Tulsa’s patriotic community event and fireworks display will return on July 4th as River Parks Authority hosts Folds of Honor FreedomFest.

The 45th annual patriotic holiday festival will be on July 4 with entertainment and activities centered at Veterans Park, 18th Street and Boulder Avenue; and River West Festival Park, 2100 South Jackson Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public.

Due to the Chinese coronavirus, Tulsa’s River Parks Authority is suggesting “social distancing” and people can wear masks if they choose. Hand washing and sanitation stations will be located throughout the entertainment areas.

Launched from the 21st Street Bridge, the fireworks display will be viewable for the tens of thousands who flock to both sides of the Arkansas River during the fun-filled family evening.

As in previous years, Folds of Honor FreedomFest will feature the largest and greatest amount of firework shells to create the largest aerial display in northeast Oklahoma. Hance Pyrotechnics will create the precision display.

Community members are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread across River West Festival Park and Veterans Park, which will offer the best views of the fireworks display and provide easy access to entertainment.

“We are thrilled to return Folds of Honor FreedomFest to the greater Tulsa community and bring back one of the most desired and patriotic events of the year,” said Tonja Carrigg, director of community relations for River Parks Authority.

At both locations on each side of the river, festivities begin at 6 p.m. Live music will be showcased from local bands including the Steve Liddell Band, The Fabulous Mid-Life Crisis Band, Nightly Dues, and Empire Rock Band, continuing until 9:15 p.m.

Both locations will offer inflatables, balloon artists, caricaturists, stilt walkers and other entertainment at the HollyFrontier Kids Zones.

Guests can enjoy a variety of local food from numerous food trucks including Kettle Masters, Debs Pineapple Whip, Pita Place, Hot Mess BBQ, El Rey Del Sabo Mexican Food, SKT Corn Dogs, Calaveras Mexican Grill, Backyard BBQ and Burgers, Old Fashion Soda and Dog House, to name a few.

Several patriotic presentations will occur throughout the evening, led by Folds of Honor,  an Owasso-based nonprofit organization that honors the sacrifice of American heroes by giving hope to the bearers of their legacy through educational scholarships.

Around 8 p.m., the Air Force Skydiving Team will complete a jump from the sky, landing at River West Festival Park.

The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

This year, River Parks Authority will host a Tail Gate Bash for those who wish to bring their own patriotic party to the festival. For $45, the Tail Gate Bash pass offers a special access to one of 60 exclusive parking spots inside River West Festival Park. Tailgaters are welcome to bring propane grills, food and beverages of their choice, a pop-up tent for shade and chairs and tables.

Parking for viewing at River West Festival Park will be different than previous years. River Parks Authority strongly encourages patrons to plan ahead, carpool, ride share or bike to the event as spaces are extremely limited this year.

On the River West Festival Park side, parking is available in River Parks’ managed lots for $5-10, cash only. The $10 parking is near 2100 S. Jackson Avenue, adjacent to the festival grounds. The $5 parking is near the West Tulsa City Yard at 42 W. 23rd Street, which is a 7-minute walk to the festival grounds. Due to construction, there will be no access to green space south of the 21st Street bridge along the Arkansas River.

Those who park at the West Tulsa City Yard lots will not be allowed to stay near their vehicles during the festival.

Handicap parking is available on a first-come-first-serve basis in the $10 lot near 210 S. Jackson Avenue at the River West Festival Park.

For more details, visit www.freedomfesttulsa.com.

The evening will highlight the ongoing mission of Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. servicemen and women.

“It is an honor to have the Folds of Honor name tied to such a historically popular and terrific event as FreedomFest,” said Folds of Honor National Development Vice President Ben Leslie. “We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate our nations freedom and honor the sacrifices of our military men and women along with their families, reminding us that freedom isn’t free.”

For more information, visit www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.

River Parks has more than 26 miles of asphalt-surfaced recreation trails weave past picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and sculptures.

The park’s landscape ranges from manicured lawns to the rugged terrain of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.

Recreation in River Parks includes fishing, running, rowing, rollerblading, kayaking, disc golf, hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

For information, visit www.riverparks.org.