Jackson City Park to be packed with activities July Fourth

From early morning races to late-night fireworks, Jackson is hosting a day to celebrate the Fourth of July and the birthday of Jackson.

The day kicks off with the 2011 Independence Day 5K Walk/Run and Children's Fun Run. The race begins at 7:30 a.m., and will start and end at HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson. The race supports Southeast Hospital's cancer, children's health and wellness programs. About 400 people are estimated to participate in the 5K, and preregistration is recommended to avoid lines the day of the race. Preregistration packets can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. July 3 at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, or from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. on race day.

Classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles and monster trucks will be on display at the car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eighty to 125 cars will be on display off Parkview Street near Jackson City Park. To enter a car in the show, contact Shane Anderson at 968-7752.

Starting at 11 a.m. local artists will gather in the park to paint, weld and craft pieces of art. People will be able to watch artists at work and purchase art.

Children can enjoy pony rides, and Jelly Bean the miniature donkey will be back this year for cart rides.

Food stands will be available throughout the park selling foods like corn dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, bratwurst and cotton candy.

Lucas Beine will give a glimpse of life in America during the 1700s. From 1 to 4 p.m., he will be in period dress and available to answer questions and show reproduced items from the Revolutionary

era.

Dance Extensions will showcase acrobatics, solo acts and ribbon dances at the tennis courts starting at 2 p.m.

Saxy Jazz Motown will play at 7 p.m. at the band shell. Food and drinks are welcome, but glass bottles are not allowed in the park. The Jackson Muny Band plays at 8 p.m.

The day ends with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Pertinent Address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.