Midwest City hosts Tribute to Liberty

People enjoy the fireworks display during Midwest City’s Tribute to Liberty celebration on July 4. (Photo by Jeff Harrison)
By Maxine Wheelan
Staff Writer
The city of Midwest City hosted its annual Tribute to Liberty celebration Sunday evening at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park.
The Fourth of July event included live music from an Andrews Sisters tribute and Souled Out, as well as food trucks and fireworks. The city also awarded the winners of the Patriotic Pup contest.
Due to all the rain, things were different as the stage was set up in the main parking lot along with the food trucks. Dep. Kevin Brown, Reserve Communications, Officer Allen Taylor and Sgt. James Cochran provided security.
Members of the Citizens Police Academy Alumna were giving everyone a ride to the entertainment section. Some of them present were President, Joyce George, Chris Hicks, David and Sally Munson and George and Jodi Turek.

Midwest City Mayor Matt Dukes welcomes visitors to the Tribute to Liberty celebration on July 4. (Photo by Maxine Wheelan)
An emergency tent was also set up and manned by SSM Health, St. Anthony employees: Ashley Adamson, Scott Campbell, Levi Bridges, and Gunnar Buescher.
Putting this event together was Ryan Rushing, Director of Operations; Adam Filer, Volunteer Coordinator; Grace Filer, Event Coordinator and Josh Ryan, Communications and Marketing Director.
Trinity Snodgrass, Ginny Stewart and Jessica Vanek from Character Connection Co. in Oklahoma City performed the Andrew Sisters tribute.
The winners of the contest “Parotic Pups” was announced as follow: first place, Carmelita; second place, Leslie Ruiz; third place, Ris Duckett Leia and Mayor’s Choice 405 Bullypup.
Mayor Matt Dukes welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the Fourth of July celebration.
Souled Out Band performed until time for the fireworks at 9:45 which were more elaborate than in the past and cheered by the crowd.