If you love fireworks, this is the Fourth of July holiday you’ve been waiting for.
Since July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year, there will be four days of fireworks at various locations in the area.
On Saturday, July 1, the City of Checotah has prepared a full day of activities, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.
On the same day, just down the road west of Checotah at the KOA Campground, just off Interstate 40 at the Pierce Road exit, KOA’s festivities will be topped off with fireworks at about 8:45 p.m.
On Sunday, July 2, Xtreme RV Resort in Eufaula will host its annual fireworks show at the Xtreme Amphitheatre at sundown.
Then, on Monday, July 3, Eufaula will hold its fireworks spectacular in the Cove at dusk.
The four days of pyrotechnics will be capped off with the Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration extravaganza in McAlester on Tuesday, July 4.
Eufaula – July 3
Andrea Oldham, Eufaula’s Community Development Director, said the city’s fireworks will be shot from Nichols Point on Monday.
“That area will be closed to traffic due to the large amount of fireworks,” she said. “No one can be within 1,000 feet of the site, so we plan to close the Point down.”
The display begins at sundown.
“I have a couple of food trucks that will be on the north beach that afternoon that help with some traffic so people don’t have to fight to get in and out of the area for food,” she said. “As of right now I have Squeezies Lemonade and Cowboy Grill food trucks.”
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the show.
There are not many bad locations from where to see the fireworks. Many observers choose the high school; lots of folks line Lakeshore Drive.
Xtreme RV Resort – July 2
Sunday’s Xtreme Independence Day Weekend Celebration begins at 3 p.m. Sunday with a pool party at the resort, which will feature a DJ.
One of the finest fireworks shows on the lake will begin at sundown at the amphitheater.
Checotah – July 1
Checotah boasts a full day of activities on Saturday, July 1, at the Sports Complex.
Events include a cornhole tournament at 10 a.m.; a fishing derby at 10:30 a.m.; a cardboard boat race at 1 p.m.; golf (hole-in-one) at 2:30 p.m.; tractor pull for kids 12 and under at 3 p.m.; home run derby at 4 p.m.; and at 5 p.m. a lawn mower race, blindfold race and wheelbarrow race.
The band Shiloh & Going for Broke will perform at 8 p.m.
Throughout the day there will be food vendors and arts & crafts vendors.
The Splash Pad will also be open to keep all the kids cool.
At about 9:45 p.m. the fireworks begin with the Mayor, Assoc. District Judge and city crew bringing an extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
KOA Campground July 1
Before the fireworks begin at around 8:45 p.m. Saturday, the KOA Campground, located at the Pierce Road Exit of I-40, will host several activities, including a train ride, s’mores and swimming in the pool.
Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
A food truck, Starla’s Sloppy Hog, will be coming on Saturday to serve lunch and dinner.
For details call 918473-6511. McAlester July 4
Ring in Independence Day with a bang at McAlester’s annual Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration on July 4. Enjoy delicious options from food trucks, listen to live music bands and stick around for the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
It happens at the Southeast Expo Center on July 4.
Live music starts around 4 p.m. with various local musicians, as well as multiple food trucks that will be on site as well.
The fireworks show starts around dusk, usually about 9:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the festivities. There’s no charge for parking and plenty of space on the Expo grounds for the best view.
