Published: July 02, 2009 10:26 am      

Big plans for the Fourth

It’s almost time for the sixth annual Stars and Stripes Funfest at the Southeast Expo Center at 4500 W. U.S. Highway 270. On Saturday, an indoor celebration is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. and the fireworks spectacular will begin at dusk, outdoors, of course. The expo will also be hosting vocal auditions for the Crazy Days and Starry Nights showcase on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Children attending the Stars and Stripes Funfest can jump to their hearts’ content in the inflatables that will be brought indoors for this spectacular event. There will be other games and events on hand , so the children will have plenty to do. Parents can relax in the air-conditioned building while watching their children have fun.

While enjoying the fun, attendees can listen to vocal stylings of community members as they audition for the Crazy Days and Starry Nights showcase. Executive Director of the McAlester Chamber of Commerce Karen Stephens, is excited about the event. “We are looking forward to the auditions and a chance to highlight the local talent,” she said.

Some of those who audition will have the opportunity to move on to the Crazy Days and Starry Nights showcase on July 31 at Chadick Park. There they could appear on a segment of “Fox 23 On the Road” which will feature McAlester.

Any Independence Day celebration would not be complete the grand finale. There will be a fireworks display at dusk presenting McAlester with a fantastic display of colors, patterns, and the booming salutes of explosions.

“This will be the largest fireworks display we’ve ever had,” Southeast Expo Center manager Jerry Lynn Wilson said. There are 969 electric fired shells to be fired to light up the nightime sky. “It is really going to be a spectacular show. We are really excited about it,” Wilson said. “We have scheduled more than ever.”

“We are excited to work in conjunction with the McAlester Chamber of Commerce and the city of McAlester on this event,” Wilson said.

The Stars and Stripes Funfest is free to the public.

Come out and enjoy fun, music, and fireworks at the Southeast Expo Center on July 4.

For more information about the Stars and Stripes Funfest call Wilson at 420-3976. For more information about the Crazy Days and Starry Nights contact the McAlester Chamber of Commerce at 423-2550.