What We Do
The Kiwanis Club of Bartlesville is dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening our community through service, leadership, and community events. Throughout the year, we organize and support programs that bring people together, create opportunities for local youth, and celebrate what makes Bartlesville special.
From family traditions like the Bartlesville Fishing Derby, Freedom Fest, Celebrate Giving, and the Bartlesville Christmas Parade, to operating Sooner Junior Miniature Golf, our efforts are focused on creating meaningful experiences for families while investing in the next generation. Proceeds from Sooner Junior help fund scholarships and youth-focused initiatives, allowing us to support local students as they pursue their educational goals.
Whether we’re hosting community events, recognizing outstanding students, awarding scholarships, or partnering with local organizations, our mission remains the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families throughout Bartlesville.
About our Service Projects
Fishing Derby
The Fishing Derby has been a Kiwanis tradition since 1951, and families love it! Children from the ages of 3 to 12 are welcome to participate and compete to see who has the longest fish in each category — no, catching a shoe doesn’t count. The winners in each category will win a trophy, but there are always more prizes to give away.
Sooner Junior
Are you the next Tiger Woods? Well, Kiwanis has you covered! Our biggest project of the year is running the local miniature golf course, Sooner Junior, which runs from the beginning of May to the end of September. All are welcome, but you have to be a kid at heart to play. We also partner with Sunfest each year to host the Sunfest Showdown tournament, and it’s always very well attended. If you want to participate in this year’s Showdown, make sure to come out and practice!
Freedom Fest
Who doesn’t love fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday? Kiwanis hosts the annual Freedom Fest, which includes food trucks, live music and — you guessed it — FIREWORKS! The Oklahoma heat might be sweltering, but it’s an evening full of fun for the entire family. The festivities are held every Fourth of July at Sooner Park. Bring your sunscreen and plenty of water, and we’ll see you July 4!
Celebrate Giving
Get ready to party! With so many nonprofit organizations in Bartlesville, it's nearly impossible to support all of them, so in 2022 we created Celebrate Giving, a nonprofit showcase that allows participating organizations to share their stories. During the event, organizations will promote upcoming events, recruit volunteers, fundraise and have opportunities to win cash and other prizes. In addition to the organizations' booths, there will be food and a cash bar. Admission is free and supporters can help organizations win contests and more prizes so don't miss the fun!
Christmas Parade
For generations, the Bartlesville Christmas Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate the magic of the season. Each year, the nighttime parade transforms downtown Bartlesville into a festive display of lights, creativity, and holiday spirit. Families, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community groups line the streets and participate in the celebration, creating memories that last a lifetime. More than just a parade, this event reflects the generosity, joy, and sense of community that make Bartlesville special during the holiday season.
Make a donation
Maybe you’re not ready to become a cousin. And that’s perfectly okay! We kindly ask for a small donation that will help fund our scholarship program and our various service projects we complete throughout the year.