Happy Independence Day! Celebrate with a 5k, parade and evening fireworks show in this week’s MAIN EVENT.
The Daily American Republic’s Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. along Ditch Road in Poplar Bluff, with over 100 vehicles and floats. For those who want to run (or walk) their own parade, check in for the 2024 Red, White and RUN 4th of July 5k begins at 7:30 a.m. on 405 W. Pine Blvd. Medals for best times and most patriotic attire will be presented.
The day’s climactic fireworks show will be held downtown and begins at 9 p.m. or dusk.
Upcoming events include:
— 2024 Red, White and RUN 4th of July 5k, 7:30 a.m. July 4. WHERE The Square Downtown (405 W. Pine Blvd.). COST $25 per person. WHAT This will be a race for walkers, serious runners, kids, families, and dogs, presented by PB Realty. Register and pay in person at the PB Realty Downtown Branch (400 Vine Street). Check-in and final registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. Medals will be awarded to the top three runners in multiple age divisions, and dogs get a special treat. Additional prizes given for most patriotic attire. Presented in partnership with The Square, Nest Investors, B&T Screenprinting and the Poplar Bluff Parks & Recreation Department.
— Daily American Republic’s Independence Day Parade, 9 a.m. July 4 WHERE Leaves from the Whiteley Park area and travels along Ditch Road to Downtown Poplar Bluff. WHAT More than 100 vehicles and floats participated in the 2023 parade and more are expected this year.
— Poplar Bluff fireworks display, dusk July 4 WHERE Downtown Poplar Bluff WHAT Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, the fireworks will begin at dusk.
— Fourth of July Weekend Karaoke Night, 7-11 p.m. July 5. WHERE The Camp at Lake Wappapello. COST Free. WHAT Open-mic karaoke.
— Evening with the Hoggs, 7 p.m. July 6 WHERE Rodgers Theatre COST $10 WHAT James Linden Hogg, a musician and songwriter with local ties, will perform.
— Hometown Throwdown Tractor and Truck Pull, 7 p.m. July 6 WHERE Poplar Bluff Motorsports Park COST $15, children 5 and under free WHAT Hosted by the Butler County Fair Board, this event will include multiple categories, including super stock and light mixed tractors, pro-stock diesel trucks and a local truck class.
— Kid’s Crafting: Learn to Embroider! 1 p.m. July 9 and 16. COST Free. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. WHAT Kids will learn basic stitches and create an embroidery project. Supplies provided.
— Ladies Day Out, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 11 WHERE First Church of God, Poplar Bluff COST Free WHAT Hosted by John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, this event will include a keynote speaker, lunch and breakout sessions.
— Goodness Snakes! 10 a.m. an 1 p.m. July 11. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT A children’s program from the Missouri Department of Conservation about Missouri snakes and their habitats. Brought to you in partnership by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Highlands Health Care.
— Get Ready, SWIM, 7-9 p.m. July 12 WHERE Black River Coliseum Aquatic and Fitness Center COST $8 WHAT Hosted by Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland, this is open to girls of all ages.
— 2024 Grille It Up, July 12-13. WHERE 500 Fairground Dr., Dexter. COST Free admission. WHAT Dexter Parks and Recreation’s annual Grille It Up features two days of food truck, snack vendors, craft vendors, event vendors, bounce houses and music entertainment. Events include mud volleyball, a cook-off competition and car show. More information is available on the Dexter Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
— Eagles of North America by Dickerson Park Zoo, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 13. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free, but seating is limited. WHAT Don’t miss this chance to see the bald eagle, up close and personal! This educational program from Dickerson Park Zoo features our National Symbol, the bald eagle and golden eagle. Find out what factors contributed to the demise of the bald eagle population and what conservation efforts worked to remove the bald eagle from the endangered species list.
— Silver Screen Sunday, 2 p.m. July 14. WHERE The Rodgers Theatre COST Free WHAT Downtown’s historic theater will show “A Face in the Crowd,” a locally-filmed movie featuring area high school bands as extras.
— Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, 11 a.m.-noon July 18. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT An educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association uncovers the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s including what to watch for in yourself and others.
— Community Focus Group, 5:30-7 p.m. July 19. WHERE Butler County Health Center, downstairs conference room. COST Free, but RSVP requested. WHAT The Butler County Health Department invites community members to a free dinner and focus group where citizens can join the discussion of community health needs. Dinner is 5:30-6 p.m., followed by the focus group. RSVP by calling 573-785-8478.
— Community Baby Shower, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 22. WHERE Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom. COST Free, but please RSVP. WHAT Missouri Highlands Health Care is excited to invite all expectant parents to our Community Baby Shower. The event is first-come, first-serve and attendees will receive baby supplies, including diaper bags and car seats, as long as the supply lasts. RSVP at mohigh.org/event/community-baby-shower/.
— Twilight Movie Marathon, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 24 and 1-3:30 p.m. July 12. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Ridgel Branch. COST Free. WHAT A movie marathon of all five Twilight films over two days. Come for all the movies or just your favorite. Popcorn and water will be provided. Open to grades 7-12. Movies rated PG-13.
— Opry at the Rodgers, 7 p.m. July 27 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) WHERE The Rodgers Theatre COST $10 per ticket. WHAT The Moonpie Band will headlines this annual country concert.