Jackson residents get dirty celebrating Independence Day

While most cities look forward to fireworks shows on the Fourth of July, Jackson residents look forward to something else. The mud volleyball tournament at Jackson City Park has drawn hundreds of participants and spectators each year it has been offered.

According to Julie Brandmeyer, head coach of the Jackson High School volleyball team, 43 teams signed up this year, a slight increase from last year.

"In 2012, we had 40 teams," she said. "We've got four pits set up, all going at the same time, and it's a double elimination bracket. The top eight teams will go on to a single elimination bracket."

The top three teams receive cash prizes, Brandmeyer said. The rest of the money pays for summer camps and extra equipment for the Jackson volleyball team, and also for the city's 2014 fireworks display.

Event organizer Jason Mouser said he would like to see the event continue to grow in popularity.

"It seems like we get more interest year after year," he said. "We just want to build it up each year."

Mouser said the event was a "big draw" in the city's annual celebration and required the effort of the entire community. Jackson volleyball players and their parents help keep the games going smoothly and the Jackson Fire Department helped set up the pits and keep them, and the players, watered down throughout the day.

Jessica Heinley coached the team "Cohm, Cool and Collected." She said her team was made up primarily of family members and a few family friends.

"Almost everyone has played before," she said. "But this is our first time playing as a family team."

A few feet away, a children's mud pit and obstacle course was set up.

According to Mark Dambach, one of the organizers, they created the event to allow children to be more involved in the day's festivities.

"We're always looking at ways to expand the events at the park," he said. "We didn't know if it would be popular or not ... but the way it looks now, we'll be setting this up again in years to come."

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

North High Street and Parkview Street, Jackson, MO