Mud volleyball expands, pageant added at Jackson's Independence Day event

Building on the success of last year's Independence Day Celebration in Jackson City Park, organizers are expanding two of its most popular attractions, the beer garden and mud volleyball, and adding a Little Miss Firecracker pageant to the festivities.

Alderman Larry Cunningham, chairman of the Independence Day Celebration Committee, said an $11,000 fireworks display is planned, along with activities such as a 5k run, car show, art exhibit, food vendors, pony rides, an educational display about 1700s America and live music.

Last year, Cunningham and the committee worked to find donations for fireworks and then collected fees from vendors, the beer garden and entry into the volleyball tournament to fund this year's display. About $7,400 was left over from last July's proceeds, $6,000 of which will be added to a $5,000 donation by the city of Jackson for this year's show. The committee intends to continue that practice, so the display can be self-sustaining year after year, he said.

Alcoholic beverages are generally not allowed in the park, but on July 4, Jackson Elks Lodge No. 2652 will sell beer within a roped-off area at Shelter No. 1 to adults ages 21 and older. People will be checked for identification at the entrance and have their hands stamped to indicate they are of legal drinking age. Patrons will be able to come and go, but will not be allowed to take beverages out of the designated area. Three local distributors, Kohlfeld Distributing Inc., River Eagle Distributing Co. and Bluff City Beer Co., will provide beer for the garden.

Next to the beer garden will be the mud volleyball pits. Last year was the first time the event had been part of the celebration since 2004 and more teams signed up than were able to fit on the roster, Cunningham said. An extra pit, consisting of a plowed-up area of the park saturated with water from a fire hose and surrounded by straw bales, will be added for a total of four this year and more than 40 teams are expected to sign up to compete. The girls from the Jackson Lady Indians High School Volleyball Program will again referee the tournament.

Coach Julie Brandmeyer said proceeds from the tournament are being used to help fund extra equipment and camps for the team this summer.

"The girls had a blast," Brandmeyer said. "It was a complete muddy mess, but it was amazing."

"We got rave reviews on the job that the Jackson volleyball girls did," said Jackson Fire Department Chief Jason Mouser, whose daughter is on the team. "All of us ... look for another successful year."

The committee also is considering adding a kid's mud area, possibly with an obstacle course, for children ages 8 to 12 years old.

A Little Miss Firecracker pageant will crown a queen and king in age groups ranging from infants to teens. Participants are required to wear red, white and blue attire and everyone will win an award. "Can be a cute casual outfit ... no dresses are required," according to entry materials.

"We'd like to have a real big crowd," Cunningham said.

Attendance and parking are free. There will be designated handicapped parking and shuttles to the event. No dogs or unauthorized alcoholic beverages will be allowed. For more information about any of the day's events, visit jacksonmo.org or contact Parks and Recreation Director Shane Anderson at 204-8848 or at swanderson@jacksonmo.org.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.

410 W. Main St., Jackson, Mo.