Moore’s Independence Day celebration will span Thursday and Friday, city officials announced this week.

With most Cleveland County communities will pause this Friday to celebrate July 4th, Moore’s celebrations begins Thursday with Art in the Park.

The event, which will be held at Buck Thomas Park, opens 5 p.m. July 3 and continues until 10 p.m. July 4th.

Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis said the celebration will feature a carnival, a car show, music, art vendors and a “spectacular” fireworks display.

“It’s gonna’ be really special this year,” he said.

“I’m told the fireworks are going to be even better than last year’s show.”

City officials, he said, expect to see between 50,000 to 75,000 people attend the two-day event.

“The Art Council has done a great job,” he said. “Art in the Park has gotten so big that they needed more time and space. A lot of vendors come up and they’ve had real good success, so Art in the Park keeps expanding.”

Along with the celebration’s art and artists, Lewis said the event would feature the musical groups Stage County, Blender, Bad Monkey, Jacob Lynn and Opry.

All-day passes for the event are $25 and can be purchased at Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway Ave.; Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard Ave., Oklahoma Taekwondo Center, 827 NW 12 St., Exchange National Bank, 600 NW 5th St.; First National Bank, 604 S. Classen Blvd., and First United Bank, 9921 South Penn. Ave.

City officials said no dogs are allowed in the park Thursday and Friday and no alcoholic beverages are to be brought or consumed in the park, except with approved vendors.

Also, the park will be closed to all vehicular traffic on July 4th at 7 p.m. or when all lots are full.