• The 50th annual LibertyFest Rodeo will begin at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday at the Carl Benne Arena, 300 N Kelly Ave. The rodeo costs $10 for adults and $5 for those 11 and younger.
• The LibertyFest Car Show will be held between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at Hafer Park with cars being judged in separate classes. Public viewing is free. Entry fees are $15 before the show and $20 on the day of the event.
• On Sunday, registration for a road rally will start at 10 a.m. at Earl’s Rib Palace, 2121 S Broadway. The first car will roll out at 11 a.m. The fee is $10 per vehicle. An awards ceremony will be held at 5 p.m.
• More than 40 restaurants will be featured at A Taste of Edmond from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Festival Market Place. Wristbands for Taste of Edmond are on sale in advance for $12 a person; children 10 and younger will be admitted for free. The cost will increase to $20 the day of the event. No animals are allowed.
Parade, fireworks plans
Then, on July Fourth, the parade will begin at 9 a.m. and feature entries from across the state that will travel a 1.5-mile route.
The parade will begin at University Drive and Ayers Street, continue west to Broadway, go south to Second Street, east back to University Drive and then north.
The parade marshal will be Kent Kidwell, a member of the UCO music department, who has helped the jazz program grow during his years at the university.
At 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, fireworks will blast off from Hafer Park, a change from previous years because of construction at UCO.
Hafer Park will be completely shut down to motorized traffic on July Fourth. The parking lots near the park’s baseball fields also will be closed beginning Tuesday due to safety concerns.
“We have been very fortunate to stage this event at UCO for a number of years and are very grateful for the university’s continued support,” said LibertyFest Chairman Bob Meinders.
The fireworks display should be easily visible from most every place within a one- to twomile radius.
The fireworks will be synchronized with music on KZUC 99.3 FM.
For additional events and more information, go to libertyfest.org.