Dexter plans annual July Fourth fireworks display

DEXTER, Mo. --Dexter is adding a little "boom" to its annual fireworks display this year with a new pyrotechnical contractor and the promise of a bigger-than-ever fireworks show. Other area fireworks displays include one at Bloomfield, Mo., and one at Lake Wappapello, Mo.

The Dexter display will be held July 5 at the East City Park and Aquatic Center beginning at dusk. Those attending the event who would like to sit in their vehicle can park on the asphalt street that runs east and west just south of the fairgrounds. But great views are available from the park and the fairgrounds. Private fireworks displays are allowed.

The fireworks show this year will be put on by S&N Firework Displays of Lincoln, Ill.

City administrator Mark Stidham said the city did not have the annual event last year because of problems with the contractor.

The fireworks will be launched from an area near the lagoons. All roads south of the paved road, including the levee road and the gravel road between the soccer field and baseball complex, will be closed. All other areas will be open for tailgate parties, a patch of ground for a blanket or just a place to park to watch.

Stidham said the area will be treated for mosquitoes prior to the fireworks show. All that is needed is a little cooperation from the weather, he said.

For the third year in a row, Bloomfield will be sponsoring a fireworks display at the city park July 4. The display will start as soon as it is dark enough.

Assistant fire chief Michael B. Smith of the Bloomfield Fire Department said the city is purchasing the fireworks from Wisdom Cosmic Sales Inc. of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Fire department members will be the "shooters" for the event. Smith said the members are trained and certified to handle setting off the fireworks.

For those recreating at Lake Wappapello, a big fireworks display will be held July 5 near the dam. The display will be at dark.

It will be preceded by a full day of activities, starting at 10 a.m. when participants will begin building cardboard boats. The cardboard boat race will be at 3 p.m. at Redman Creek Beach, part of Willie's Wet 'n' Wild Waterfest. The event is sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Regional Water Safety Council.

Other events during the day include a personal flotation device fashion show at 10:30 a.m., a canoe race at 11:30 a.m. and sand sculpture contest beginning at 12:30 p.m. A special event is the Optical Hydra Illusion Obstacle challenge at 11 a.m. There will be dunking booth, tug-of-war, water-balloon toss and watermelon-eating contest throughout the afternoon. All events are at Redman Creek Beach.

For those coming later for the fireworks, Bo Bo the Clown (Irene Settle) will present a special performance for children at 7 p.m. at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center.

For more information about this event, call 573-222-8139 or toll free at 1-877-525-3463.