Libertyfest Has Fun for Everyone

Libertyfest kicked off last Thursday in Edmond, Okla., with a concert in the park and continues on through Wednesday the 4^th. Libertyfest is a group of family friendly events centered on America's birthday.

On July 3, take the kids to the Chalk It Up chalk drawing contest. There are four categories: Most Artistic, Most Color, Best Use of Space, and Best Overall Chalker. While they are there the children can create a 4^th of July craft, sing karaoke, have their face painted, and play water games. The contest is being held at the Festival Market Place, on First Street, just west of Broadway in downtown Edmond. Registration begins at 10 am.

A one and a half mile route in downtown Edmond, OK will be packed with 50,000 spectators watching the greatest 4^th of July parade in Oklahoma. Filing down the street, filling it with fun are marching bands, Shriners, clowns, bands, and floats. It is all part of LibertyFest, which was named by CNN and USA Today as one of the Top 10 places to be on July 4^th. The parade is Oklahoma's largest hometown 4^th of July parade.

The excitement does not stop with the parade, though. Fun and food are just two of the items on the menu at Parkfest on the lovely campus of the University of Central Oklahoma (at 100 N. University Drive).

Parkfest begins at 5 pm. You can savor a dinner of traditional 4^th of July food that will be on sale along with ice cold drinks. What is better than getting something for free? How about free watermelon slices that have been iced down.

Ambience, a local band, will be playing a variety of music during the evening while the kids are enjoying the Toddler Time Tent, the Pirate Ship Playland, a moon bounce, clown slide, and the Jurassic Playland. For the more adventurous types there is a rock climbing wall, and an obstacle course. There is also a booth offering temporary tattoos and temporary hair coloring, while supplies last.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, (but not your coolers!), sit back and relax and wait for the fireworks to begin around 10 pm. It is the Grand Finale of Libertyfest and one of the largest fireworks displays in the Oklahoma City metro area. This is Oklahoma's 100^th birthday, so expect the show to be even bigger and better this year. Seating for the pyrotechnic show is available throughout the UCO campus.