From Staff Reports
Begin the Independence Day holiday Friday, June 30, 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 show the movie 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. Southern Bank provides each person who attends one free drink ticket and one free snack ticket which can be redeemed at the concession area.
A local group or organization runs the concession and the bank reimburses them for the number of tickets they exchange at the concession.
Southern Bank provides the workers to park 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."
If you are looking to fill the long July 4th holiday head for Wappapello Lake Sunday, July 2, where Waterfest activities will begin at 10 a.m. and will include magic shows, cardboard boat building and racing, innertube races and games for youngsters. The fireworks will begin about 9:15 p.m.
If parades are your family's favorite holiday activity, Fox Radio Network, Inc., is sponsoring the July 4th parade in Poplar Bluff. 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.
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.
If one fireworks displays 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.
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.
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.