Plenty of fun available for Fourth of July

Summer is speeding by. But this weekend we get another chance to slow down a bit and enjoy some summer fun over the Fourth of July. Local towns are planning celebrations of American life, and there will be plenty of activities to choose from.

Cape Girardeau’s festivities include a naturalization ceremony and fireworks. The fireworks will be back on the Mississippi River this year after last year’s program was moved to Arena Park due to flooding. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. Monday at the Common Pleas Courthouse and will include patriotic music and the presentation of the Spirit of America Award.

Elsewhere in Cape, Fourth at the Fort will be at Fort D Historic Site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, weather permitting.

Jackson’s annual July Fourth celebration at Jackson City Park starts early in the day Monday. The day begins with a 5k walk/run and children’s fun run at 7:04 a.m. Other activities begin at 8 a.m. and include mud volleyball, helicopter rides, a beer garden, kiddie train rides and pony rides, a pageant, duck races and more. The Capaha Antique Car Club will hold its Fourth of July Car Show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park. Trophies will be presented about 2:30 p.m.

The Southern Brothers will play in the band shell at 7 p.m., and the Jackson Municipal Band will play at 8. Fireworks will begin at 9:30.

Sikeston, Oran and other area cities have events planned, as well. So wherever you are, take some time to appreciate our nation and enjoy some fun summer activities while you’re at it.