Ponca City keeps history rich on Fourth of July

“ Solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfire and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” That is what John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3, 1776 describing how the Declaration of Independence should be celebrated. Adams, along with 55 other men signed the Declaration of Independence the following day.

America had no problem following through with this request and Ponca City is keeping history rich too. Craig Stephenson said the city fireworks will be at Lake Ponca, as usual.

“ They will shoot over a thousand shells, over a 28 minute period,” Stephenson said. “They’ll be shooting from the west dam. The show will begin about 9:50, it will be choreographed to music and will be simulcast on KPNC 100.7 FM.”

This show is done by Western Enterprise. The Ponca City Police Department has released a statement saying it’s illegal for other persons to use fireworks in city limits. It’s also unlawful to possess, store or offer fireworks for sale in Ponca City city limits.

Western Enterprise will be taking many safety precautions set by the law. Stephenson said the gates near the duck ponds will be closed when they arrive.

" This year due to a new law governing the transportation of fireworks they’ll be bringing the truck in on Wednesday, July 2 because they can’t transport loaded fireworks,” Stephenson said. “We will be closing Lake Ponca Park on Wednesday, which is July 2 to 4 to the public to keep them out of the danger zone.”

Fourth of July fireworks were first shoot off in Philadelphia and Boston on the signings one-year anniversary in 1777. After those displays, the popularity of fireworks on July 4 spread like wildfire. And the rest is history.