Celebrate the July 4 holiday close to home this year and enjoy a variety of free activities provided by area communities and businesses.
Events will begin Friday and continue through Tuesday. Fireworks will light up the skies in four area communities beginning Saturday at Doniphan and ending at dusk Tuesday in Poplar Bluff.
Begin the holiday Friday with a Movie in the Park beginning at dusk at the Spillway Recreation Area Wappapello Lake sponsored by Southern Bank.
Southern Bank has purchased the rights to "The Jungle Book" movie and will show it on the bank's large inflatable screen. The movie provides a live action version of "The Jungle Book" with real actors, not cartoons, said Rebecca Hays of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
There is no fee to attend and Southern Bank is providing each person who attends one free drink ticket and one free snack ticket, which can be redeemed at the concession area.
A local organization runs the concession and the bank reimburses them for the number of tickets they exchange for concessions.
Southern Bank provides the workers to assist in parking and clean up after the event. Hays Music Store donated the speakers, mixing board and cords to project sound.
"Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, come out and join the fun," said Hays. "A little mosquito spray wouldn't hurt since it will start around dusk."
To kickoff Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc.'s holiday activities a PB 5K run will begin Saturday at the Butler County Courthouse, 100 N. Main St. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and the race begins at 7 a.m. For more information, contact Gary Croy at 573-429-5430 or garycroy@yahoo.com
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.
While downtown for the 5K, Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. Executive Director Jerrica 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 Saturday at the Holiday Inn. Registration and doors open at 10 a.m. Arrive 15 minutes before age group time. For information or to secure an entry form, call Ann Miller, 573-778-2774/778-0582 or Jill Worley, 718-8448. Entry forms must be returned by Friday. 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
After the pageant, take family and friends to Ripley County Chamber of Commerce's Independence Celebration at Riverfront Park, which starts at 3:45 p.m. Saturday in Doniphan, Mo., for a variety of free activities sponsored by the chamber. The evening will include pageants for infants through teens, a "Gong Show" talent contest, live music provided by the U.S. Air Force Freedom Winds, a surprise entertainer and will end with fireworks.
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.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host the annual Alley Spring Independence Day Celebration from 6-9 p.m. Saturday commemorating the traditional picnic celebrations held around the turn of the 20th century when the area was the social gathering place for local families. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence, Mo., on State Route 106.
The sounds of the Bressler Cousins Bluegrass Band and stomping of the Country Ho' Downers square dance group will ring throughout the valley. Free ice cold watermelon and lemonade will be provided to visitors. The Spring Dipper from Mammoth Spring, Ark., will be on site dipping up handmade ice cream. Bring the family and a lawn chair or lawn blanket and take part in one of the classic celebrations defining the Alley Community. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park's Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
Saturday go to Wappapello Lake for Waterfest activities beginning at 10 a.m. including magic shows, cardboard boat building and racing, innertube races and games for youngsters. The fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m.
Dexter, Mo. will be the destination Monday where the city will sponsor a fireworks display at the East City Park beginning at dusk.
If parades are a favorite on Independence Day head to Downtown Poplar Bluff, said Fox. Fox Radio Network, Inc., is sponsoring the annual parade.
While organizers will accept applications Tuesday, they encourage participates 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.
Participates 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 along ditch road and through downtown. Trophies will be given to the top three most patriotic floats.
"We are adding a Market Event from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Farmers Market," Fox said. She said, Kona Ice Truck, Mike's Ice Cream Truck and several other vendors are planning to participate.
"Atom Entertainment will be providing music," Fox said.
The grand finale for Poplar Bluff's celebration will be Briggs & Stratton's annual fireworks display, which lights up the sky over Clinton Park beginning at approximately 9 p.m.
Fox stressed, plan to watch the parade, enjoy family events, arrive downtown early in the evening for treats and grab a spot at one of the picnic tables at the Farmers Market and watch the fireworks.