Can you believe that it is already that time of year?! July 4th 2009 is right around the corner and I'm starting to look at the options for celebrating Independence Day in Tulsa, OK this year. In my search, I have put together a list of some of the top places to go for your family fun...
ONEOK FreedomFest
Known to be the largest Tulsa OK fireworks display year after year, this Tulsa Community Celebration is located at three spots along the Arkansas River:
- River West Festival Park
2100 S. Jackson
Schedule and Time: Activies start at 5 p.m. and run through 10:45 p.m. including (of course) magnificent firework displays, vendor booths, live music and face painting.
- East Bank of Arkansas River
19th & Riverside Drive
Schedule and Time: The fun begins at Noon and ends around 9:30 p.m. with vendors providing lots of choices of food and beverages to keep you content while listening to the live music which starts at 5:00 p.m at 1924 S. Riverside Drive. Note: Bring your own blankets, chairs (and tables) as seating is not provided.
- Veterens Park
1875 S. Boulder Avenue
Schedule and Time: The annual American Salute, hosted by Tulsa Parks, will be held again this year including an old-fashioned picnic and music by Cindy Cain and Jennifer and Pete Marriott - a musical first for the Tulsa area. Cain obtained the Tulsa World Spot Award for best blues/R&B in 2006, at the same time as the release of her 2nd CD, "In Your Impala".
Parking: Paid parking is available near the River West Festival Park and the West Bank Arbor for $5/vehicle.
Cost: FREE
To learn more about this event, please visit their website at Tulsa FreedomFest
Duck Creek Fireworks Display
If you are looking for much more than just a fireworks display and a few concession stands, then this is the place for you! Grand Lake is the stage for boat lovers (and shore dwellers!) to take in the many sights and sounds of the day's celebrations. Plan to arrive around or just after lunch time to get a good seat, or to start your boating adventure and get ready for the thousands of others to join you.
An airshow of vintage airplanes plus the Oklahomoa Air National Guard's F-16 Fighters will light the sky up with sights and sounds even before the fireworks are set off once the sun goes down (around 9:30 p.m.). The Duck Creek Fireworks Spectacular claims to be the largest 4th of July fireworks display in the entire State!
Parking and Fees: Call the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for full details at 918-782-3214.
Or to learn more visit their website at: Duck Creek Fireworks Spectacular
Red, White and Zoo
Maybe you have little ones, or pets even, and fireworks and late nights are just not an option for you... this may be your answer. The Tulsa Zoo has their Red, White and Zoo celebrations happening this July 4th, 2009, where you can enjoy a great day with your family and the wide array of animals the Tula Zoo and Museum has to offer everyday from
Schedule and Time: Daily adventures from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. can beexperienced by all!
Parking and Fees: Holiday parking fees apply which is $2 per car. Admission for children 2 and under is free. Other ages range in price from $4.00 - $8.00 each.
You can visit the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum website at: Tulsa Zoo
Cajun Fest and Arts, Crafts & Music Festival
If they could add anything else to this celebration on July 4th they would, but they simply can't! The absolute best in Cajun music and food with great arts and craft vendors will greet and supply you with a wonderful Mardi Gras experience at the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, near Tulsa, OK. 
The 4th of July celebrations will be taking the Louisiana style to the hilt within both the Grove Civic Center and at the nearby Snider's Camp. Come and enjoy plenty of family fun activities!
Schedule and Time: Hot Cajun bands will begin getting you into the spirit of Independence Day at 10:00 a.m.
Parking and Fees: This is A FREE event - A Grand Lake bargain for the entire family!
Lots of information surrounding this special celebration can be found at their website at: Grand Lake Festivals
No matter what you decide to do this year, I wish you all a very happy Independence Day!