Once in a Lifetime

There are moments that come around once in a generation—and then there are moments that come around once in a lifetime. America’s 250th birthday is the latter.

The last time the nation marked a milestone of this magnitude, it was 1976. The next won’t come until 2076. None of us will be here for that one. But we’re here now—and Ponca City intends to make the most of it.
A Look Back to 1976

Marland Mansion Opens to the Public
After the city acquired it with help from Conoco (who donated half the purchase price), the Mansion was formally dedicated on Jan. 16 with over 1,000 visitors, and officially opened to the public on April 4. In the first two weeks alone, 5,102 people came through. Oklahoma Governor David Boren presented Mayor Ken Holmes an award from the Oklahoma Heritage Association for the city’s historic preservation efforts.

Kaw Dam Dedication
The Kaw Dam Dedication was held on May 22, culminating 19 years of planning and work, with more than 3,000 cars visiting the dam and Kaw Lake Overlook that weekend. Then, perfectly timed, on July 4—just in time for the Bicentennial—waters of the swollen Arkansas River began pouring through the Tainter gates of the Kaw Dam for the first time. The road across the dam officially opened in mid-October.

First Woman City Commissioner
Bonnie Phillips, former executive director of United Way, was elected city commissioner—the first woman to serve in that role in Ponca City.

Ponca Playhouse Performed 1776
Ponca Playhouse helped the city celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with its production of the musical comedy 1776.

Elsie Cann Brown’s Landmark Bequest
Elsie Cann Brown bequeathed 10 acres of property at Grand and 14th Street to the City, to be known as the Lester and Mary Cann Memorial Gardens, along with a trust fund providing $25,000 annually for its continuous improvement. That’s the Cann Gardens we know today.

Time Capsule Placed at the Mansion—A capsule was placed in the wine cellar at the Mansion, to be opened in 50 years.

2026–A Great American City Celebration

From June 11 through July 4, 2026, this city is lighting up with events, gatherings, merchandise and memories under the banner of America 250: Ponca City—A Great American City. It’s not one single event. It’s a full season of celebration, built around the organizations, businesses and neighbors who make this community what it is.

How It Came Together

The idea was simple: Give Ponca City’s organizations a framework and an invitation—then get out of the way and let the community do what it does best.

That philosophy drove the formation of a city-led planning committee that first convened in February 2026. Three subcommittees took shape—Merchandise, Events and Promotion—drawing volunteers from across the community, including members of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, Ponca City Main Street and civic organizations citywide.

The tone they set from day one: patriotic, inclusive and community-focused. This celebration isn’t political. It’s about pride—in our history, our people and this particular stretch of Oklahoma that has seen more than its share of the American story.

 
Merchandise Committee

Shelley Arrott

Michaela Crompton

Maci Graves

Todd Roper

Events Committee

Zach Trantham

Gary Miles

Donna Culver

Sue Lunsford

Lowry Blakeburn

Promotion Committee

Calley Lamar

Donna Rubio

Mayor Kelsey Wagner

A Season of Events

The celebration kicks off June 11 with the 101 Wild West Rodeo—one of Ponca City’s most iconic traditions—before rolling through nearly four weeks of community programming.

Here’s a look at what’s on the calendar:

101 Wild West Rodeo Kick Off
Hosted by the 101 Wild West Rodeo Committee Thursday, June 11 | 6-9 p.m.

Ponca City Rodeo Grounds, 23 Darr Park Drive
Paid admission

Named after the historic 101 Ranch, this PRCA-sanctioned rodeo is one of Oklahoma’s most cherished Western traditions, and the kick-off event sets the tone for three nights of competitive rodeo action and live entertainment. The 101 Wild West Rodeo runs June 11-13, with preshow starting at 7:45 p.m. and the rodeo at 8 p.m. nightly, followed by a concert at 10 p.m.
Lighted American Flag Display

Hosted by Festival of Angels

Friday, June 12 | 8 a.m.

Pioneer Woman Museum, 701 Monument Road
Free and open to the public

The Festival of Angels—known for their iconic patriotic and holiday light installations across Ponca City—presents a special lighted American flag display at the Pioneer Woman Museum in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
101 Wild West Rodeo Parade

Hosted by 101 Wild West Rodeo

Saturday, June 13 | 10 a.m.

Downtown Grand Ave (Ash to 6th Street)

Free and open to the public

The spirit of the Old West comes alive on Grand Avenue with floats, marching bands, horseback riders and Western flair the whole family will enjoy. Now in its 66th year, this beloved parade is a true celebration of the Wild West heritage that defines Ponca City. Bring your lawn chairs and cowboy hats and line the streets early!
PCA BBQ Cook-Off

Hosted by PCA Church

Satuday, June 13 | 10:30 a.m.

