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  • Colton Seymore and Alicia Crook enjoy a game of BINGO during the Fourth of July festivities. Rebeka Rutledge/The Duncan Banner

    Colton Seymore and Alicia Crook enjoy a game of BINGO during the Fourth of July festivities.
July 5, 2012

Band program finds BINGO a good game

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

MARLOW — Once the Marlow Fourth of July parade finished on Main Street, residents hurried their way down to Redbud Park for the annual festivities.

Among the celebrations was the BINGO games that take place every year. Up until last year, the Marlow Lions Club ran the game for several years. They then offered it to the parents of the Marlow band program, which has youth from sixth grade to the senior class.

The Band Booster organization gladly took over and it is now one of their fundraisers. Proceeds help pay for band trips like the one taken last year to Orlando.

“It has definitely been good and we enjoy it,” said Tamra Fikes, an officer for the club. “It’s just a group of parents that come out to help the growing band program.”

Both young and old participate in the old time game and winners got the prize of their choice. Some have been returning to the Marlow celebrations for years and play BINGO annually.

Marlow resident Joann Neve said when her husband was alive, they would have a large picnic every Fourth of July. They would come early in the morning to the parade and not leave until the last firework of the night had lit the sky.

“I’ve been coming out here every Fourth for the last 49 years,” said Neve. “I like to support our town and come out to see all the people. There’s good entertainment and good people.”

Other activities were offered in Redbud Park, mostly for the kids — face painting, pony rides and a rock wall. A number of musicians and dance performances kept entertainment alive throughout the day. Several carnival rides were available along with a number of inflatable activities such as a bounce house, slide, tug-of-war and obstacle course. One way to beat the heat of the day was a water balloon war area.

A few vendor booths were set up along the walking path selling everything from clothing to jewelry and food.

Many residents brought lawn chairs and took cover underneath the large trees to avoid the heat and to watch the little ones have fun, while they waited for the fireworks show.

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