Cape Girardeau to host 'Great American Fourth of July' with fireworks, naturalization ceremony

The city of Cape Girardeau will celebrate its annual "Great American Fourth of July" with fireworks on the Mississippi River and a naturalization ceremony.

The event will begin at 6:45 p.m. July 4 in front of the Common Pleas Courthouse on Spanish Street. Festivities will include patriotic music from the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band and presentation of the Spirit of America Award.

"We are so looking forward to having our Great American Fourth of July back on the river this year," said Julia Thompson, parks and recreation director.

Last year's celebration had to be moved to Arena Park because of flooding along the Mississippi River.

"The Spirit of America Award is always a special time to recognize Cape Girardeau's outstanding citizens and the naturalization ceremony just brings home the meaning of our freedoms and responsibilities," she said.

The patriotic celebration typically draws 4,000 to 5,000 people to the downtown area, Thompson said.

This year will mark the second consecutive year for the local naturalization ceremony to be held July 4.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt will be the guest speaker for the ceremony. U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. will preside at the ceremony.

"This is a very moving ceremony," Thompson said, adding she expects about 20 people will become American citizens at the ceremony.

Before the 9:15 p.m. fireworks display, the Southeast Missourian will recognize its recipient of the Spirit of America Award. This is the 14th year of this annual award that celebrates an individual who goes above and beyond to help others, give back to the community and uphold the American spirit.

The deadline for Spirit of America Award nominations is June 14. Organizations and individuals in Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Stoddard and Scott counties in Missouri and Union, Pulaski and Alexander counties in Illinois are invited to submit nominations.

Entries may be mailed to the Southeast Missourian, Spirit of America Award, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or by filling out the online nomination form at semissourian.com/spirit.

A free shuttle will be provided by Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. The shuttle will run from the Show Me Center to downtown. Handicapped parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the city parking lots adjacent to Broadway and Main Street, as well as at Broadway and Water Street. Vehicles must have appropriate tags and licenses.

Thompson suggested people park several blocks away and walk down to the riverfront to avoid the traffic congestion.

The holiday program will be broadcast live on radio stations 960 KZIM and 1400 KSIM. All River Radio stations will play patriotic music as the fireworks commence. No personal fireworks will be allowed on-site at the event, Thompson said.

In case of inclement weather, the fireworks display will be moved to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 5. The naturalization and Spirit of America program will remain on July 4, with the events moved inside the Common Pleas Courthouse.

Co-hosts and sponsors for the Fourth of July celebration include the city of Cape Girardeau, the Southeast Missourian, Isle Casino Cape Girardeau and River Radio. Contributors include Osage Marine, Shivelbine's Music Store, Tower Stone and Rock Co. and rustmedia.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

Riverfront, Cape Girardeau, Mo.