The FireLake Casino fireworks display culminates in a finale celebrating Independence Day on July 3. In the Shawnee area, there were also fireworks exploding over Kickapoo Casino on July 2 and the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on July 4.

Pottawatomie Go (POGO) Executive Director John Bobb-Semple reminds participants in the Freedom Fest kids' parade to check their helmets before he leads them around Kidspace Park, as the parade marshal, on July 5. The First Annual Freedom Fest was hosted by POGO and Shawnee Parks and Recreation. They gave prizes for Most Patriotic, Most Enthusiastic and Most Creative. They also had a sidewalk chalk art contest.

Class of 1971 - All photos provided

State 4-H STEM Innovator Tori Nelms helps Tucker Roberts, 4, of McLoud, to launch the rocket he built during the "Build It: Ready, Set, Blast Off!" Rocket Science Workshop at Shawnee Public Library on June 30. Also shown are fellow Innovator Madison Maddox, center, who is helping Colton Hayes, 5, of Shawnee, and 4-H Educator Kacie Jasper, kneeling, who is taking a picture of Henry Slaybaugh, 8, of Shawnee. The next Build It event is "Zip Line Zoom!" on July 21 at 2 pm.

Volunteers from partner organizations serve to make Pack the School a success