For southerners, there’s nothing more patriotic than setting stuff on fire. Because of this, the Fourth of July is a major holiday for one reason: fireworks.
In Norman, one fireworks stand towers above the rest: Jake’s Fireworks. Located at 17824 S Sooner Rd. This fireworks stand is a large warehouse with plenty of fireworks to choose from.
There are greeters waiting for people to walk in the door to welcome customers with smiles and shopping carts. With the store’s low prices, people would need shopping carts to haul all the fireworks they’d want to buy.
“We’re the cheapest,” Wanda Moses, the manager of Jake’s, said.
There are a wide variety of fireworks inside the large warehouse building. The walls are lined with Black Cat fireworks, family packs and the company’s bestseller, Excalibur.
Excalibur launches 24 different mortar shells, dis-playing brilliant colors upon explosion.
Excalibur might be Jake’s best selling product, but it is far from their only firecracker. It sells everything other places do, just a whole lot more of it. Because it’s difficult to be original in the fireworks business, their large stock is what makes it stand out.
“Everybody copies everyone,” Moses said.Jake’s comes up with it‘s own fireworks, but other fire-
works places have not been so original.“Jake’s has originals, but others copied us,” Moses
said.
F i r e w o r k s stock tends to re-main the same from fireworks stand to fireworks stand. However, no place offers the same selection that Jake’s of-fers. Many people buy fireworks in bulk. So, with Jake’s prices and it’s large selection of fireworks, it is truly the one stop shop for a great Fourth of July fireworks show.
For those do not wish to set off fire-works at home, Norman will have a fireworks show in Reaves Park on the Fourth of July starting at 9:45 p.m.
There are a wide variety of fireworks inside the large
Spark your pyro L&A:Lower 40 to explode on chartsPg 7 Cover:
Ins and outs of Fourth of July in NormanPg 2&3
Fireworks store offers cornucopia of Fourth of July firecrackers
TONY RAGLE/THE DAILY
The Vasquez family purchases fireworks at Jake’s Fireworks on Sooner Rd for their personal Fourth of July celebration.
2 July 2-July 8, 2014
ONLINECheck out the following content on OUDaily.com
Public relations students present tourism research in Germany: Public relations students travel to Germany to present research � ndings to town leaders of Erfurt.
OU Provost: Interim provost Kyle Harper unpacks the last of his boxes in Evans Hall as he shares his goals and voices his concerns.
Hobby Lobby: OU students take part in an emergency prayer vigil outside an Edmond Hobby Lobby for people denied healthcare due to the Supreme Court’s decision on the Hobby Lobby case Monday evening.
160 Copeland Hall,860 Van Vleet OvalNorman, OK 73019
CORRECTIONSIn a page 2 refer in last week’s paper, the name of the building was misspelled. The Hannibal Buress show took place in Holmberg Hall.
In a page 2 refer on last week’s paper, the headline of a refer mistakenly refered to McGhee artifacts. The refer was actually for e-cigarettes.
In the article “Meet the small group leaders” on pages 4 and 5 of last week’s paper, Christina Devincenzo’s name was misspelled.
Visit OUDaily.com/corrections for an archive of our corrections
NORMAN DAY CELEBRATION
Light up the night on the FourthChoreographed show to display high flying explosions set to musicCODY PHILLIPSNews Editor
The 39th Annual Norman Day Celebration is set to be a blast this Fourth of July with a musically choreographed fireworks show, starting at 9:45 p.m.
Those who stay for the fireworks will experience something a little different than the average city’s Fourth of July explosions. Norman conducts a choreographed fire-works show that entwines music and fireworks into a sensory filled tribute to liberty and freedom. The music and fireworks play off one another, rising and ebbing to con-vey a patriotic tribute.
“It’s the music that dictates what’s going to happen, visually,” said Gary Caimano, director of marketing and choreography for Western Enterprises, the compa-ny that conducts the show. “The music dictates a feeling, it indi-cates the type of shells, the power, lack of power — sometimes you want to be soft, sometimes you want to be powerful.”
Music will include traditional tunes like You’re a Grand Ole’ Flag and will also include American Rock and Roll hits like “Coming to America,” by Neil Diamond and “O, America!,” by Celtic Woman.
