FIREWORKS DISPLAY MISSING IN CAPE THIS YEAR

Three years ago, VFW Post 3838 resurrected a community-wide Fourth of July picnic in Cape Girardeau that had been discontinued in 1989. Bands were hired to play during the day at Arena Park, but not many people showed up until the fireworks started.

After similar experiences in 1998 and 1999 and spending $8,000-$12,000 a year on the picnic, the VFW membership voted earlier this year not to sponsor the celebration any more.

"We never could get the city behind us and the community behind us," said Pete Rhodes, the VFW club manager. "Have you ever had a party and nobody showed up?"

Rhodes said the veterans organization never asked merchants and civic groups for much money. They raised about $4,000 each year to help with expenses, leaving the VFW to pay the rest of the cost. The City of Cape Girardeau did not contribute to paying for the event, he said.

"But we wouldn't mind spending $12,000 if somebody had showed up."

Rhodes is dismayed that Cape Girardeau no longer has a celebration. "People don't realize what the Fourth of July is for," he said. "It's just another holiday for kids."

The VFW will hold a Fourth of July observance for members only, he said.

The Jackson Jaycees appear ready to step into the vacuum with a $10,000 Fourth of July fireworks display and increased funding from corporate sponsorships and the City of Jackson.

July 4 at City Park will begin with a foot race at 7:30 a.m. and mud volleyball at 8 a.m. and will continue with a car show, kiddie rides, a concert by the Jackson Municipal Band before the fireworks begin.

Oran also is planning a big community event, one which traces its origins to 1908. A family- and buffet-style roast beef and chicken dinner will be served from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m. at the Oran Knights of Columbus grounds.

There also will be a car exhibition, music by the Rodeo Girls and Classy Chassy, Western wagon rides from noon-6, bingo, a horseshoe tournament at 1 p.m., dancing from 8-11:30 p.m., bingo and finally fireworks at 10 p.m. The Knights of Columbus are the sponsors.

At Perryville City Park, a hot air balloonist will take off at 7 p.m. Tuesday, about the time the Pat Holt Singers mount the stage for a high-kicking two-hour riverboat revue. The other kind of fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Perry Rotary Club and Jaycees.

The Veiled Prophet Parade today kicks off the Fair Saint Louis celebration, which continues Sunday and Tuesday at the fairgrounds under the Gateway Arch. Country star Terri Clark will sing on the main stage at 2 p.m. today, with R&B singer Ray Charles taking the stage at 8 p.m.

The rock band .38 Special will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, with the disco group KC and the Sunshine Band performing at 8. Fireworks will follow at 9:40 p.m.

Tuesday's entertainment in St. Louis will begin with country star Neal McCoy at 2 p.m. and R&B legends The Four Tops at 8. Again, fireworks will follow the concert.

Other events July 4 include:

* A day of music and barbecue at Tamms, Ill. Activities begin at noon at the park across from the Tamms Volunteer Fire Department. Barbecue and other sandwiches will be for sale. Three Christian groups will sing from noon to 4:30 p.m. A country rock band will perform from 6-10 p.m. followed by a fireworks display. The event is a fund raiser for Tamms Volunteer Fire Department.

* July 4th Celebration, Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center, Route T south of Wappapello Dam, all day Saturday. Car display at 1 p.m., live band Ryder 6-10 p.m., fireworks after dark.

* Fourth of July Weekend Celebration, Arrowhead Campground, 15 miles west of Marble Hill. Magic show at 1 p.m., country music with Bob Spain and Wild Card at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Phone 243-6078 or 495-2137 for information.

* Whippoorwill Lake Campground, on Highway 51 south of Marble Hill. Classy Chassy Karaoke is scheduled in the afternoon, the Crossfire band and fireworks at dusk. For information, phone 238-3995.

* New Madrid, where the Dixie Players and the Live Wires will present at performance at 7:30 at Riverfront Park followed by a fireworks display at dark.

* Sikeston Recreation Complex, including the Elks' Youth Fishing Derby and fireworks. Phone 471-6362 for information.

* Ste. Genevieve City Park, including music by the Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band and fireworks. Phone 883-7097 for information.

* Independence Day Celebration, Paducah, Ky., riverfront, entertainment at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. It's free.