Country singer Darryl Worley to perform at Arena Park for Independence Day celebration

Country singer Darryl Worley will headline the USA Veterans Independence Day celebration at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

He will perform at the grandstand at 8 p.m. July 2. Tickets will be available soon at www.usa-veterans.org and at the Arena Building.

Worley has released six albums and sold more than 1.5 million records worldwide. Throughout his career over the past 10 years, he has had several hit songs, the majority penned by Worley himself, including three No. 1 singles: "I Miss My Friend," "Have You Forgotten?" and "Awful, Beautiful Life."

Worley recently toured in Iraq, where he performed and signed autographs for an estimated 9,500 soldiers. That was his eighth visit overseas to entertain troops since 2002.

Cost for tickets is $20 for general admission, $50 for box seats and $100 for VIP seating.

D.J. Lynch, 9, a student at St. Vincent de Paul School, designed this poster. (Submitted image)

Funds raised from the concert will help pay for other activities planned by the USA Veterans group as part of the three-day festival, said Rodger Brown, commander of the group.

Washer tournaments, a demolition derby, a battle of the bands and "Redneck Games" are planned.

Volunteers are needed, Brown said, to assist with security, games and ticket sales. Donations are also needed to help pay for the fireworks show that will wrap up the festival July 4, he said.

"We just have to have faith that someone will fill the need and help us out," he said.

A.M. Pyrotechnics of Springfield, Mo., has been contracted to put on the fireworks show. That is the same company that USA Veterans hired last year to do fireworks at Arena Park on July 4. However, last year the Cape Girardeau Joint Veterans Council helped foot the bill for the fireworks; this year the council has voted not to do so, said Sheryl Smith, commander of American Legion Post 63 and chairwoman of the Joint Veterans Council.

Admission to the festival is free but there will be some costs for specific activities, Brown said.

Food and drink vendors as well as booths from local businesses will be set up throughout the weekend, too.

The Southeast Missourian's Spirit of America Award also will be presented July 4 as part of the event.

A contest was held recently for local students to design a poster and T-shirt to promote the upcoming Independence Day festival. The winner was D.J. Lynch, 9, a student at St. Vincent de Paul School. The design features the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge with fireworks in the background.

To donate or volunteer, call 587-3932 or 579-5764 or visit www.usa-veterans.org.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO