Independence Day 2003

Antique and modified cars and mud volleyball attracted hundreds of people, packing the Jackson City Park for the annual July 4th celebrations.

Clad in patriotic colors, Hannah Roach of Jackson admired the insides of one of the displayed cars in the Jackson City Park on July 4th.

Matthew Bievenue (L), Michael Bievenue, and Doninque Jones all of Cape Girardeau spent Friday, July 4, 2003, playing in the sand and cooling off in Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park.

Carly Gotto, 3, could not wait for the fireworks to begin as she wore her 3-D glasses and danced to the live music in downtown Cape Girardeau, Friday night, July 4, 2003.

Rebecca Martin pinned Dan Drow, both of Jackson, in the mud of a volleyball court.

Elaine Martin positioned table decorations for a wedding rehearsal dinner Friday, July 4, 2003 at Cape Girardeau County Park North.

Mason Lewis, 17 mos., of Cape Girardeau danced the night away during Friday's, July 4, 2003, Indepenence Day celebration held in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Richard Harrington (L) and Julie Williams (R) of Cairo, Ill. kept an eye on the grill during Friday's, July 4, 2003, family cookout at Harrington's Cape Girardeau home.

Matt Kahle of Jackson prepared to take down one of his mud volleyball teammates after their match.

Many cars were on display in the Jackson City Park, part of the July 4th festivities.

Six-year-old Macie Werner of Jackson used all her strength in the Cape County Young Farmers tricycle tractor pull.

The Payne family from Cape Girardeau and Boulder, Co. Friday, July 4, 2003, gathering together for a family picnic in Cape Girardeau's Capaha Park.

Katherine Grant, a past resident of Cape Girardeau now of Cincinnati, Oh. napped under a shade tree in Capaha Park, Friday, July 4, 2003.

Jacob and Cody Aufdenberg found shelter from the heat in the shadow a table at Jackson's July 4th celebration.

Under the watchful eye of Linda Matthys (R), Jordan Schlamer (L), 7, George Matthys, 10, and Kirk Snelson, 10, played with fireworks Friday, July 4, 2003.

Jacie Hartle and Melanie Essner of Jackson washed the mud off of themselves in the creek after their volleyball match.

and Court of Common Pleas was jam packed with those enjoying the sights and sounds of Friday night's, July 4, 2003, Independence Day celebration held in Cape Girardeau.

John "Doc" Yallaly (L) received the 2003 Spirit Of America Award from Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson during ceremonies held Friday, July 4, 2003.