Wappapello fireworks moved to May 23 in temporary move

WAPPAPELLO — The summer holiday fireworks display at Wappapello Lake, traditionally presented during the weekend nearest the Fourth of July, has been rescheduled this year and now will occur on the Memorial Day weekend in late May.

It’s a move organizers hope will prevent the loss of visitors on a Saturday when several other local communities will host their own displays.

“Because of all the other fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, this gives us the opportunity to avoid conflict with other communities,” said Wappapello Lake Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson, who also serves with the Wappapello Lake Area Association.

The May 23 event, Jefferson said, will feature a full compliment of activities leading up to the fireworks display.

“We’ve combined several activities on that date,” he said.

The annual Kids to Parks event will take place then, and “we’re looking at having a military celebration on that date,” he said.

In addition, live music will be performed throughout the day, and a barbecue cookoff will be held as a fundraiser for the Wappapello Lake Area Association.

“It’s going to be a full day,” Jefferson said.

There has been some concern over the fireworks date change, Jefferson noted, particularly from some Wappapello VFW members. They attended the most recent WLAA meeting, he said, where it was explained to them the reasoning behind the change.

The Wappapello VFW, Jefferson added, may provide a fireworks display of its own during the Independence Day holiday.

Jefferson emphasized the date change this year, and likely next, won’t be permanent.

“This is just temporary because of the Fourth falling on a Saturday this year,” he said.

The display may be held in May again next year since the Fourth will again fall on a weekend, but after that, it will go back to its original schedule.

Questions about the fireworks or other programs at the lake, Jefferson said, are welcome by stopping by the operations office off Highway T or calling 573-222-8562.

“Our door is always open,” he said.