Area Towns Getting Set for Fireworks Shows

Independence Day is just around the corner and area towns are hard at work getting ready to celebrate the holiday with a bang.

The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce is hosting its July 4th fireworks on Sunday, July 5. The show will begin at dusk (about 9-9:15 p.m.) at the Sallisaw High School campus.

There will also be several activities going on before the fireworks, from about 7-9 p.m.

Marty Green, the chamber’s executive director, said the chamber is counting on those in attendance to be responsible regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, sit in their cars or bring blankets to sit on the ground, Green said.

The Mix 105.1 will provide music at the event.

Vian’s Fireworks Extravaganza is set for Friday, July 3, at St. John Stadium. 

Suzanne Sullivan of Vian Community Foundation said that because of COVID-19, organizers will not be presenting their annual Favorite Son and Favorite Daughter awards this year.

“We are going to ask that as much as possible you maintain social distancing. If you decide to watch the show inside the field, we strongly recommend you not coming until close to time for the show, which will begin at 9:45 p.m., and that you wear some type of mask,” Sullivan said, adding, “Please help us protect our community even as we celebrate together!”

Organizers are also getting ready for the 4th of July at Lake Tenkiller.

The fireworks show will be at the south end (the dam area) and will be shot from the lagoon at Tenkiller State Park. There will be great visibility from the Corps overlook, inside the park area, Pine Cove area and by Strayhorn Island, Strayhorn area and Big Daddy’s.

The Gore Police Department has announced that fireworks will be allowed inside city limits between June 15 and July 6 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. No fireworks will be allowed on city property and no fireworks should be aimed directly toward vehicles or homes. 

All area residents are urged to use fireworks with caution and follow these safety tips:

*Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

*A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.

*Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. 

*Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

*Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

*Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.

*Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

*Always have a bucket of water and water hose nearby.

*Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.

*Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

*Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can, away from any building or combustible materials, until the next day.

Citing concerns about the coronavirus, the towns of Roland and Muldrow have decided to cancel their 4th of July fireworks plans this year, but in Muldrow, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8384 will offer food and fireworks on the evening of Saturday, July 4.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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