Choctaw Nation to celebrate America with a BOOM!

I love the fireworks celebrations of the Choctaw Nation! From the “Boom in the Valley” to the various fireworks displays at our casino properties (highlighted below for 2023), it is awe-inspiring to see and hear the demonstration of patriotism in recognition of being a citizen of the U.S. when the 13 colonies declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The first fireworks celebration actually came one year later. In the July 5, 1777, edition of the Pennsylvania Evening Post, an article highlights that “the 4th of July being the anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in the city with demonstrations of joy and festivity… And at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks.”

The newspaper also highlights the important role that the military played in that first Fourth of July celebration in the U.S. That’s appropriate because the sacrifices and service of our military and veterans are the primary reason we have the freedoms that we celebrate each year with this most American of holidays.

I urge all of you to take a moment to reflect on our military heroes’ sacrifices and service when you enjoy the Choctaw Nation’s spectacular fireworks displays this year. I know one of the heroes I’ll reflect on is the late Van T. Barfoot, a Choctaw descendant, whose military exploits in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were so remarkable, that Second Lieutenant Barfoot received the Medal of Honor, three Purple Hearts, Silver Star and Bronze Star for his heroic acts of valor. Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr. and I were honored to attend the renaming of the former Fort Pickett to Fort Barfoot in his honor earlier this year in Virginia. He truly represented the Chahta spirit. You can read more about his service at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s website.

Yakoke for their service, which is truly worth celebrating at fireworks displays that will take place across our reservation and throughout the U.S.

Boom in the Valley

Friday, June 30 at dusk
Tuskahoma Capitol Grounds
Guests will be able to drive in and sit outside their cars to enjoy a spectacular firework show. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., fireworks will start at dusk. There will be food truck vendors and the carnival area and stickball field will be available for people to sit in. Bring your lawn chairs! The fireworks show will be in unison with music on KDOE 102.3. FM.

Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola

Sunday, July 2 at 9:45 p.m.
Parking is first, come first serve
The firework show at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola will begin at 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. There will be limited seating on the top level of the parking garage, and everyone’s encouraged to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

Choctaw Casino – Stringtown

Sunday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m.
Parking is first, come first serve
Fireworks: The Choctaw Casino – Stringtown firework show will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy live entertainment, which starts at 7 p.m.

Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grant

Monday, July 3 at dusk
Parking is first, come first serve
The show will begin at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grant at dusk on Monday, July 3. Parking is first come first serve, so be sure to show up early and get the perfect spot for viewing. Experience the festivities with K95.5, which will be broadcasting live during the show.

Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant Fireworks Show

Tuesday, July 4 at dusk
Choctaw Nation HQ and the Choctaw Event Center
Guests can park at Choctaw Nation HQ and the Choctaw Event Center. The firework show will be synchronized to KLBC on 106.3.

Get out there, have fun with your family and celebrate the birth of the U.S. and be proud that you are a part of the Choctaw Nation.

Yakoke and God Bless the Choctaw Nation and the United States of America!