HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES SET FOR CITY PARK

JACKSON -- Celebrate the Fourth with food, fun and fireworks at Jackson City Park.

The Jackson Jaycees are hosting their annual July 4 celebration Thursday with activities throughout the day.

The mud volleyball tournament, which begins at 8 a.m., will be a big draw, said Wanda Lorenz, one of the organizers of the celebration.

She said 38 teams had signed up as of Tuesday. The tournament is designed for 48 teams.

"We're looking for some walk-ins" to register Thursday morning, Lorenz said.

The Jackson Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m.

The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m., Lorenz said and usually lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.

"But sometimes the guys get excited and it goes a lot faster," she joked.

Summer heat doesn't usually deter visitors, said organizer Tamie McClain.

"There's plenty of shade and cold drinks around," she said. A first aid tent will also be set up, just in case. "We've never really had a problem with the heat."

Registration for the car show will begin at 9 a.m. "We usually have a pretty good turnout for it," said Vince Martin, who is chairing this year's show.

Categories include street rods, antiques, trucks, mini-trucks, Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros and Firebirds, motorcycles and tractors.

Shoppers can browse the craft show, and the competitive can square off in the pie-eating contest, keg throw or skillet throw.

The Knights of Columbus will also sponsor a horseshoe tournament.

Refreshment booths will be set up throughout the day, and magician Rob Huff will perform three shows during the day.

Model aircraft will be displayed by the Southeast Modelers Association.

The Jaycees are also raffling off a $500 Wal-Mart shopping spree. Proceeds will go toward the fireworks display.