Car show and fireworks on tap for Jackson's Fourth of July

Local patriots will have the chance to mark the country's birthday with an all-day celebration at Jackson's City Park.

Jackson's Independence Day celebration will get an early start Sunday with the Independence Day 5K Walk and Run and Children's Fun Run at 7:30 p.m.

"The 5K walk starts the day," said Shane Anderson, director of the city's parks and recreation department. "It is really popular. It has turned into a social event. It is a way to be athletic and see community friends at the same time. It is getting more and more participants."

The walk is sponsored by HealthPoint Fitness and draws many people from outside of the area.

A July 4 mainstay

One of the hallmarks of the city's festivities is also scheduled for Sunday morning, he said. Anderson said the annual car show attracts participants from across the region.

"It is the mainstay in our celebration," he said. "We have over 100 cars each year. There will be cars from Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas. This is really well-attended. It is our biggest draw in the park."

Throughout the day there will be a variety of food vendors set up throughout the park selling typical fair food and drinks. There will also be pony rides and children's games, such as a duck pond, available for a nominal fee. The Jackson High School swim team will be sponsoring an Air Castle inflatable jump house as a fundraiser to support its upcoming season.

A new feature this year will provide the chance to experience living history. A colonial encampment from the 1700s will be open to provide insight into America's early days.

"There will be period dress and activities throughout the day," Anderson said. He said several demonstrations are planned at the encampment.

The idea to bring the colonial encampment to the celebration came from Lucas Beine, who helped Anderson develop the Jackson Skate Park. Beine travels the area presenting historical re-enactments and volunteered to bring the encampment to Jackson.

Area artists will showcase their paintings, pottery and other artwork at Art in the Park during the celebration. Anderson said there will also be live blacksmith demonstrations.

The day's musical tributes will start with an evening performance from gospel group The Southern Brothers. The performance will be followed by a patriotic salute from the Jackson Municipal Band.

New fireworks company

Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without the fireworks display. Anderson said this year's display will be similar to past presentations and is being produced by Lantis Fireworks from Eureka, Mo. The company is new to the Jackson celebration, but Anderson said it will be "spectacular."

While he said the celebration is designed to be fun for the entire community, Anderson does remind attendees to practice caution while at the event.

"No personal fireworks are allowed at the park and no glass containers. Make sure to make it safe," he said.

For more information about Jackson's Independence Day celebration, call Anderson at 204-8131. For more information about the 5K walk/run, call HealthPoint Fitness at 243-2211.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent Address

Jackson City Park