2313 E Prospect

Free and open to the public

Kick off Flag Day weekend with the aroma of great barbecue as PCA Church hosts their annual cook-off, a community-friendly event celebrating good food, good neighbors and American tradition.
#ChamberChallenge – Festival of Freedom

Hosted by the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Sunday, June 14 | Flag Day | City Hall | 1-1:30 p.m.

City Hall

Free and open to the public

Ponca City is taking the #ChamberChallenge! Chambers and communities across Oklahoma are competing to show the most patriotic spirit on Flag Day—and we’re showing up. Wear red, white and/or blue, gather at City Hall for a community photo and help prove that Ponca City is the most patriotic chamber in Oklahoma. Photos and videos will be shared using #ChamberChallenge. The more the merrier—bring your family, your neighbors and your American pride!
American 250 Flag Day Celebration

Hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Red, White & Blue Photo at 1:00pm

Sunday, June 14 | 1:30 p.m.

Join the Ponca City DAR Chapter as they kick off America’s 250th anniversary celebration with a Flag Day program featuring prayer, a flag ceremony, the National Anthem performed by high school senior Madelyn Love, an oral reading of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” by DAR member and Henry descendant Joy Alice Morrow and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by students Axel Wilcox and Ike Harmon.
Ladies Golf Tournament – Tee Par Tee

Hosted by the Women’s Golf Association

Monday, June 15 | 9 a.m.

Ponca City Country Club

Paid $400/team

Grab your foursome and celebrate America’s 250th in style on the green. The Women’s Golf Association hosts this festive patriotic tournament at the Ponca City Country Club—a fun morning of competition and community.
Rockets Red Glare & Girl Scouts Flair!

Hosted by Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma

Tuesday, June 23 | 10 a.m.

811 E Grand Ave

Free and open to the public

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma bring patriotic spirit and Scout pride together for this fun, family-friendly celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday—activities, crafts and community await!
7th Annual Schatte Memorial Cookoff

Hosted by First Lutheran Church

Saturday, June 27 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

1101 N 4th St

Free and open to the public

First Lutheran Church hosts their 7th annual cookoff in memory of a beloved community member, serving up great food and great fellowship. A wonderful midday event for the whole family during the America 250 celebration season.
Third of July Celebration

Hosted by Osage Fireworks

Friday, July 3 | 6-11 p.m.

US HWY 60

Free and open to the public

Get a head start on the Fourth of July with an evening of fireworks and festivities along US HWY 60. A great option for families looking to celebrate with a little extra wiggle room before the big day.
1776: Staged Reading

Hosted by Ponca Playhouse

Friday, July 3 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Poncan Theatre

Paid – ticket price varies

The Tony Award-winning musical 1776 follows John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and their fellow delegates as they navigate fiery debates, political tensions and personal conflicts in their struggle to unite 13 colonies. Ponca Playhouse brings this landmark American story to life in a staged reading at the historic Poncan Theatre—a perfect way to spend the eve of Independence Day.
Grand Finale

4th of July Lake Ponca Celebration & Fireworks

Sponsored by the City of Ponca City

Saturday, July 4 | 5-10 p.m.

Lake Ponca

Free and open to the public

Cap off Ponca City’s America 250 celebration in spectacular fashion with an evening of food, fun and a breathtaking fireworks show over Lake Ponca. This is the grand finale of a summer-long celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday—don’t miss it!

Gear Up: Official America 250 Merchandise

The Merchandise Committee worked hard to make the celebration something you can take home—and the 1776-2026 Commemorative Collection is worth wearing proudly.
The official America 250 Ponca City lineup includes:

• Garden Flag—$15

• T-Shirt—$15-$25 (sizes S-4X)

• Cap—$15 (three color options)

• Hoodie—$35-$45

• Tank Top—$20-$25

• Commemorative Coin—$20

Items are available to purchase now through the official online store at visitponcacity.com/250 or in person at the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. Every dollar of profit goes to Veterans Landing—Ponca City’s resource hub for veterans and their families.

One of the best things about this celebration is that it’s still growing. The America 250 event calendar is open to all community organizations—churches, civic clubs, businesses, schools, neighborhoods. If you’re planning something that fits the spirit of the season, it’s not too late! You can still submit it directly at visitponcacity.com/250.

America’s 250th birthday is a chance to proclaim in one voice that we are proud to live in the United States, and we are proud to live in Ponca City.

1776 to 2026. Two hundred and fifty years. One great American city.

For the full event calendar, merchandise and to submit your organization’s event, visit visitponcacity.com/250.