FIREWORKS & FUN ABOUND THIS JULY 4

Looking for something to do to celebrate Independence Day? It's not necessary to look far to find traditional Fourth of July parades and fireworks.

One of the biggest celebrations will be at the Jackson City Park.

"I think a lot of people come from the smaller towns around here that don't have any kind of Fourth of July celebration," said Rick Schultz of the Jackson Jaycees, the organization that sponsors the event.

"Every year we have a good response, and it just gets bigger and better."

The Jackson Fourth of July Celebration began four years ago when the city asked the Jaycees to help sponsor it.

"The Jaycees have just continued to run it each year," Schultz said.

About 15,000 people last year enjoyed fireworks, a parade and other activities. This year marks the 178th anniversary of the city's founding.

Activities begin with a five mile run and one mile walk-run at 8 a.m. beginning at the swimming pool parking lot. Other activities include:

A 9 a.m. parade beginning on High Street to Adams and Union Streets to the City Park. The traditional parade route was altered due to construction in the downtown area.

An auction will be held at the park following the parade. Schultz said proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas decorations for the downtown area. A mud volleyball tournament begins at 9:30 in the park and will last until 8:30 p.m.

Musical entertainment includes the Manasa Galaxy Sound System from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by the Christian rock band Witness until 8 p.m., when the Jackson Municipal Band will play.

Antique cars will be on display throughout the day in the park. Other daytime activities include the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker contest, a horseshoe tournament beginning at noon, a pie and watermelon eating contest at 4:30, a kiddie tractor pull at 5:30 and a greased pig contest at 7 p.m.

The grand finale of the event is the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Schultz said more events have been added this year because many businesses and civic groups have helped with planning and organizing the event.

"They've given us a lot of support," Schultz said. "And as a result, if you want something to do, we've got plenty."

Activities in Cape Girardeau include fireworks at 9:30 at Arena Park, and a Victorian Independence Day Celebration at the historic Glenn House, 325 S. Spanish.

Beginning at 4 p.m. hot dogs, hamburgers and other picnic fare will be available, along with games for kids and entertainment by brass bands and a quartet. Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for kids 6-12.

At Oran, the annual Knights of Columbus July Fourth Picnic will feature a family-style dinner served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4-7:30 p.m. A horseshoe tournament begins at 1 p.m., and the Golden Slippers band will perform from 4-7 p.m., followed by Charlie's Music Revue.

The Oran Independence Day observance has been held since 1908. The event ends with a fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.

Across the river in Tamms, Ill., a traditional Fourth of July picnic will be held at the city park. Fire Chief Donald Holshouser said volunteers will begin selling barbecue between 10 and 11 a.m.

"We make a ton of barbecue, and I do mean a ton," Holshouser said. Ice cream, hamburgers and hot dogs also will be sold.

Local singers will perform at 2 p.m., and the band Fault Line will take the stage from 6-10 p.m. A drawing for raffle prizes will be held at 10 p.m. followed by fireworks.

In Perryville, the all-volunteer community band will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Perryville City Park. A fireworks display will follow at about 9 p.m.

The fireworks display almost didn't happen this year in Perryville, because the Jaycees, which normally funded the display, couldn't afford to foot the bill, said Charlotte Worrell of the Perryville Chamber of Commerce.

"The Community Betterment committee of the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a fund-raising effort to raise money for the fireworks this year," Worrell said.

"We were able to raise about $2,500, which is enough to cover the costs of the display. But the thanks really goes to the businesses and people who contributed."

The fireworks will be shot off from the city park.

In Marble Hill, the Optimist Horse Show begins at 2 p.m. at the city park, and the Patton Saddle Club Horse Show begins at 3 p.m. at the saddle club arena. Fireworks can be seen in Marble Hill beginning at 9 p.m. at the ball park. In case of rain, the fireworks display will be Sunday night.

The Sweet Corn Festival and Fourth of July Celebration will be held in East Prairie, complete with fireworks Saturday night.

In Dexter, the East City Park will be the scene of horseshoe, volleyball, softball and tennis tournaments, a concert and fireworks display.

In Malden, country singer Tammy Wynette along with John Conlee will perform Sunday as part of a city-wide Fourth of July Celebration sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Tammy Wynette Fairgrounds at the Malden Industrial Park. The gospel group Full Circle also will perform.

Following the concert will be a large fireworks display.

Wynette has produced 25 number one singles and was named Female Vocalist of the Year three times.

Tickets are $4 in advance and $6 at the gate. Children under 12 will be admitted free. For further ticket information, call the Malden Chamber of Commerce office at 276-4519.

The town of Doniphan will celebrate the fourth with an 8 p.m. concert featuring country singer Marty Stuart on Friday. Stuart will perform at the ball park on Summit Street.

The opening act is the Bill Barnett Band. Events on Saturday include pageants and a fireworks display.

Tickets for Friday's concert are available at the Doniphan Chamber of Commerce office. Adult tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Children's tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the gate.

In St. Louis, the annual VP Fair has been moved back to the Fourth of July weekend, after being held during Labor Day weekend last year.

The VP Fair parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday.

Major events during the three-day fair include the McDonnell Douglas Air Show each day at noon and 5:30 p.m. Spectacular fireworks displays over the Arch will take place each night at 9:45.

Entertainment Friday includes the Oak Ridge Boys at 2 p.m. and the Beach Boys at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday's lineup includes REO Speedwagon at 2 p.m. and Patti LeBelle at 8:15 p.m.

The final day of the fair includes a 10 mile run from the Old Courthouse beginning at 7:30 a.m., the St. Louis All-Star Rhythm and Blues Revue at 1:45 p.m., and Kenny Rogers at 8:15 p.m.

All events are held at the St. Louis riverfront.