Fireworks will include traditional shells that resem-ble flowers like Chrysanthemums, Peonies and Dahlias. However, the show will also include the special effects that people have come to expect. These include extremely
loud explosions, whistles and lots of dashing firesparks through the sky, resembling serpents and fish.
Along with the uniqueness of the musically choreo-graphed show, the size and space of Reaves Park allows for some of the biggest and loudest fireworks available.
Huge firework displays as an art form is disappearing in many cities because of size constraints among sites, only al-lowing them to fire five-inch shells that rise up to 500 feet.
The Norman fireworks show fires eight-inch shells, launching the shells almost twice as high to 800 or 900 feet.
“That adds another element to a show that is pretty cool, and that’s what makes it so spectacular that you have that power,” said Caimano.
The finale includes the firing of 500 shells within a small time frame.
“It will be very, very powerful show,” said Bill Ulch the Norman superintendent of parks.
The event will be held at Reaves Park, located at 2501 Jenkins Avenue. Festivities will precede the fireworks with food booths, bumper cars and live music. Oklahoma fa-vorite, Banana Seat, will begin play-ing at 6 p.m., followed by The John Arnold Band at 7:30 p.m. The party begins at 4 p.m.
The City of Norman spent $20,000 this year on fireworks, according to Jud Foster, director of parks and recreation.
“I think we really hit home that this is America’s birthday,” said Caimano. “It’s the one day that we get to celebrate our freedom, so let’s do it with fireworks and music.”
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CHOREOGRAPHY FOR WESTERN ENTERPRISES
‘‘
Crossette:Crossette fireworks shoot off 4 stars from the original launched shell
Kamuro:Heavy burst of sparkles in gold or silver coloration with glittering tails
Eyes on the sky See if you can identify these common firework types during your fourth of July festivities.
Oklahoma Football and of� cial OU Athletics apparel sponsor, Nike, unveiled additions to the Oklahoma uni-form repertoire in front of unsuspecting players, staff and media Tuesday in a surprise ceremony.
Although it is still unclear exactly when games the Sooners will be sporting these uniforms in the 2014 season, the two additional uniforms will occasionally supplement OU’s regular home and away apparel.
The new jersey-pant-helmet combinations are inspired by the rich heritage of the state of Oklahoma and the Sooners’ renowned football history.
The alternate designs pay tribute to the national championship era of Bud Wilkinson. Under Wilkinson, OU garnered 47 consecutive wins, the longest win-ning streak in college football history, as well as three national championships.
Representatives from Nike Football, the OU Athletics Department and even OU players were involved in the design process.
“The new uniforms won’t be used all the time but will be a nice changeup and will be positive for recruiting players and with our fans,”Bob Stoops said.
Stefanie Tapke, News Reporter
3 July 2-July 8, 2014
Celebrate the Fourth of July at a variety of locations around NormanMIKAELA MCGHEE Sports and Life & Arts Reporter
From casinos to parking lots, there are some great places to see fireworks in Norman this Fourth of July.
While there are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July is with fireworks. These explosive pyrotechnic devices are a delightful sight to see and fun for the whole family.
Picking the wrong spot to watch fireworks can lead to a miserable night. This is why Norman offers multiple places to watch fireworks on July 4.
The most widely known and talked about option in Norman is the celebration located at Reaves Park near South Jenkins Avenue. Reaves Park is more than just a fireworks show. The celebration offers the community numerous ac-tivities, such as moon bounces, food booths, pony rides, a money count jar, live music and much more. The band Banana Seat plays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the John Arnold Band plays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m., and the fireworks start at
9:45 p.m. The Reaves Park fireworks show can be seen from nearly anywhere on the east side of Norman with a clear view of the sky.
If a huge, extravagant bash is not what you’re looking to do for your Fourth of July then try watching the fireworks from parking lot of the Lloyd Noble Center, located at 2900 S Jenkins Ave. This location offers families a chill place to park their cars and just sit back, relax and watch the show.
