Fourth of July celebrations plentiful

As America observed its Independence Saturday, Fourth of July celebrations were plentiful in the Tri-county area, from McLoud’s Blackberry Festival to Tecumseh’s Hometown Celebration and a patriotic boat parade on Shawnee Twin Lakes.
Celebrations continued during the day, but it was different story by evening.
Rain and severe thunderstorms approaching the area forced cancellation of Shawnee’s 17th annual Red, White and Blue Celebration at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center.
At About 7:15 p.m., Don Lynch, Shawnee/Pottawatomie County Emergency Management Director, said storms, lightning, wind and heavy rains were expected throughout the evening, so it wouldn’t have been safe to have the crowds outdoors.
Those who had already gathered at the Expo for the evening’s celebration were sent home. Those still at McLoud’s Blackberry Festival by evening also were evacuated because of the storms and plans were made for those at Tecumseh’s celebration as well.
Photo galleries of the Fourth of July events that did take place can be seen online at www.news-star.com.