Shawnee library, city, casinos, jazz band, veterans celebrate 250th Independence Day

  • Oklahoma Baptist University graduates Linnea Malmberg, left, and Abigail Ryan pose by a community tile artwork, which they coordinated since May, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at Shawnee Public Library on June 29. - Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun
    Oklahoma Baptist University graduates Linnea Malmberg, left, and Abigail Ryan pose by a community tile artwork, which they coordinated since May, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at Shawnee Public Library on June 29. - Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun
  • Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims works the popcorn machine during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at the library on June 29. In addition to popcorn and ice cream sandwiches, the library also displayed a community tile artwork in honor of the 250th anniversary under a red, white and blue balloon arch.
    Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims works the popcorn machine during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at the library on June 29. In addition to popcorn and ice cream sandwiches, the library also displayed a community tile artwork in honor of the 250th anniversary under a red, white and blue balloon arch.
  • Justin Wood, Harrison Wood, 8, Finley Wood, 10, Dara Massey and Olivia Wood pose in front of the community tile artwork and under a balloon arch, which was created by Shawnee Public Library Customer Experience Manager Becky Roberts and her two nieces, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event on June 29. Branch Manager Mary Sims handed out popcorn and ice cream sandwiches, and the celebration would continue with snow cones and birthday cake on the next days.
    Justin Wood, Harrison Wood, 8, Finley Wood, 10, Dara Massey and Olivia Wood pose in front of the community tile artwork and under a balloon arch, which was created by Shawnee Public Library Customer Experience Manager Becky Roberts and her two nieces, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event on June 29. Branch Manager Mary Sims handed out popcorn and ice cream sandwiches, and the celebration would continue with snow cones and birthday cake on the next days.
  • Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims offers napkins, along with their USA birthday cake, to Alyssa Wissinger and Brielle Jackson, 2, both of Shawnee, as Deedee Thomas of Tecumseh looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29, and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30.
    Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims offers napkins, along with their USA birthday cake, to Alyssa Wissinger and Brielle Jackson, 2, both of Shawnee, as Deedee Thomas of Tecumseh looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29, and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30.
  • Mary Simms serves cake to Alyssa Wissinger and Brielle Jackson, 2, both of Shawnee, as Deedee Thomas of Tecumseh looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29, and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30.
    Mary Simms serves cake to Alyssa Wissinger and Brielle Jackson, 2, both of Shawnee, as Deedee Thomas of Tecumseh looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29, and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30.
  • Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims serves "Happy Birthday, USA!" birthday cake to Jasmin Ataddlety, 7, of Shawnee, as Clarissa Ataddlety looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29 and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30. They also had a balloon arch and their finished community tile artwork on display, available to the public for a photo backdrop.
    Shawnee Public Library Branch Manager Mary Sims serves "Happy Birthday, USA!" birthday cake to Jasmin Ataddlety, 7, of Shawnee, as Clarissa Ataddlety looks on, during the third day of 250th USA anniversary celebrations in the library lobby on July 1. They offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches on June 29 and the Snow Shak offered free snow cones at the library on June 30. They also had a balloon arch and their finished community tile artwork on display, available to the public for a photo backdrop.
  • Mary Sims serves cake to Leslie Straight and Kataleya King, 5, both of Shawnee.
    Mary Sims serves cake to Leslie Straight and Kataleya King, 5, both of Shawnee.
  • Twins Gypsy Miller and Gracelynn Miller, both 19 months old and from Shawnee, try snow cones during Freedom Fest 250, held at Woodland Veterans Park on July 2 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary.
    Twins Gypsy Miller and Gracelynn Miller, both 19 months old and from Shawnee, try snow cones during Freedom Fest 250, held at Woodland Veterans Park on July 2 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary.
  • Families play with a parachute during Freedom Fest 250, held at Woodland Veterans Park on July 2 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary.
    Families play with a parachute during Freedom Fest 250, held at Woodland Veterans Park on July 2 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary.
  • VFW Auxiliary President Barbara White hands flags and flag pinwheels to Maddie Urton of Shawnee for her family before the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4, which started at the Pottawatomie County Museum.
    VFW Auxiliary President Barbara White hands flags and flag pinwheels to Maddie Urton of Shawnee for her family before the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4, which started at the Pottawatomie County Museum.
  • The Oklahoma Jazz Preserve performs the "Star Spangled Banner" in front of the Pottawatomie County Museum (Paul and Ann Milburn Center) before leading the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Shown, from left, are Spencer Davis on saxophone, Toppie Lincicome on trombone, Al Hullum on drum, Ashley Caldwell on French horn, Brian Durham on trumpet and Brantley Longest on trumpet. An incoming Shawnee High School freshman, Longest also played "Taps" and led the flag salute during the presentation later.
