From staff reports The 11th annual Lawton-Fort Sill Freedom Festival – a two-day summer spectacular filled with music, games, and fireworks at Elmer Thomas Park – is slated for June 27-28.
This free, family-friendly celebration kicks off each day at 5 p.m. and features bounce houses, food trucks, more than 50 vendors, classic car races, gurney races, live music, and more — capped off by nighttime drone and fireworks night shows. FRIDAY, JUNE 27
• 5 p.m. – Festival opens. All vendors, Bounce House Park, military vehicle display, and on-site contest registrations begin.
• 5:30 p.m. – Derby car check-in and Sigma hotdog eating contest check-in.
• 6–8 p.m. – Classic Chevrolet derby car races (sponsored by Comanche Home Center).
• 6–8 p.m. – Sigma hotdog eating contest (Holiday House).
• 7–7:45 p.m. – DJ set.
• 8–9:15 p.m. – Live musical performance.
• 9:15–9:30 p.m. – Evening ceremony: invocation by Comanche princesses, Lord’s Prayer, National Anthem by Southwest Pride Barbershop & Comanche Princesses, remarks from Lawton Mayor and Fort Sill Commander.
• 9:45 p.m. (or dark) – Drone and fireworks show. SATURDAY, JUNE 28
• 5 p.m. – Festival opens with vendors and bounce houses. Gurney race signups begin.
• 7–7:45 p.m. – ‘Disney’ princess performance.
• 8–9:15 p.m. – Headliner concert: Ashes and Arrows.
• 9:15–9:30 p.m. – Evening ceremony: invocation by Comanche princesses, Lord’s Prayer, National Anthem by Southwest Pride Barbershop and Comanche princesses, remarks from City Mayor and Fort Sill Commander.
• 9:30 p.m. (or dark) – Fireworks display. Soapbox Derby The third annual Soapbox Derby car races are slated for June 27 along Sixth Street and Ferris Avenue during the Freedom Festival.
Twenty winners were randomly selected via a drawing to receive free soapbox car kits “to help them gear up for the big day,” said Caitlin Gatlin, the city’s communications manager.
This year’s race will have two divisions: a Youth Build Kit Division for youngsters ages 7-12, and an Open Custom Division for participants aged 8 and older.
Awards will be given for race winners, the fastest car, and the best decorated entry.