Fired up for Fourth

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer

June 28, 2009 11:39 pm

— Saturday will be a big day in Enid with a number of activities for Enid residents and visitors to enjoy.
Enid Symphony Orchestra will perform with special guest Leona Mitchell starting at 8:30 p.m. until the Fourth of July fireworks program at approximately 9 p.m., said Doug Newell, symphony director.
Mitchell will perform the national anthem, along with “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
The orchestra will perform a selection of patriotic music, including “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” a number of marches by John Phillip Sousa, and themes of the branches of the American military.
It will conclude with “Oklahoma!” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the signature closing for the Fourth of July.
The symphony has been accompanying the fireworks program since about 1986. The program is sponsored by Liberty Federal Savings Bank.
There will be an open rehearsal for the symphony at 4 p.m. Saturday in Symphony Hall. Lemonade and cookies will be served, and those interested may discuss purchase of a season ticket.
Starting Saturday’s activities at 6 a.m. at Meadowlake Park is the 27th Liberty Federal Savings Bank Fishing Derby. Theresa Howard, executive administrative assistant at Liberty Federal estimated last year’s attendance at about 1,000 people. Each tagged fish caught is worth $5, and there also is a contest for the largest catfish, sponsored by H&H Bait Shop.
Festivities conclude at noon, when the biggest fish winner is named. Anyone who catches a fish will receive a ticket for free soft drink. There will be hot dogs and popcorn available later in the morning.
In addition to the regular activities, children’s games like guppy grabbing, a cakewalk and races will be held.
Leonardo’s Discovery Ware-house plans its annual Hometown July 4 at the museum, said Julie Baird, executive director.
The gates will open at Adventure Quest at 9:30 a.m. for members and 10 a.m. for non-members. Old-fashioned games, such as turtle races (bring your own turtle), three-legged races, gunny-sack races, are scheduled. There also will be a patriotic prize for the first 100 children in the gate, Baird said.
Admission is $2.50 each for members and $5 each for non-members, good for all day at Leonardo’s and Adventure Quest. The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m., but Adventure Quest will remain open until 8 p.m. A lunch concession stand will be available, or those attending may bring a picnic lunch and eat in the picnic area, Baird said.
“We think it’s a good fit between the fishing derby and the fireworks at Meadowlake to get people to come to Enid and stay all day,” she said.
The annual city of Enid fireworks display will begin at approximately dark.
Folks also can get a head start on Fourth festivities on Friday at David Allen Memorial Ballpark.
Baseball games are at 3:15, 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. Following the final game, there will be a fireworks display. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children in a little league hat or shirt and free for military personnel with ID.
Participants can take part in a picnic dinner featuring Advance Food Co.’s pub burgers, grilled boneless pork chops and more for $6.