    The Oklahoma Jazz Preserve performs the "Star Spangled Banner" in front of the Pottawatomie County Museum (Paul and Ann Milburn Center) before leading the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Shown, from left, are Spencer Davis on saxophone, Toppie Lincicome on trombone, Al Hullum on drum, Ashley Caldwell on French horn, Brian Durham on trumpet and Brantley Longest on trumpet. An incoming Shawnee High School freshman, Longest also played "Taps" and led the flag salute during the presentation later.
  • Attendees, including Tanner Silas supporters, former Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt and Phyllis Bolt, salute during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Participants in the parade gathered at the Pottawatomie County Museum (Paul and Ann Milburn Center) at 7 am. The Oklahoma Jazz Preserve performed and led the parade. The historic Beard Cabin is shown in the background.
    Attendees, including Tanner Silas supporters, former Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt and Phyllis Bolt, salute during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Participants in the parade gathered at the Pottawatomie County Museum (Paul and Ann Milburn Center) at 7 am. The Oklahoma Jazz Preserve performed and led the parade. The historic Beard Cabin is shown in the background.
  • In celebration of the 250th USA anniversary, the Shawnee Independence Day Parade is led by the Oklahoma Jazz Preserve south on Minnesota Ave. on their way to Main Street from the Pottawatomie County Museum on July 4. After the band performed "Taps" and the "Star Spangled Banner" in front of the museum, the parade began at 7:30 am. They ended at Woodland Veterans Park where there was a presentation at the pavillion.
    In celebration of the 250th USA anniversary, the Shawnee Independence Day Parade is led by the Oklahoma Jazz Preserve south on Minnesota Ave. on their way to Main Street from the Pottawatomie County Museum on July 4. After the band performed "Taps" and the "Star Spangled Banner" in front of the museum, the parade began at 7:30 am. They ended at Woodland Veterans Park where there was a presentation at the pavillion.
  • Shawnee VFW members, Past Commander Patrick Koch, Killian Keathley and Michael Keathley, carry flags in the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Shown in the background is the Shawnee Public Library's community tile artwork celebrating the 250th USA anniversary. The parade started at the Pottawatomie County Museum at 7:30 am and ended at Woodland Veterans Park with a presentation.
    Shawnee VFW members, Past Commander Patrick Koch, Killian Keathley and Michael Keathley, carry flags in the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4. Shown in the background is the Shawnee Public Library's community tile artwork celebrating the 250th USA anniversary. The parade started at the Pottawatomie County Museum at 7:30 am and ended at Woodland Veterans Park with a presentation.
  • Children and families walk on Main Street in the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary. The parade was led by the Oklahoma Jazz Preserve and began at 7:30 am at the Pottawatomie County Museum. It ended at Woodland Veterans Park.
    Children and families walk on Main Street in the Shawnee Independence Day Parade on July 4 in celebration of the 250th USA anniversary. The parade was led by the Oklahoma Jazz Preserve and began at 7:30 am at the Pottawatomie County Museum. It ended at Woodland Veterans Park.
  • Annice Young sings the national anthem during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
    Annice Young sings the national anthem during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
  • Cathy Cowan speaks about coming from South Africa to become a United States citizen during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
    Cathy Cowan speaks about coming from South Africa to become a United States citizen during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
  • Rev. David Henry tells about his journey from Antigua and Barbuda to become a United States citizen during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
    Rev. David Henry tells about his journey from Antigua and Barbuda to become a United States citizen during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
  • Justin Wood reads the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
    Justin Wood reads the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution during the presentation, held after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade at Woodland Veterans Park on July 4.
  • Shawnee Veterans Memorial Committee President Bill Ford, far left, speaks to a crowd about the Pottawatomie County Veterans Educational Museum after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade and presentation on July 4.
    Shawnee Veterans Memorial Committee President Bill Ford, far left, speaks to a crowd about the Pottawatomie County Veterans Educational Museum after the Shawnee Independence Day Parade and presentation on July 4.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
  • On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.
    On July 3, the FireLake Casino fireworks show celebrated the 250th USA anniversary. Kickapoo Casino also held a fireworks show on July 2, but the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort fireworks were rained out on July 4. The Grand will present their fireworks on Oct. 24 for their 20th anniversary celebration.

    On Saturday, July 4, America celebrated its 250th Independence Day.

    But, in Shawnee, the celebration lasted almost a week.

    Shawnee Public Library threw a three-day party.

    On Monday, June 29, Shawnee Branch Manager Mary Sims offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches during “Pop In to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.” The Snow Shak truck came to the library on June 30, providing free red, white and b…