Matraya Haynes, of Maud, finishes up her run in Barrel Racing on the morning of July 15 during the IFYR at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

IFYR 2022

Madison Van Brunt, of Shawnee, competes in the Barrel Racing event during the IFYR on July 11 at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Kansas City Chiefs Center Creed Humphrey speaks with the athletes attending the first day of the Summer Pride Clinic on July 11 at Jim Thorpe Stadium. Countywide & Sun/Julie Talton

VFW Auxiliary member Justine Martin, right, points out the free hot dogs following the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Committee Independence Day ceremony on July 4 at Woodland Veterans Park in Shawnee.

Next Halen performs during FireLake Casino’s Independence Day event on July 3. They are, from left, Johnny Johns, on drums; Darek Johns, on bass; Dan Halen, lead vocals; and Drew Sevier, on guitar. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Carolyn McCrary, 9, Ethan McCrary, 7, and Mason McCrary, 5, all of Chandler, get balloon crowns from the India Shriners during the Blues on Broadway event, at Tom Terry Park in Shawnee on June 18. "Salty," aka Mike Byrd, left, and "Pockets," aka Jerry Biffel work on the crowns. Hidden is "Banjo," or John Trivette. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Several people walk in the Juneteenth Parade on Shawnee's Main Street, June 18. This was the second year that Juneteenth was a federal holiday, although it has been celebrated since 1866. This year's celebration also included a prayer service, history presentation, domino competition, storytelling, and a program that included musical performances, a fashion show, and speakers. Shawnee Forward also worked with the Dunbar Heights Community to hold a Pickleball Tournament at OBU.