The Roland Chamber of Commerce reported a great turnout for the 2023 Iron Mountain Festival & Freedom Celebration, as well as the third annual Iron Mountain Festival Cornhole Tournament, which were held on July 1.

The chamber members said they love being able to give back to their community, and are always blessed with great attendance and positive feedback.

“We would like to take a moment to say thank you to our town and the surrounding communities for showing up, having fun, and supporting the vendors and the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce at our biggest event of the year,” the organization said.

Thanks goes out to the Town of Roland for allowing use of their park and facilities. The display was 15 minutes of professional grade and well planned fireworks, according to spectators.

“We appreciate them (town) for putting on the show each year, even though they don’t have to,” members of the chamber said. “The finale gets better and better each year and the cheers from the 1,000 plus onlookers prove just how great the show is.”

The chamber said a special thanks go to the town’s employees, and both the fire and police departments, for parking cars, directing traffic, set up, cleanup, and making sure everyone is safe each year.

The Cherokee Nation also contributes to the fireworks budget each year; Pafford Medical Services provided a hospitality room with food and water for the volunteers; and T h e B OD. c h u r c h’s cooling station was much-needed and appreciated by everyone in attendance.

The organization said they also wish to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who contribute in some way to make the festival happen each year. Whether it was money, prizes, time and/or effort, it couldn’t have been possible without them and as always, they look forward to next year.