The City of Lawton is gearing up for its 125th Birthday during the week leading up to August 8th when McMahon Memorial Auditorium will host a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting signifying the end of construction! Citizens are invited to join the mini birthday parties on August 5-7 at the city of Lawton Community Centers and enjoy hot dogs, cake, and ice cream!
Wednesday, August 5 | Owens Center | 5:30-7:30
Thursday, August 6 | Patterson Center | 5:30-7:30
Friday, August 7 | HC King Center | 5:30-7:30
Saturday, August 8 | McMahon Memorial Auditorium
The final celebration will take place at the Museum of the Great Plains and the historic McMahon Memorial Auditorium as they reopen after almost 2 years of construction!
This celebration will start at 7:00 am with breakfast at the Museum of Great Plains and the continue at 9:00 am at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium with a ribbon cutting, a performance highlighting the life of Louise D. McMahon, and an awards ceremony.
Each year, the City recognizes individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and lasting contributions have helped shape the Lawton community.
The 2026 award recipients are:
Outstanding Citizen: Ronda Norrell
Outstanding Youth Organization: Scouting America Troop 9100
Outstanding Organization: Fort Sill Better Opportunities for Single Soldier (BOSS)Program
Community Impact Award: The Salvation Army
Living Legacy Award: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Lawton Award in Excellence: Dr. Ed Legako
In addition to the City awards, the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women has selected three finalists for its Woman of the Year Award. This year's finalists are Veronica Lewis, Rebecca Reynolds and Onreka Johnson, with the recipient to be announced during the birthday celebration.
Lawton 125 Birthday Celebration
08 August 2027
7:00 Trail Ride Breakfast @Trading Post
8:30 Lawton Rangers “Trail Ride” and Longhorn Cattle Drive
9:00 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony McMahon Memorial Auditorium / Lobby Open
9:30 Cake Cutting
10:00 Auditorium Seating Open
10:30 COL Birthday Performance and Award Ceremony (inside McMahon Memorial Auditorium)
Mayor’s Welcome
Posting of Colors
Invocation & Anthem
Louise McMahon Tribute Performance
Mayors Commission on Status of Women Awards
Macarthur Stomp Team
City of Lawton, “Mayor’s” Awards
Pioneer Woman Proclamation
Lawton Rangers Proclamation
Singing of Oklahoma/Close Out
Conclusion
Evening: Lawton Ranger’s Rodeo
The schedule above is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Download the Go Lawton App today to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.