Freedom event held despite rain

By ADAM CATLIN
NHJ Editor

The Firetrucks, Flapjacks and Freedom event held Friday evening and Saturday got off to a soggy start due to storms that continued into that weekend.
The wet conditions led to a first responders’ baseball battle being cancelled on Friday.
But Star Spangled bliss formed along the Kay County Courthouse lawn Saturday morning as various booths were set up, including for the Ponca City VFW Auxiliary, Newkirk Band Fundraiser and Newkirk Lions Club.
Newkirk Chamber of Commerce Director Haley Garcia also had a booth selling her homemade salsa and body scrub.
The Star Spangled Banner was performed by Newkirk High School student MimRosz Hall earlier Saturday.
After a rain delay, the winners from the bike decorating contest were announced: Tinley Belair, Treston Feathers, Grayson Watkins, Hadley Young, Sawyer Osburn and Tatum Houchin.
Special recognition was also given to veteran Dave Turner, who took part in the parade.
The chamber also announced that Debbie Leaming was the winner of the $25 gift card for her Patriotic Picture entry.
Newkirk Band Director Johnny Shwayat was pleased with the turnout at their booth.
“The event got cut short Friday but even so we made a good bit of money and it seemed like the families really enjoyed it,” he said.