The Chickasha Festival of Freedom, a communitywide celebration starting Memorial Day weekend and continuing through the July 4th weekend, will showcase Chickasha’s patriotic spirit as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday.
From ceremonies honoring veterans and first responders, to family-friendly gatherings and community activities, residents and visitors alike are invited to experience Chickasha’s “deep love of country and community,” Jim Cowan said.
“Chickasha is a town with a big heart and a proud patriotic tradition,” said Cowan, president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. “We’re red, white and true,” he told Southwest Ledger, “The Festival of Freedom is our way of celebrating that smalltown spirit while honoring America’s history and those who have defended our freedoms.”
The Festival of Freedom grew from a suggestion by City Manager Jim Crosby after the July 4th celebration last year that Chickasha “do something big” in observance of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, Cowan recalled.
Every week, for six weeks, the Chickasha Public Library will present an educational program to teach children about “the significance of 1776, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and why it happened,” Cowan said.
The six-week celebration will conclude on Independence Day, July 4, at Shannon Springs Park with an all American community celebration featuring:
•Parade of Stars and Handlebars, a patriotic parade for children and families to decorate bikes, wagons, strollers, golf carts, 4-wheelers, and strollers in red, white, and blue.
•Circus performers and a Fire Show. Prior to the evening fireworks show, Ignite Entertainment of Oklahoma City will have circus performers, Uncle Sam on stilts, and dancers with fire rings.
•Food trucks. A variety of local food trucks will provide festive favorites.
•Free watermelon and free hotdogs. Classic Fourth of July treats will be available at no cost while supplies last.
•Music in the Park. Patriotic tunes and fan favorites will be played throughout the park in the afternoon to set the perfect Fourth of July atmosphere.
•The largest fireworks show in Chickasha’s history. A spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky to cap off the Festival of Freedom in grand fashion.
“We’re excited to deliver the biggest fireworks show Chickasha has ever seen,” Cowan said. “It’s a ‘thank you’ to our residents and a celebration of the American spirit that runs deep in this community.”
As part of the Festival of Freedom, the Chamber of Commerce is launching “Love Where You Live,” a ‘shop local’ campaign designed to support Chickasha’s small businesses throughout the celebration.
From Memorial Day weekend through July 4th weekend:
•Shoppers who spend a minimum of $25 at participating merchants will receive one entry into weekly prize drawings.
•The Chamber will hold weekly drawings for $250 in local shopping rewards.
•All entries will also be included in a grand prize drawing for a trip for two to see the Statue of Liberty, honoring America’s 250 years of freedom and the enduring symbol of liberty in New York Harbor.
•A patriotic Flag Day event will be held downtown on Sunday, June 14, as the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce challenges communities across the state “to see which is the most patriotic community in Oklahoma,” Cowan said. Local restaurants will discount meals that day for all active duty military and veterans. In addition, retired U.S. General Tommy Franks’ museum in Hobart has a traveling exhibit that is scheduled to be in Chickasha on Flag Day.
“‘Love Where You Live’ is about more than shopping; it’s about investing in the neighbors, businesses, and places that make Chickasha home,” said Mayor Zach Grayson. “When you support local, you strengthen the heart of our community.”
A full schedule of Festival of Freedom events, participating “Love Where You Live” merchants, and parade details will be available at https://www. chickashachamber.com/ festival- of-freedom.
The Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to fly the American flag and decorate their homes, and appeals to all Chickasha businesses to have patriotic displays at their businesses.
Mike W. Ray is a fifthgeneration, award winning journalist who has more than 55 years’ experience covering municipal, county, state, and federal government in Oklahoma and Texas. He can be reached at mike.ray@swoknews.com