Students can find numerous ways to celebrate their Fourth of July holiday, whether it be staying in Norman or going outside the city limits.

Norman itself will be hosting numerous festivities as a part of its annual celebration. The "Amazing Race," an activity based on the CBS reality television show, is the newest attraction at this year's Norman Day 2005. The 30th annual event will be held at Reaves Park on the corner of Jenkins Avenue and Constitution Street.

The race is a scavenger hunt that involves two-person teams, said Jeff Hill, recreation superintendent of Norman Parks and Recreation Service. The clues found during the hunt lead to an award of $500 to the first team that finds it.

The festivities will begin at noon Monday and will continue until after the fireworks show, which will begin at 9:45 p.m. The event is sponsored by the city of Norman and several local businesses.

"The event will offer fun activities for the whole family, including live music and a fireworks show," Hill said.

The extravaganza offers activities for all ages and includes a baby crawl, sand building contest, pony rides, a nickel find and free watermelon.

Children will especially be attracted to the nickel find, which involves digging through piles of sand to find as many coins as possible.

Live music will start at 4 p.m. with the Burtschi Brothers, followed by the John Arnold Band and Zoom City.

Hill said events always attract people from in and around Norman.

"The crowd varies from year to year," Hill said. "We get people from everywhere-Purcell, Noble, Moore-it's not just people from Norman," he said. "We put on one of the better fireworks shows in the area."

Still, Normanites are advised to leave the fireworks to the professionals, and not take the celebrations into their own hands.

Fireworks are banned within the city limits, Fire Marshal Bob Sirpless said. He said the activity is a ticketable offense.

"There is up to $200 in fines and a citation is issued if someone is caught shooting off fireworks within the city limits," he said.

Sirpless assured, however, that most of the citizens abide by the city's restrictions. He also said the venues putting on the displays are reviewed prior to the showings and are required to obtain a license before they can put on a show.

"We inspect all fireworks displays for public events," Deputy Chief James Fullingim said. "They have to get a permit from us to do a public fireworks show," he said.

Even though the event has been going on for 30 years, many students either have not heard about it or choose to go back home to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

"I'll probably go to Oklahoma City," said Mario Franklin, University College freshman. "That's where I'm from, and I want to be with my family to enjoy the festivities."

Bibby Enams, University College freshman, said he is unaware of Norman's events planned for the holiday.

"If I knew what was going on in Norman, I'd stay here, but I'm going to Dallas," Enams said.

Mindy Cooper, economics sophomore, said she is still undecided about how she will celebrate, but she plans on remaining in the city.

"I'm staying in Norman, but I'm not sure what is going on. I just moved here," Cooper said.

Other students are more decisive on how they will celebrate their Independence Day, even if it means staging their own fireworks display.

Levi Shelton, microbiology senior, said he plans to light off fireworks with friends near his home northeast of Claremore. He said he has yet to encounter problems with police, and that the area recently legalized the selling of fireworks.

"I enjoy shooting off my own fireworks because I get to light them and I don't have to wait for the grand finale," Shelton said.

Shelton said he enjoys the ability to be creative in the way he lights the fireworks.

"I can conjure up my own doo-dads," Shelton said.
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