Midwest City celebrates America’s Birthday

By Maxine Wheelan
Staff Writer

Midwest City celebrated the nation’s 247^th birthday in grand fashion.

The city hosted its annual Tribute to Liberty celebration on July 4 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. The evening included live music, food trucks, fireworks and more.

Mayor Matt Dukes addressed the crowd early in the evening, reminding everyone of the cost of freedom and the lives that were lost. He thanked everyone for attending this event and looked forward to the spectacular fireworks that would be displayed later in the evening.

City employees and others helped make sure the event was a success.

The Citizens’ Police Academy members manned golf carts to get everyone from the parking lots.  Food trucks were all present with a new one on the scene.  The Pink Mobster Dog featured some of the best hot dogs in the city, while Tasty Snow was always busy on this rather warm evening.

Members of the SSM Health EMS were present with the cooling tent and ambulance if needed.  They included Maxine Council, Chris Prutaman, Jr., Ashley Perez, Robert Brown and Makaila Mueller.

Firefighters, police officers and even the Explorer Scouts were there to be sure that everyone had a good time. Sgt. Skelton with his trained canine, Gery, was watching the event. 

The parking lot was full of folding chairs and all of them occupied.

Many of the veterans were present and among them was a special Vietnam veteran, Bennie Summers and wife, Rita.

To everyone’s delight, the entertainment featured an Andrew Sisters tribute group singing all their songs, among them Allegany Moon and many other songs that made them famous during World War II.  The Wise Guys band followed with a performance of many classic rock hits that continued until the fireworks display.