GEARING UP FOR THE FOURTH

Cape Girardeau residents kicked off Independence Day celebrations a day early Saturday with a parade and a host of activities at Arena Park.

Numerous activities and several bands are scheduled for today. A fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.

This is the third annual celebration sponsored by VFW Post 3838. The group spearheaded the revival of the community celebration, which was canceled in 1989.

Parade marshal and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson led the two-day community celebration with a motorcade from Capaha Park to Arena Park.

Emerson, who spoke after arriving at Arena Park, said she will do her best to make a good showing in the second annual milking contest today. She said she was unaware she had been scheduled to compete in the event.

"Just remember it'll be my first time," she said Saturday. "You all should come on out and watch me make a fool of myself."

A variety of other games also are planned, including darts, a basketball throw, a watermelon eating contest and the "greased" pole contest. Contestants will vie for prizes such as tickets to the upcoming air show.

At the parade's conclusion, community members gathered to hear Daniel Dirnberger, 18, of Oran deliver his national Voice of Democracy winning speech.

Dirnberger, son of Lenard and Camilla Dirnberger of Oran, took second place overall in the national competition, which included more than 81,000 entries at all levels.

In his speech, Dirnberger described his feelings of pride and shame after watching the reactions of a group of veterans to the movie "Saving Private Ryan." He said their solemn patriotism made him reflect upon his own service to America and how he could make it a better place.

"I could not think of any major task that I had accomplished to make me worthy of the freedom that was given to me," he wrote. "I have always tried to do well in school, be an upright citizen, and obey the laws, but these things were so minor, so insignificant that they could not possibly matter in this big country of ours."

Listeners nodded in agreement as Dirnberger encouraged them to take pride in the small services they provide to their country. Any service, whether it be "voting, volunteering or simply picking up a piece of trash" will make an impact, he said.

"Just think what would happen if everyone tried just a little harder to do better, work together and be the best they can be. Our country would be just a little bit better place to live and work," wrote Dirnberger.

After Dirnberger's speech, participants could enjoy numerous family-oriented games or pull up a chair and listen to live music on the sound stage.

While some enjoyed the sunny day and high temperatures, others opted to play games or visit arts and crafts and antique vendors who displayed products inside the air-conditioned A.C. Brase Arena Building.

"We thought this was something good to come to as a family," said Ken Farris of Cape Girardeau. "I've been going to these since I was a little boy in St. Louis. "It's important to teach them why we really celebrate the Fourth of July."

Jackson plans

A variety of activities are available to Jackson residents wanting to make their holiday celebration a community affair.

Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. with the Drug Free Council Annual Fun Run. At 8 a.m., the first of over 40 teams will square off for the annual mud volleyball competition at Jackson City Park.

Residents also can participate in Karaoke contests, a variety of music, a tractor pedal pull and a car show featuring antique, hot rod, stock and "plain Jane" cars.

A fishing rodeo will be held at Rotary Lake.

Available throughout the day will be children's rides, a petting zoo and craft and food stands.

The day will draw to a close at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks display.

Cape Girardeau -- Arena Park

Sunday, July 4

11:30 a.m. -- Park opens for community picnic

12-2 p.m. -- Classy Chassy Country band and karaoke

1-2 p.m. -- Watermelon- and pie-eating contests

2-3 p.m. -- Navy eight-piece band (pop-rock)

2-3 p.m. -- Magician Mickey Garrett inside Arena Building

2:30-3 p.m. -- Cow milking contest (front of Arena Building)

3-5 p.m. -- Crossfire band

3-5 p.m. -- "Greased" pole climb for prizes

5-5:30 p.m. -- Nail driving contest

5-6 p.m. -- Replica band

5:30-6 p.m. -- Magician Mickey Garrett inside Arena Building

5:30-6 p.m. -- Tug of war (back of Arena Building)

6-6:30 p.m. -- Class Chassy Country band

6:30-7:30 p.m. -- Navy eight-piece band

7:30-8 p.m. -- Replica band

8-8:45 p.m. -- Crossfire band

8:45-9:15 p.m. -- Replica and Crossfire

9-9:30 p.m. -- Fireworks display

9:30-midnight -- Crossfire

Jackson -- Jackson City Park

Sunday, July 4

7:30 a.m. -- Drug Free Council Annual Fun Run

8 a.m. -- Mud volleyball

9 a.m. -- Car show (judging at 1 p.m., trophies awarded at 3 p.m.)

11:30 a.m. -- Donnie Harris Entertainment System and karaoke on Stage 2

Noon -- official welcome by Mayor Paul Sander

12:15 p.m. -- Time Travel band on Stage 1

2 p.m. -- Fishing rodeo at Rotary Lake for ages up to 15

5 p.m. -- Country Touch band on Stage 1

6 p.m. -- Cape County Young Farmers tractor pedal pull

8 p.m. -- Flag presentation at Muny Band Shell

8:05 p.m. -- Muny Band concert

9:30 p.m. -- Fireworks display