— Another very successful and enjoyable July Fourth fireworks show is behind us.

It was a very warm evening as the stadium begin to fill up, and the surrounding neighborhoods starting gathering for their cookouts and fireworks watching.

I thought we had an exceptional crowd at the school, as families begin arriving as early as 7:30 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. Fort Gibson resident Steve Hardy, gave an opening prayer, followed by the Posting of the Colors and Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 626.

All the scouts participating were Fort Gibson residents as well. After the American and Oklahoma flags were placed in their designated locations, Fort Gibson's Carrigan Bradley sang the National Anthem followed by a huge round of applause.

Shortly thereafter, the first of almost 20 minutes of continuous fireworks started to the delight of all those in attendance and throughout the area.

Our fireworks are put on by Imperial Fireworks Company out of Coweta, and they have been doing it for us since we started in 2006.

Our major sponsors for the show are the Town of Fort Gibson and Fort Gibson State Bank, who for many years funded the entire show. Now, with a little help from Cherokee Nation, OG&E and Armstrong Bank, we have been able to increase the size of the show and will continue to try and make it the best and biggest possible.

Before and throughout the entire fireworks, patriotic music was piped through the loud speakers and word is even the surrounding neighbors could hear it.

Especially good this year was the finale, with multiple blasts and red, white, and blue displays.

I think everyone witnessing the show had a great experience as we paid tribute to our nation, the freedoms we enjoy, and those, past and present, who serve to protect those freedoms.

We are especially grateful to those who have paid the ultimate price, or have wounds to bear throughout their lives.

It reminds us that freedom is not free, and as a people, we should do all in our power to preserve and protect those freedoms of democracy. May God always bless the USA.

The heat has had a tremendous effect on our Farmer's Market that has been held at the parking lot in front of Fajita Rita's each Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.

We are going to move the location to Langston Park, just north of the Library. Vendors are free to set up, without cost, to sell their fruits, vegetables, plants, food stuffs and other new items.

No flea-market merchandise, please. The grassy park offers some shade, without the additional heat caused by the blacktop.

Plus, we feel it is a more visible and central location. Hopefully, we will be able to attract additional vendors with this new location.

We will start using the park tomorrow. Canopies may be set up in the grass, with parking available along the north side of the park. Please be respectful of the surrounding neighbors and homes.

Our Weekly Chamber Luncheons are being held at Simple Simon's Pizza for the month of July. Come join us, each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. We always enjoy good food, good conversation, and good company.

Anyone and everyone is invited to attend, and chamber membership is not required, nor will we pressure you to join or volunteer for our events — but you can if you want.