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President, Campus Events, Community

UCO Welcomes LibertyFest Fireworks Back to Campus

May 12, 2026

UCO President Todd G. Lamb and First Lady Monica Lamb join with LibertyFest and City of Edmond leadership for a group photo.

The LibertyFest fireworks show will return to the University of Central Oklahoma campus for the 2026 celebration. ​

UCO President Todd G. Lamb and representatives from LibertyFest, the Edmond Police Department, the Edmond Fire Department and the City of Edmond gathered for a ceremonial signing to commemorate the renewed partnership, officially bringing the beloved community tradition back to Central for the first time in nearly a decade. The event's return reflects UCO’s continued commitment to serving the Edmond community.

“We are excited to welcome the LibertyFest fireworks back to the University of Central Oklahoma campus,” President Lamb said.

“The return of the fireworks show is all the more special as the university, City of Edmond and LibertyFest come together to celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation. We look forward to providing a vibrant, safe and memorable celebration for the entire community.”

Known as one of the major fireworks displays in the Oklahoma City metro area, the LibertyFest fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4, on Central’s campus. Community members are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

"LibertyFest is thrilled to return our fireworks display to the University of Central Oklahoma as we honor a momentous convergence of history: the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the Centennial of Route 66," said Eriech Tapia, president and communications director of LibertyFest.

"Join us as we light the night sky to celebrate our freedom and great nation."

Now in its 54th year, LibertyFest offers a week of family-friendly events. As part of the festivities, the UCO School of Music’s Summer Band will also present the annual Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, on the lawn between Mitchell Hall Theatre and the Lillard Administration Building. The free, hour-long performance will feature patriotic favorites.

For more information on LibertyFest, visit LibertyFest.

For more information on UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma marked the return of the LibertyFest fireworks show to campus with a ceremonial signing. Pictured, left to right, front row, Kimberly Bridges-Webb, LibertyFest secretary; Amy Stephens, executive director of the Edmond History Museum; Eriech Tapia, LibertyFest president and communications director; UCO President Todd G. Lamb; Bree Edmonds, LibertyFest social media director; and, UCO First Lady Monica Lamb. Back row, Casey Moore, director of management services for the City of Edmond; Maj. Acey Hopper, commander patrol division for the Edmond Police Department; Steven Christy, LibertyFest operations officer; Ryan Chapman, LibertyFest fireworks chair; Kevin Freeman, vice president for finance and operations at UCO; Edmond Fire Chief Terry Essary; Capt. Joe Harmon, UCO police department; and, Josh Hillis, Edmond Fire Department deputy chief-administration.

Devan Wielgos

Devan Wielgos

Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications

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About University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, we provide high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of our students and the community. This commitment is rooted in our founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators. We remain dedicated to offering an accessible, affordable education, earning national accolades for social mobility, veterans’ outreach and first-generation student programs.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – the university continues to evolve and grow, offering 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from our main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our colors were the first adopted of any university in the state, and our Bronze and Blue symbolize our greatest strengths—the illumination of new ideas and the endless expanse of a clear sky above. At UCO, anything is possible.

The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Contact

100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034

405-974-2307

ucomm@uco.edu

www.uco.edu