Another option for people who want to stay out of the heat this Fourth of July is Riverwind Casino. This venue offers an indoor show featuring Kristen Stehr and Reckless Kelly with a free fireworks show afterward, beginning at 9 p.m. in the parking lot.
Wherever you decide to spend the Fourth of July, The Oklahoma Daily wishes the Norman community a happy and safe holiday.
University demolishes vacant Baptist Student Union as part of expansion
Notice a missing building near campus corner? The University of Oklahoma has just demolished the build-ing that was previously the location of the OU Baptist Student Union.
OU has not released its plans on what to do with its-newly-acquired property, but the land was highly sought after by the university. The OU Board of Regents unan-imously approved the motion to purchase the property in March 2014.
The OU BSU, now called the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, is an on-campus religious group that has been meeting weekly since 1926. Worship services are called Paradigm and met weekly at 345 W. Boyd, until its numbers required it to � nd a larger location.
Answering its need, Bethel Baptist Church of Norman allowed the BCM to move locations and hold weekly meetings at one of the church’s additional buildings at 320 W. Lindsey.
The Daily will follow up on new developments about what OU plans to do with the property.
Aaron Howell, Assistant News Editor
ATHLETICS
Two alternate uniform designs added to the Sooner football lineup
FESTIVITIES
NICK NAIFEH/THE DAILY
A patriotic duck sits in front of the play ground at Reeves Park. The park will host Norman’s fireworks show on July 4.
Watch the fireworks your way
Peony:Most common; shell shaped with numerous stars without tails
Spider:Series of lines projecting from the center, mimicking the look of spiders
LETTER TO OU STUDENTSDear Students, I am writing to update you on next year’s budget and on the record of this past year. OU continues to reach the highest level of excellence in its history. Last year, we were the only university in America, public or private, whose students earned Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Goldwater, Truman, Fulbright and National Security Education Program scholarships. This year three of our students won Goldwater scholarships in math and sciences, four won Fulbright scholarships, one won a Truman scholarship and three won National Security Education Program scholarships. Our entrepreneurship program at the Price College of Business was ranked in the top 2 in the nation. Petroleum Engineering retained its place in the top 5 in the nation. Our Drama School team again swept the Kennedy Center National Championship awards and Jake Lozano won the top actor award. Our Debate team, which has won the national championship 4 of the last 8 years, had OU debater Rashid Campbell named best speaker in the nation. Gabe Ikard, a 4.0 grade point average football player, won the National Scholar Athlete award known as the academic Heisman. The OU football team beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The women’s softball team won the National Championship last
women’s gymnastics team won the national championship while the men’s gymnastics team was a close second nationally. Eighty student athletes had a 4.0 grade point average and all student athletes had a combined average over a 3.0 grade point average, the highest in OU history. Our student body was the highest ranked in Oklahoma history at
universities in National Merit Scholars enrolled and indications are that we will break all previous national merit records at OU this fall. Our research park was named number one in the nation by the National Association of Research Parks, joining such research campuses as Research Triangle in North Carolina. In addition, our Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History was one of only
gold medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services presented at the White House. Our alumni and friends have helped raise over $285 million
scholarships. In many ways it was the best of years. However, I am sorry to report to you that although through great effort, we avoided a proposed additional $50 million cut, higher education received this year $100 million less than in 2008. No appropriation was
maintenance, faculty promotions, and other items which totaled about $8 million. In addition, unlike some other state agencies, we received no funds to cover salary increases for our hardworking faculty and staff. They have not received across-the-board raises in four years. We have made additional costs savings internally to support a modest 2% raise to help us compete nationally. However, to fund
fees for the coming academic year by 4.8%. If we do not do so,
students. Still we will remain among the lowest cost institutions in the Big 12. Recently the Washington Post ranked us the least expensive among 50 top public universities. As you can see from the attached chart, the state is funding a smaller and smaller part of our costs each year. While we are
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo
(projected)
increasing research, scholarship and private donations, history tells us that over the past 30 years more and more costs are passed on to students and their families. Our medical school receives only 6% from the state. All across America states are turning more affordable public universities into institutions resembling more expensive private ones. For the sake of our country’s future and the principle of equal opportunity, we must as citizens stop this trend. It is vitally important to reverse this trend. Information on Sooner Heritage and other scholarships is available at ou.edu/scholarships. I hope you will submit an application. To apply, you should login to the oZONE portal (ozone.ou.edu), select the “Money” tab, and complete the OU Financial Aid Scholarship Application. I have extended the deadline for the Sooner Heritage Scholarship to July 15 to make certain all
