By Jenny Huggins
News Reporter

 

Over 3,500 people attended the biggest fireworks display in Poteau history Saturday evening in celebration of Independence Day as the Poteau Chamber of Commerce sponsored one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in LeFlore County with five water slides and 16 carnival games, including bingo, golf, basketball, musical chairs and face painting. There were funnel cakes and cotton candy and the chamber gave out red white and blue mardi gras beads and two bikes.

Still Kickin', an eclectic band that covered musical tastes from country to classic rock, played from 6-8 p.m. with people lined up down Main Street to enjoy in the festivities. Karen Wages, director of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce, said that there were a few delays due to the weather but the fireworks were only about 30 minutes late.

 

“Right before the grand finale lightning shot across the sky making it look like the fireworks exploded straight from the lightning,” said Wages.  Temperatures were moderate and the weather was better this year than in previous years due to the rain at 2 p.m. The afternoon shower cooled things down, making for more pleasant firework viewing conditions despite the rain that returned during the show.

 

“Thanks to the big sponsorships and volunteer turnout this year everything went smooth,” said Wages. There was also a large turn out of faces that even Wages didn't recognize. People from all over came to celebrate Independence Day with Poteau. The next big event being held downtown is the Outdoor Sportsman festival being sponsored by Mainstreet Matters on Sept. 5-6..