McAlester fireworks moved to Saturday
Jul. 6—After inclement weather postponed the annual Stars and Stripes Fireworks show Thursday, officials said the show will go on Saturday evening.
Officials made the decision to postpone the annual event after heavy thunderstorms made their way through Pittsburg County Thursday evening.
"Unfortunately, due to inclement weather moving into the area and to ensure the safety of our community, we are postponing the Stars & Stripes Fireworks Show, scheduled for this evening," city officials posted on social media Thursday.
The city announced the fireworks show will now take place Saturday evening at dusk at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.
"We had multiple food trucks set up on Thursday, before the call to postpone was made," the city said in a social media post Friday. "We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused each of you but would like to invite you all back, this Saturday, if you're able to make it. We appreciate your support and coming out to serve our community."
The annual fireworks show is made possible by city funding and sponsorships from several local businesses, including The First National Bank and Trust Company of McAlester, Sam Wampler Freedom Ford of McAlester & Eufaula, District 3 County Commissioner Ross Selman, and the Bank NA.
"If you're looking for something extra to do while you wait on the show, from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m. you can check out vendors inside the Expo Center, all part of the Paracon Oklahoma 2024 event. Vendors are free and open to the public," the city said in its online statement.
This year's fireworks show will begin shortly after dusk with the show produced by Rainbow Fireworks.
"Rainbow Fireworks has provided us with a consistent and exciting show over the past several years," McAlester Tourism Director Billy Sumner said in a statement. "They have been easy to work with and are passionate about providing a quality and affordable show that impresses our community."
The fireworks show is presented free of charge, with the only costs to the public coming from items purchased from vendors. The City of McAlester encourages residents and visitors to park on the Expo grounds.
More celebrations are slated for July 6 with Longtown, Extreme Amphitheater in Eufaula, and Carlton Landing all having their events Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Tulsa calls for a high near 91 on Saturday with a low in the 60s Saturday night. Rain moves back into the forecast Sunday evening for the last day of the holiday weekend.
