Going to the blackberry festival this year?

Dear Valued Subscriber, 

Welcome to Don't Miss Reads, our weekly newsletter highlighting some of our editors' favorite stories, photos and videos that you might have missed.  

Did you know that you can celebrate the Fourth of July in June? I'm Moran Elwell, features editor, and I don't want you to miss out on the many patriotic events that are happening across Oklahoma right now!

Entertainment writer Brandy McDonnell has written a roundup of 22 events happening in 2022 to celebrate the annual holiday, including firework shows, a powwow and events on the water.

Edmond's Independence Day extravaganza, Libertyfest, is celebrating its 50th anniversary over several days, starting with a long-running rodeo, a car show, KiteFest, a parade and a concert.

McLoud Blackberry Festival, one of the oldest continual festivals in the state, was designed to celebrate both the blackberry harvest and July 4. Dating back to the 1940s, the fest includes a carnival, parade, live music, the Cobbler Gobbler contest and more. 

And, the 150th annual Quapaw Nation Powwow will celebrate Quapaw culture with dancing, contests and more at Beaver Springs Park.  

Be sure to check back in at oklahoman.com for more state events and ways to celebrate this summer!

Below are links to more of our editors' favorite stories of the week. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.