From festivals and fairs to unique community gatherings, there is always something happening in Rogers County.
The City of Claremore will host the 21st annual Independence Day Spectacular on Saturday, July 3, at Claremore Lake. The event is free and open to the public.
The day begins early with the Kids Fishing Derby, open to children ages 4 to 12. Bait, stringers, a tackle box (with tackle) and a rod and reel will be provided for the first 300 participants. Kids will compete in three age groups—4-6 year olds, 7-9 year olds and 10-12 year olds—and have a chance to win trophies for the smallest and largest fish. There will also be a drawing for two bicycles in each age group. Claremore Lake Park will open at 6 a.m. for registration and the Derby will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Children do not have to be residents of Claremore to participate.
Following the Kids Fishing Derby, the park will close until 6 p.m. Festivities resume at 6:30 p.m. at Shelter 1 (near the Lake Ranger’s office) with a flag-raising ceremony by the Claremore Fire Department, followed by the national anthem. Music will begin at 6:45 p.m. and concessions will be available at the Lake Ranger’s office from 6 to 9:30 p.m., with proceeds benefiting local Boy Scout troops.
Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Produced by Western Enterprise, the 20-minute show will be displayed from Cherry Point, north of the Lake Ranger’s office.
To prepare for the event, Claremore Lake Park roads will close on Wednesday, June 30, at 10 p.m. Walking trails will remain open. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at Will Rogers Stampede Park, adjacent to Claremore Lake. Limited handicapped and motorcycle parking will be available at Claremore Lake Park near the Lake Ranger’s office.
To ensure the safety of participants, private fireworks, pets, use of public/private grills and alcoholic beverages will not be permitted at the park. Boats, canoes and kayaks will not be allowed on the water during the event.