The Big Two-Five-O celebration is planned for Saturday, June 27 at Veterans Park in Newcastle as the Red, White & Blue Fest returns. There are family activities planned including live music, food vendors and a community celebration of 250 years of America.
T he semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be on the minds of attendees as they listen to the music of local musician John White and the Drive Band.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with activities planned throughout Veterans Park at Northwest 10th Street in Newcastle. The public is invited to attend and admission is free. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. City of Newcastle Parks & Recreation organizers said they hope the celebration will feel like one giant birthday party for the country.
John Allen attended school at Chickasha High School and then Oklahoma State University, where he earned a masters degree in accounting. He is the son of John Allen and Laurie Allen of Chickasha.
His dad, John Allen, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Bank of Oklahoma, with branches in Newcastle, Chickasha and Verden. Laurie Allen serves on the Chickasha Public Schools Board of Education. Both are OSU graduates.
As a singer and songwriter John Allen performs an acoustic set in the Country and Red Dirt genre. He recently released his new single, “Regret,” and his second single was released March 27. Both singles are available for purchase.
Allen is pursuing music now as a full-time career. He has been invited to record in Nashville twice and will be releasing more songs to stream-
MUSIC on page 2 ing platforms throughout 2026.
MUSIC: Live performances, food choices available at 2026 Red, White & Blue Festival
Allen has been interested in music throughout his life, and played all over the state, but especially enjoys performing in the Bricktown area of Oklahoma City. He performed last year at The Barn at Country Club when he opened for country artist Kylee Higgins.
Fans can find Allen at www. johnallenofficial.com or on popular social media apps. There you can listen to his newest songs, make purchases, and find more information on performances.
Oklahoma City band Drive also takes the stage at Veterans Park to provide their dance-style music. Drive is a dynamic Top 40 cover band based out of Oklahoma City.
They are comprised of professional musicians and vocalists with over 15 years of experience performing at weddings across the state and throughout the Midwest.
According to the group, Drive is a five-piece high energy versatile multi-genre band that is represented by Box Talent Agency. They cover a wide range of music spanning the decades including dance, pop, rock, hip-hop/rap, as well as country and red dirt.
Activities planned for the public throughout the evening will also include:
• Food trucks and vendors
• Inflatables
• Pony rides
• Petting zoo
• Splash Pad open until 9 p.m.
• Family-friendly activities throughout the park “This event has grown into something much bigger than just fireworks,” said Kyle Marks, director of Newcastle Parks and Recreation. “It’s become a tradition where families, friends, and visitors from across the area can come together and enjoy a summer night in the park.”
“We wanted this year to feel energetic, patriotic, and memorable,” Marks said. “The goal is to create an atmosphere where people can relax, have fun, and make memories together while celebrating 250 years of our nation’s history.”
The event has continued to grow annually, drawing thousands of attendees to Veterans Park.
“One of the best parts of this event is seeing the park completely full of people enjoying themselves,” Marks said. “That’s what Parks and Recreation is all about — creating spaces and experiences that bring communities together.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the evening festivities.
Red, White & Blue Fest is made possible through the support of community sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and local organizations.
One of the best parts of any festival is the food, and this year’s lineup is packed with local favorites and festival treats!
FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS
• Get Fizzy With It
• Groovy Mule Tacos
• Love Sno Co.
• Okie Bean Coffee Co.
• Oklahoma Kettle Corn
• Pearl’s Mini Donuts- OK
• Some Like It Tot
• The Saucee Sicilian
• The Smokehouse Collective LLC
• The Tasty Tipi
• UpTown Scoops Microcreamery
• Wicked Hangry
• Kona Ice Yukon/Mustang/ Norman
• Carnival Eats & Treats Plus, the Newcastle Police Department will be serving $1 hot dogs with all proceeds benefiting Kops & Kids, a program that helps provide winter clothing for local children each year.
Marks said bring your appetite, enjoy great food, support a great cause, and stick around for live music, family activities, our special 250-second surprise, and a fireworks show choreographed to music.
M arks said for those needing additional information, or for updates and event information, you can follow Newcastle Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
