Let Freedom Ring!

2nd Annual Celebration of Freedom

Hobart, OK

May 28-31, 2010

The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but the Charlie Daniels Band will be highlighting the second annual Celebration of Freedom in Hobart. Following on the heels of last year’s successful celebration, this May 28-31 will be filled with many of the same activities.

" The celebration is not just a Hobart event but one where all from Oklahoma and North Texas can make it 'the destination' for their Memorial Day holiday," said chairman Ann Scribner. "We plan to continue last year's goals of promoting patriotism and honoring those who make our freedom possible."

The Quilt Show, held in the Western Technology Center is sponsored by the Oklahoma Home and Community Education, Kiowa County and the Knot Sew Perfect Quilt Guild. All area quilters are invited to enter their masterpieces before April 30 by calling the OSU Extension office at 580-726-5643.

The 42nd annual Arts & Crafts Festival will again occupy the Courthouse Square, and offer for sale original art work in all mediums and crafts by artists from throughout Oklahoma and the Southwest. Sponsored by the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Dewaina Edge is coordinating activities. Artists and vendors may contact her through the chamber at 580.726.2553 or e-mail dewainakimbrough@yahoo.com.

Vendors are also being sought for the concert on Sunday evening. Preference will be given to non-profit organizations, but others will be welcome as space permits. For an application contact the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum at 580.726.5900 or email trapperheglin@tommyfranksmuseum.org.

Entries are being sought for the parade which will be held Sunday afternoon. Monetary prizes will be awarded for the best floats in this year's parade. To compete for the monetary awards floats must be pre-registered. For more information contact parade chairman Sylvia Quintero at 580-726-5636 or 580-309-0846; Marilyn Thrift, 580-682-0469 or Connie Preston at 580-752-4005.

Concert tickets will go on sale at the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum on April 1. Advance tickets are $25 each, and will be available through Saturday, May 29. Sunday, the day of the concert, tickets will be $35 each. Children under 14 will be admitted free with a ticketed adult. In the continuing theme of patriotism and service all active duty military and their dependents, veterans, law enforcement and fire personnel will be admitted free with proof of service. To purchase a ticket, call the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum at 580.726.5900 or come by the Museum store at 507 S. Main, after April 1.

The General Tommy Franks Freedom Ride and Poker Run is scheduled to repeat their success of last year when approximately 300 riders participated. The ride will be held Saturday, May 29. Registration and start will be at 8:30 a.m. at ProTeam Harley Davidson in Lawton. Last card and end will be at the Hobart Municipal Airport, south of Hobart at 2:30 p.m. All who register will be entered to win a 2009 Harley Davidson Crossbones. You may pre-register at www.celebrationoffreedom.net

Many other activities are planned for the Memorial Day weekend with more information to be available at later. Some of the events include a Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast at the Hobart Municipal Airport; Kiowa County Historical Museum; Hobart Riding Club Freedom Festival Rodeo and more. Event planners guarantee you will not go home disappointed.
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Linda LaBeth Holly
580.726.2247
580.682.0806, cell