The Lawton Fort Sill Freedom Festival Committee recently announced a new addition to Lawton’s celebration of the United States’ independence: Parade in the Park.
Lawton’s Freedom Festival Committee is currently seeking entrants for the Parade in the Park parade float contest, according to a news release from City Hall. Limited spots are available, and donations to local nonprofits and public schools will be awarded in honor of first, second, and third place. The theme of this year’s Parade in the Park is “Let Freedom Ring.”
Registration is open to businesses, nonprofits, schools and political candidates who would like to participate. Applications are being accepted through June 17 for early registration, and late registration will be accepted through June 23.
Entry fees are $50 for businesses, $25 for nonprofits, $100 for political candidates and free for schools.
Parade participants will be judged by their representation of the theme “Let Freedom Ring.” Judging criteria will consist of overall representation of theme, originality and craftsmanship.
First-place ($500), second-place ($250) and third-place ($100) prizes will include a donation on behalf of the winning business or organization to a nonprofit or public school of choice, or a donation made directly to the winning nonprofit or school. Judges will include representatives from the Arts and Humanities committee, Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, the Lawton City Council, city employees and private citizens.
On July 2, Parade in the Park will kick off the Freedom Festival festivities at 9:15 a.m., according to the news release. The parade will start and end at McMahon Memorial Auditorium, 801 NW Ferris Ave., wind through Elmer Thomas Park and return to the auditorium along NW Ferris Avenue.
“The parade is just one of the many additions to this year’s festival,” said Jason Poudrier, city of Lawton Arts and Humanities administrator. “We look forward to the community coming out to enjoy the event or joining in and being a part of the fun by being a part of the parade.”
More information on parade float registration is available by contacting the Arts and Humanities Division at (580) 581-3470 or (580)581-3471 or by visiting the city’s website, lawtonok.gov. Stay up to date with the 2022 Lawton Fort Sill Freedom Festival by following the festival’s Facebook page, facebook.com/LawtonFreedomFestival.