Nichols Park in Henryetta is the place to be this Saturday, July 12, as the community comes together for a jam-packed day of summer fun and celebration. With events running all day and culminating in a spectacular fireworks display after sunset, organizers promise activities for all ages – whether you’re racing in a cardboard boat, spiking a volleyball, or just enjoying the show with family.

— A Decade of Dazzling Skies: 10th Annual Fireworks Show Capping off the day will be the 10th annual Fireworks Show, proudly presented by Hwy 62 Fireworks. A highlight of the local summer calendar, this free event has become a tradition for Henryetta and surrounding communities. The fireworks will light up the sky over Nichols Park at dark, dazzling the crowd with bursts of red, white and blue in celebration of American freedom.

Before the fireworks, a parachute drop for the kids will add an extra element of thrill and wonder. Families are encouraged to arrive early, spread out their blankets and enjoy a full evening of entertainment under the stars. Organizers extended a heartfelt thank you to the com- munity for “a decade of support,” celebrating the 10-year milestone of this cherished event.

— Spike for Glory: Volleyball Tournament Kicks Off at 9 a.m.

The festivities begin bright and early at 9 a.m. with a high-energy volleyball tournament, open to six-person teams ready to compete for a cash prize. The tournament is single elimination, and registration costs $30 per team. Teams can register through the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce or by contacting event organizer Theran Richards.

Held at the volleyball courts near the lake, the tournament promises fierce competition, plenty of action and a great way to start the day with teamwork and sportsmanship.

— Pedal Power: Free Bicycle Rally for Kids at 12:30 p.m.

The mid-day fun continues with a free Bicycle Rally for Kids, beginning with check-in at 12:30 p.m. This event welcomes children of all ages to participate in a fun-filled afternoon that includes bicycle races, scooter competitions, agility challenges and a bike decorating contest.

Participants should bring their bikes, scooters, helmets and energy for a day of active fun. Awards and prizes will be handed out, making every child feel like a champion. The rally is hosted at the park’s central field area, with plenty of space for family and friends to cheer from the sidelines.

The Wildest Ride of the Day: Cardboard Boat Races at 4 p.m.

One of the most anticipated – and hilarious events of the day returns with the Cardboard Boat Races, set for 4 p.m. at the Nichols Park swimming area. Teams are invited to construct boats using only cardboard, duct tape, glue and paint – no motors allowed! Creative design is just as important as speed, as prizes will be awarded not only for 1st and 2nd place finishers, but also for Most Creative Boat and the unforgettable Most Eloquent Sink.

Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., and the entry fee is $20 per boat team. Each team must consist of 2-4 people, and life jackets are mandatory for all participants. For a boat to qualify, all racers must remain inside from start to finish – if your ship goes down, be ready to swim it back with pride!

Rules emphasize safety and fun: no fully enclosed boats are allowed, and teams must clean up any debris if their boat capsizes. It’s a fun spectacle the crowd always loves, and a great chance to show off your engineering skills (or your sense of humor).

— Plan Your Day: A Full Schedule at Nichols Park • 9 a.m. – Volleyball Tournament Begins

• 12:30 p.m. – Check-In for Kids’ Bicycle Rally

• 3:30 p.m. – Cardboard Boat Race Registration Opens

• 4 p.m. – Cardboard Boat Races Begin

• Evening (Just Before Dark) – Parachute Drop for Kids

• At Dark – 10th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza — Getting Involved

Pre-registration for both the volleyball tournament and the cardboard boat races is encouraged and can be completed through the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce or by reaching out to Theran Richards. Community volunteers are also welcome to help with setup and logistics throughout the day.

— Celebrate Community, Creativity & Country With a mix of athletic challenges, whimsical competitions and patriotic celebration, Saturday’s events at Nichols Park are shaping up to be a highlight of the summer. Bring the whole family, a picnic blanket and a camera – you won’t want to miss the memories made at this all-day celebration of Henryetta’s community spirit.

Whether you come for the fireworks, the fun races, or to cheer on local teams, one thing is for sure: Nichols Park will be bursting with energy, laughter and hometown pride all day long.

Let the summer fun begin!