Thank you for your understanding of our
you for all that you do to make us an even stronger university. Thank you for sharing our determination that our students deserve the best possible education opportunities. Sincerely,
David L. Boren President
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HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last
Copyright 2014, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
WEDNESDAY, July 2, 2014
This will be a year of discovery. By embracing new concepts and ideas, you will grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Your thirst for knowl-edge will lead to many stimulating breakthroughs. Live in the moment and explore these new opportunities.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Speak the truth, but be careful about who is listening. Letting your feelings become known to the wrong individual could work against you. Protect your reputation.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Change can be daunting, but also necessary if you want to get ahead. By starting now, you will reap the rewards sooner rather than later. Donʼt fear failure when itʼs stagnation you should be running from.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- A past partner will fi nd his or her way back into your life. Now is the time to follow that dream you shared long ago. Itʼs never too late to start over.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Someone you care about is likely to be on edge. Be patient and understanding. He or she may not be interested in your advice but will appreciate your support.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Donʼt be caught off-guard. You may have to decipher whatʼs fact and whatʼs fi ction before you can make an informed choice. Be persistent, but not pushy
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) --You are to be congratulated for your sincerity and generosity. Someone you help today will turn out to be a very meaningful associate as time goes by.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) --Business and personal relationships will be on shaky ground. Keep your distance from partners or co-workers if you want to meet your deadlines and avoid being drawn into gossip.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) --Your appeal has never been stronger. You will silence your critics and dazzle your colleagues if you promote your ideas today. You can make a difference, so speak up.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Pay close attention to money matters. You will uncover some valuable information by keeping a close watch on economic and fi nancial trends. An innovative idea will turn into a moneymaker.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Keep your feelings hidden. Romantic woes will occur if you confess your attraction for someone elseʼs partner. Make the effort to meet new people through a shared hobby or interest.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) - You are highly regarded in the workplace, but donʼt become complacent. Keep on top of the latest developments regarding anything that can infl uence your business or your position.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Something that had you confused in the past will become clear. You could meet your career goals if you make time to do things you enjoy with people who inspire you.
Instructions:Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
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More Online: My Country Music VideoScan this QR code with your phone to go straight to the story and “My Country” Music video at OUDaily.com
A chat with red-dirt rockers, Lower 40
TAMMY BOYDLife and Arts reporter
Move over Toby Keith, Blake Shelton and Vince Gill. Here comes Lower 40.
Lower 40 was voted by the County Music Association as one of their “Who New to Watch” in 2012. The members of the Lower 40 are all from Oklahoma, and most of them hail from the OKC metro area. Lead singer Kyle Earhart is from Moore, guitarist Zack Felts is from Yukon, drummer Sherman Haynes is from Guthrie and bassist Michael “Lloyd” Hines is from Mustang.
Guitarist Nick Work is originally from Woodward but moved to Norman to attend OU in 2004. After finishing his degree at OU, Nick enrolled in the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, which is where four of the five members of Lower 40 met.
“Before Lower 40, each of us was in a band together at some point in time,” Earhart said. “Sherman and I started in a jazz band, then we were approached by a guy to do a cover band.”
And Lower 40 evolved from there, with Earhart bringing in his childhood Rodeo Opry friend, Hines, to round out the lineup.
The opening bars of the single “My
Country” have a decidedly Lynyrd Skynyrd sound that is seamlessly flows into a sound that is all Lower 40’s own. Their harmonies, in particular, define their sound.
Lower 40’s website describes their music as “new age country with a lit-tle bit of southern rock.” A wide variety of musical styles and artists influence their music, and that diversity is what sets Lower 40 apart.
“Our sound is an amalgamation of a whole bunch of different influences,” Work said.
“Everybody in the band has slight-ly different tastes and influences, and that’s what makes our sound,” Earhart added.
