The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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July 5, 2009

Rain early Saturday does nothing to dampen spirits at Meadowlake

By Kasey Fowler, Staff Writer

Despite soggy weather early on Independence Day, turnout and spirits were high at the Meadowlake Park fishing tournament.

The fishing tournament, sponsored by Liberty Federal Savings Bank, brought out people who dared the rain to keep fishing. People in ponchos, under umbrellas and standing out in the rain surrounded the lake, dotting the water with red and white bobbers.

Doug Parker, executive vice president for Liberty Federal Savings Bank, said the turnout was great.

“The turn out has been good despite the rain. People stuck it out and fished right through it,” said Parker. “The fish have been biting and everyone has been enjoying free popcorn, hotdogs and watermelon.”

Meadowlake was stocked with 150 tagged fish that are worth $5 apiece.

“All this morning we’ve been giving out prizes for tagged fish,” said Parker.

By 11 a.m. almost 50 fish with tags had been reeled in.

“We stocked about 600 pounds of channel cat and 100 blue gill,” said Parker.

Besides the fishing tournament, there were games for the kids to play.

“We’ve had a cake walk. That has been a lot of fun,” said Parker. “We have three-leg races and sack races. We had guppy grabbin’. That has been a lot of fun for the little bitty kids.”

At the conclusion of the event Brock Emneier won the longest fish contest with a fish that was 233⁄4 inches long.

The Fourth of July celebration ended with a concert by the Enid Symphony Orchestra, featuring former opera star Leona Mitchell, and a fireworks display at Meadowlake.

Mitchell and the Enid Symphony concluded the display with the national anthem, singing and playing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Mitchell said she was very happy to be performing patriotic songs with the Enid Symphony.

“This is the first time I’ve done a patriotic song with the Enid Symphony. I actually approached Doug Newell about it,” said Mitchell. “What a thrill it is for the audience to get to hear this. This is a treat for Enid to have a live symphony while they watch the fireworks.”

Mitchell said she was honored to perform with the symphony.

“I am thrilled to be here doing this. I am honored to be doing this,” said Mitchell.

Fourth of July activities concluded in the traditional manner with lots of oohs and aahs during the fireworks display and during Mitchell’s performance and the Enid Symphony’s music.

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