Community was the theme for Independence Day as Benton Street residents organized a neighborhood party centered around activities for youth and downtown Poplar Bluff hosted the annual fireworks show.
The four-day Benton Street event concluded Wednesday with performances by local talent and a basketball tournament.
"We all see a need and we all came together," said R.T. McCain, 31, while a group of children played nearby and girls with the Show Me Elite Dance Team began to organize for a performance.
The 1100 block of Benton was shut down for the evening as people gathered and DJs organized music.
This is the second event organized by McCain and Jance Gainwell, with the support of friends and community members. The pair are also planning a back-to-school party in August.
"It gives the kids awareness of non-violent activities. It was done together as a community, functioning as a community," said Gainwell. "We're looking to expand and give back to the kids."
Food for the event was prepared by people in the neighborhood, jerseys were donated for the basketball tournament, and others stopped to drop off water and contributions, McCain said.
"They see a positive thing going on and kind of open up," said McCain, a teacher at Poplar Bluff R-1 School District, who became interested in helping youth after taking on the task of raising his two nephews. "Everyone in the community recognizes it's for the kids. I want them to feel at home and safe, to develop their social skills so they can be successful in the world."
Childhood friends Addonya Nelson and Brynet Trice, both of Poplar Bluff, have tackled the challenge of organizing the dance team. Also a community outreach effort, it targets girls aged 7-14.
It was about turning dead space into productivity, said Nelson, 25.
"If we can give back to the community, give these girls something we never had," said Trice, 26.
DJs Kellz and Anthony Youngblood took turns providing music for the four nights, which also saw performances by J. Dix, Latez Kellum, Bobby Dean and Tim the Magician.
As the street started to fill up, Kim McCain Youngblood sat in the shade with a group of friends near a stage for performances. McCain's aunt, Youngblood said this new community effort has gained traction because of the emphasis on youth.
"I think it's a good thing because the kids in this area don't really have anything to give them something to look forward to," she said. "It gives them a chance to come out and have something to look forward to."
While the Benton Street block party was gearing up, another community effort in downtown Poplar Bluff was also attracting a crowd Wednesday.
Families from across the area came to watch the evening's fireworks, while enjoying music and food in the parking lot of the Black River Coliseum.
Organized by Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc., the evening offered something for families to do on the holiday, according to Shea DePew of Poplar Bluff. DePew and his son, Amon DePew, 4, had stopped at a bean bag toss where other children were gathered.
Waiting in line at one of the many food trucks, Abigail Davis said she wanted son Hunter, 3, and her other children to see what was like to enjoy the big fireworks in downtown Poplar Bluff.
While neither Davis nor DePew had attended the event in recent years, the Poplar Bluff fireworks are an annual tradition for Mary and Dan Kelly, of Doniphan.
"It's my favorite holiday. I just like it because of the freedom. It's always been special to me," said Mary Kelly, 70, who enjoys seeing the community come together for these events.
The fireworks were sponsored by Briggs & Stratton and Mid Continent Steel and Wire.