What a day for Allen to celebrate its Independence! The weather was perfect, upper 80s to low 90s, the parade was well attended with lots of entries, the hot dogs were hot and the drinks were cold, the kid games were fun and the music was great (thanks, Connor)!

The big event in the little town was held Saturday, July 8th, in consideration of neighboring towns holding their celebrations. Francis observed Independence Day on Saturday, July 1st, and Calvin’s full day of activities is always held on the traditional 4th of July, so Allen took July 8th. But no matter the date on the calendar, the reason for the celebration is always the same. To recognize the freedoms we enjoy.

The parade started at 4:00 p.m. and was led by the local and county police and fire departments with sirens announcing their coming. This was followed by the 2023 Parade Marshall, Mrs. Glendene (Prentice) Griffin.

A true Allenite, Glendene was raised in the community and graduated from AHS in player and was named to the All-Star team.

In 1953 she married Bill Griffin and they moved several times while he worked in the oil field before returning home to Allen. The Griffins had 62 years together before Bill passed away in 2015.

Next came the classic cars and tractors, then the motorcycles and ATVs. After making the trip down Main Street they circled back and many were on display in the park area.

The 4th Celebration Committee served hot dog, chips and cold drinks to a large crowd at 6:00 p.m. and this was followed by Connor Wilson, a 2020 graduate of Allen High, entertaining those gathered with his musical talent.

Connor was given a break while the judging of Mr. & Ms. Independence and Little Mr. & Miss Independence was held, quickly followed by the turtle races and contests. Connor came back for another hour of music and the crowd dispersed to the softball complex south of town for the fireworks display.

A big thanks goes to all those who worked so hard to make the day a success, and a big congratulations to the winning entries in the parade and the winners of the games.

In the Kids’ Parade Entry division first place went to Landry Lewis, second to Baylor Sorrels and third to Layne Smith. Winners in the Cars/ Trucks/ Motorcycle division, in order, were Avery Cudd, Bobby Briggs and Phil Burk. The Side-By-Side and 4-Wheeler entries were great with everyone show off their patriotic pride but the winners, in order, were George and Karla Cramer, Julie Mills and Jeff Gardner.

Selected as Mr. Independence was Kingston Prentice and Ms. Independence went to Lacey Tinsley. The Little Mr. and Miss honors went to Baylor Sorrels and Joan Bohan.

Winning the Hula Hoop contest 1st place was Ryn Parker, followed by 2nd Johannah Bakken and Tayden Frederick in 3rd place. The Sack Race prizes went to Ayla Manuel, Warren Manuel and Ryn Parker, and the 3-Legged Race was won by the team of Tayden Frederick and Daxton Jasna, 2nd place went to Sophia Shires and Ayla Manuel, and coming in 3rd were Kingston Prentice and Breken Woodward. The Egg Race was won by Taycee Manuel, 2nd to Kingston Prentice, and 3rd, Johannah Baken.

The fastest turtle was brought by Onsi Wisdom, followed by the turtles of Lilly Frazier and Beckett Burris.

This year’s event, the fifth annual, was larger than the previous events and plans are to expand next year’s celebration. We can’t wait!

Special thank you to the Chickasaw Nation who provided the water-slide for the evening, the Choctaw Nation made a cash donation thanks to Councilman James Frazier, Jordyn and Dayne Parker, Greg and Julie Mills purchased the delicious hot dogs for the event, Caleb and Brooke Baber made sure everyone had plenty to drink by donating the drinks. Alan and Dottie King provided the gifts for the raffles. The Allen Volunteer firemen not only donated for the purchase of the fireworks they also worked hard making sure everything ran smoothly. Speaking of running smoothly, Lorissa King and Beyla Skelton had the games running like clockwork. Leon Moore as always works with the fireworks to make sure we have an action packed show. Also we can always count on Farmers State Bank to make sure we have everything we need by making a nice donation for the day.