The grand finale for Downtown Poplar Bluff's Independence Day celebration will be the Briggs & Stratton's annual fireworks display, which lights up the sky over Clinton Park beginning at approximately 9 p.m. July 4.
"I want to thank Briggs and Stratton for its continued support for our fireworks display," said Jerrica Fox, Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. executive director. "Briggs & Stratton has for many years sponsored the fireworks display. Their sponsorship is greatly appreciated."
Fox also thanked Briggs & Stratton for its "continued support of Downtown Poplar Bluff" projects and its "help with our Farmers Market and anything we ask of them."
She thanked Fox Radio Network, Inc., "for sponsoring our parade again this year."
Fox encourages everyone to begin July 4 by entering the parade or bringing family and friends to watch the colorful procession.
The only change this year is "you do have to register to enter," Fox explained.
While organizers will accept applications July 4, they encourage those planning to participate to preregister. For additional registration information, go to Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. online either at the group's website or Facebook page, then go to the events tab.
Those registered for the parade will begin lining up at 8 a.m. at the water park in south Poplar Bluff. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and will take the usual route. Trophies will be given to the top three most patriotic floats.
To kickoff the Independence celebrations activities, Downtown PB 5K run will begin July 1 at the Butler County Courthouse, 100 N. Main St. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and the race begins at 7 a.m.
"We are grateful the Downtown PB 5K group holds the event in our district," Fox said
While there is no entry fee for the event, those who would like a T-shirt and extra raffle tickets may pay a $15 entry fee. Make checks payable to Downtown Poplar Bluff. Awards will include Top Male and Female and medals three deep in each division.
For more information, contact Gary Croy at 573-429-5430 or garycroy@yahoo.com
Mail entries to: 188 Timber Ridge Trail, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
All funds raised go to the continued repair efforts at the Poplar Bluff Animal Control Center. Organizers hope to replace the water valves in the shelter.
Extra raffle tickets are $5 each or six for $20. The raffle includes a Garmin watch and much more. The drawing will be on race day.
While downtown for the 5K, Fox reminds everyone to stop by the Farmers Market and encourages them to visit the flea market, which are both open from 8 a.m. to noon.
For those more into red, white and blue and/or ruffles and lace, the Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker, 4th of July pageant, will be July 1 at the Holiday Inn. Registration and doors open at 10 a.m. Arrive 15 minutes before age group time.
Attire is red, white and blue for all boys and girls, birth - 5 years old. Pageant wear for 6 and up -- any color. Entry fee is $30 cash only.
Boys: 11 a.m. 0 - 23 months, 2-4 years, 5 and up.
Girls: 11 a.m. - 0 -12 months, 11:15 a.m., 13 - 23 months; 11:30 a.m., 2-3 years; 11:45 a.m., 4-5 years; noon, 6-7 years; noon, 8-9 years; 12:15 p.m., 10-11 years, 12:20 p.m., 12-13 years, 12:30 p.m., 14-17 years; and 12:30 p.m., 18 - 26 years.
Each queen will receive a crown, banner and trophy. There will also be a first and second runner-up in each division.
For information or to secure an entry form, call Ann Miller, 573-778-2774/778-0582 or Jill Worley, 718-8448. Entry forms may be mailed to 2008 King Road, Poplar Bluff, Mo., 63901, and must be returned by June 30. Deposit is non-refundable. If not registered on time, a $5 late registration fee will be charged. Additional information may be obtained at pbpageants@hotmail.com
Area events
If watching one fireworks display is not enough for you and your family, start the holiday Saturday, July 1, in Doniphan, Mo., at Riverfront Park for a variety of free activities sponsored by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. The evening will include pageants for infants through teens, a "Gong Show" talent contest, live music and fireworks.
Headlining the entertainment will be the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Freedom Winds.
Chamber administrative assistant April Black said, "We have upgraded the fireworks package this year and we are looking forward to a spectacular fireworks display."
For more information about the Ripley County events, contact Black at 573-996-2212.
Head for Wappapello Lake Saturday, July 1, where water activities for youngsters will begin at 10 a.m. The fireworks will begin about 9:15 p.m.
Dexter, Mo. will be your destination for Monday, July 3. The city of Dexter will sponsor a fireworks display at the East City Park beginning at dusk.