Lower 40 gets nearly as many ques-tions about their name as they do their sound. Most folks think Lower 40 is a derivative of the lower 48 contiguous states.
The band has been asked “Which eight states have banned you?” more than once. Their response is usual-ly “We’re allowed there, we just don’t want to go,” according to Work.
Lower 40 actually refers to the “lower 40 acres” on a piece of property out in the country, the place where the party happens.
“The Lower 40 is the flood plain, where you pull your truck up, unload the cooler and start a party,” Earhart said. “It’s away from the street so the
cops don’t see you.”Some of us grew up calling that place
the south 40.The Lower 40 is playing a lot of
places other than the south 40 these days. Their next show is at Firelake Grand Casino in Shawnee for “The Re d, White & Blue Celebration” on July 4. The music starts at 7 p.m., Lower 40 plays at 9 p.m. and the fire-works spectacular is at 10 p.m. The event is free, and the party lasts until midnight.
When you go, make sure you pick up a copy of the Lower 40 demo album, on sale at shows o n l y . T h e i r d e b u t album will be coming shortly.
“We’ve been offered some great opportunities (for our album) in Nashville,” Earhart said. “We are being patient. We want to release our debut at the right time.”
For more information on Lower 40, make sure to check out their website at lower40music.com.
and traditional drumming in Carnegie City Park, Carnegie, Oklahoma. Come and celebrate the Kiowa traditions and their heritage that goes from the 2nd to the 4th of July.
Lower 40 Come down to the
Firelak Grand Casino Hotel & Resort to listen to Lower 40 and more in Shawnee.
Norman’s 4th of July Listen to some music
while enjoying a varied assortment of activities for everyone to enjoy, starting at 4 p.m. The firework show starts at 9:45 p.m. in Reaves Park, Norman.
Splash Bash Go swimming, see some fireworks and enjoy a Fourth of
July hot dog. Event begins 7 p.m. at the Murray Case Sells Swim Complex. Cost ranges free from three and under, to $7.50 per person, or $5 if you bring two cans or non-perish-able items that expire 2015 or later. Donations will be given to Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Sonic Summer MoviesField of Dreams is playing for free at the Great Lawn
Myriad Gardens in OKC at 9 p.m. This movie hits up on the American Pastime of baseball and one man’s dreams.
Big Truck Tacos Come and enjoy your
favorite food truck and tacos, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Switzer Liquors on Lindsey and Lahoma
Blackberry FestivalStarting in the 40’s this festival celebrated the sucess of the
local cashcrop of blackberries. It created a large and succesful event that now has a baking contest, a parade, fireworks and more. Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, at Veteran’s Park in McLoud, Oklahoma.
Sam Noble’s Feeding Frenzy
Reptiles, fish, and other animals will be at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History from 11:30 a.m.- noon where you can watch them feed the animals.
Thunderbird Casino Anniversary PowowThunderbird Casino in Norman is celebrating their 27th
anniversary with traditional dancing and dress, food, ven-dors and crafts. Free Admission.
Discovery Days at Sam Noble See the museum while hearing stories, getting to touch
some of the attractions and creating crafts. Starts 2:30 p.m. at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
Sam Noble Free Admission to the Sam
Noble Museum of Natural History is free every first Monday of the month. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Conservatory Jam OutCome listen to Touche
Amore, Tigers Jaw and Dads down at the Conservatory in OKC for $15. Starts at 8 p.m.
Art AdventuresKids ages 3-5 are encouraged to come and experience
art through activities and books. From 10:30- 11:30 a.m. at the Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Fine Arts.
Norman Farm Market Fresh fruit, vegetables and
more available at the 35th season of the Norman Farm Market. Saturdays at 8 a.m.- noon, Tuesdays 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Held at Cleveland County Fairgrounds.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid The Oklahoma Premiere of Boadway’s version of The
Little Mermaid is onstage starting July 8-12 at the Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City. Tickets are $35-$68.
Antony & CleopatraOklahoma Shakespeare
in the Park presents Antony & Cleopatra from July 3-18. General Admission is $15. With students, seniors, mil-itary or a group of ten or more is $10 each at Myriad Botanical Gardens in OKC.
