July 4th Celebration

Family fun, a full line-up of music and spectacular fireworks on the Mississippi River will be showcased at the annual Fourth of July celebration on the riverfront of Old Town Cape in downtown Cape Girardeau.

"Each year, Libertyfest specifically selects venues and entertainment that will appeal to all ages and people in the region," says Marsha Toll, chair of Libertyfest 2005. "Our focus is on providing a patriotic, old-fashioned family event," she added.

Libertyfest 2005, "As American as Cape," begins with the Libertyfest Parade at 6 pm and concludes with fireworks shot from a barge on the Mississippi River at approximately 9:30 pm.

In addition to popular past venues, new musical artists and storytelling events have been added to the line-up. Steve Schafner, a strolling fiddler will play individually and will later join Kevin Danzig and his band along with Quitman McBride. The strolling Dixieland Band will perform as in past years and the Municipal Band will provide patriotic music immediately before the fireworks.

Tywappity Tales, three Native American stories, will be recreated by the River City Players at the Arts Council and Port Cape Girardeau restaurant. A "Southeast Story Swap," will feature aspiring storytellers sharing their tales with the public. Performers interested in being in the story swap should contact Old Town Cape for entry criteria.

Balloon artists, face painters, Shriner clowns, antique cars and fire engines will all be open from 6 to 9 pm. The event will also feature a Dunking Booth and Inflatable Jump Room that were introduced last year. The evening will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display on the Mississippi River that will be coordinated with patriotic music heard over River Radio stations. Throughout the evening, some downtown restaurants will be open and select vendors will provide snacks and beverages.

Libertyfest 2005 is organized by Old Town Cape, and sponsored by Old Town Cape, the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau, The Bank of Missouri and other corporate sponsors. The evening will run from 5:30 pm until 10 pm and is free to the public.

For additional information or to participate in events, please contact Old Town Cape at 573 334-8085.