Parades + Music + Fireworks + Outlaws = 131 Years of Marlow’s 4th of July

I thought it would be fun to take a look back through the history of Marlow’s Independence Day celebrations. The community has been celebrating it since 1892 when it was Marlow Grove I.T. It all began with a barbecue pit and a picnic. Eventually Founder’s Day was added. Then removed.

Over the decades, numerous organizations have held ownership of making sure the residents had a wonderful holiday. The Jaycees. Lions Club. Now the City of Marlow. In the 1940s, there was no mention of a big event or fireworks, but there was a 2-day rodeo. And there’s always been music. Mostly country, these days country rock on

the big stage. During the day performers of all ages keep things lively.

In July 1980, the Jesse and the James Boys band brought the music to the stage for the evening concert. Another fun fact is that year, the 4th fell on a Friday, but the fun didn’t stop after the day was over. Saturday, July 5 was Marlow’s Founder’s Day celebration. The Marlow Chamber of Commerce sponsored full page ads promoting a sidewalk sale, plenty of good old-fashioned western activities like gunfights all day and free stagecoach rides, live entertainment featured a prison band from Granite, a beard contest, square dancing, antique car display and a Saturday night street dance.

Headlines have ranged from “Marlow celebrates its birthday in Pioneer Tradition” to “Big Fireworks Celebration” to “Rodeo Days and Celebration” to possibly the most used phrase – “Thousands attend …”. It’s not known exactly how many thousands, but the numbers have ranged from around 10,000 to more. In 1971, the Marlow Jaycees were sponsors of the “Big Fireworks Celebration.”

It appears that everyone with a business, and there were many, offered a sale to entice visitors to Marlow to shop. Even businesses in Duncan took advantage and advertised in The Review which made it a win-win for everyone.

One year, the Chisholm Trail Municipal Band pro- vided music in the park, and there was mention of a “Johnny Morgan Tradition” – free coffee and ice cream paid by an anonymous donor. Sometimes the fireworks would get rained out, and moved to another night.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, good old-western gunfight battles would break out throughout the day in Redbud Park. The bad guys never

stood a chance against the likes of the Marlow Gunfighters. And in the 1970s, there were plenty of shenanigans.

Even D.B. Green was out “arresting” citizens for not dressing in their best pioneer outfits.

Then there were the years of COVID-19 Pandemic. Guess what? The party still went on as planned! And of course, the age old question is – when is the 4th of July celebration? Well, it’s Tuesday – the 4th!

Yes, in year’s past the celebration has at times been moved to a Friday or Saturday. We’ve been told that it will be on the 4th every year for at least the next four years. So, wear your favorite Red, White & Blue outfits, stay hydrated and start the day on Main Street with the big parade – either in it or as a spectator, then head to Redbud Park for everything from entertainment to games, yoga, visiting with friends, to foot-cruising among the Mayor’s Car Show.

Find someone to snap your family photo, or do it the selfie-way. The evening ends with some rockin’ country music and fireworks.

Happy Independence Day to all the Outlaws. Oh wait, you aren’t from here – well, when you are in Outlaw Country, you might as well be one of the gang. Because in Marlow, everyone’s an Outlaw. See you Tuesday!