Mud volleyball returns to Jackson's July 4 celebration

The City of Jackson Independence Day Celebration Committee has worked since last year to figure out what will attract more people to City Park on July 4. A more elaborate fireworks display, a beer garden and the much-anticipated return of mud volleyball are planned as part of a full day of holiday events.

"We have been striving to get more activity in the park on the Fourth of July and at the same time be able to help fund the fireworks display and that is what the committee has accomplished," Mayor Barbara Lohr said Friday.

Alderman Larry Cunningham, committee chairman, said recent attendance has been down somewhat compared to previous years and he feels optimistic that the expanded activities will add to the day's mainstays, such as the car show.

The committee is already close to meeting its $5,000 fundraising goal for the fireworks display, Cunningham said Friday. The board of aldermen will vote tonight on whether to match those funds with city dollars, which would provide at least $10,000 to spend on the show.

In the past few years, Cunningham said, about $6,000 was spent on a smaller display.

"It's hard to believe, but $6,000 doesn't buy you much fireworks," Cunningham said.

Cunningham said the committee aims to fund future displays through the proceeds collected during the day's activities instead of relying solely on vendor donations. Two events this year will set aside half the money they raise to put toward next year's fireworks show: the beer garden and mud volleyball.

Alcoholic beverages have been banned in the park in the past to control illegal drinking. This year, 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 hand stamped to indicate they are of legal drinking age. After that, they can come and go, but cannot take beverages out of the designated area.

Next to the beer garden will be the mud volleyball tournament, sponsored by the Jackson Lady Indians High School Volleyball Program, who will receive half the money from entry fees.

Jackson Fire Department Chief Jason Mouser, whose daughter is on the Jackson High School team, said "a lot of people" have said they would like to see the return of the event, which has been absent from the day's festivities since 2004. It will be a double-elimination co-ed tournament with a maximum of 32 teams.

The court will consist of a plowed-up area of the park that will be saturated with water from a fire hose. Straw bales will line the perimeter and members of the Lady Indians will officiate.

The day's activities throughout the park will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 10 p.m.

* 7:30 a.m. Jackson Independence Day 5K. Registration is $25 before race day, $30 on race day. Awards will be given by age group. For information, call 573-243-2211 or visit www.healthpointplaza.com.

* 8 a.m. Mud volleyball tournament, Shelter No. 1. There is a $200 entry fee per team, registration deadline is June 25. To enter, visit www.jacksonmo.org or contact Jason Mouser at 573-576-8709.

* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car show. More than 100 cars and trucks from Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas will be on display throughout the day.

* 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jackson Elks Lodge No. 2652 Beer Garden, Shelter No. 1

* 11 a.m. Local foods, live blacksmith demonstrations, local artist exhibits and children's games including a duck pond and an inflatable jump castle sponsored by the Jackson High School swim team.

* 1 to 8 p.m. Jackson Municipal Swimming Pool will be open. Entry $3, free for children under 4.

* 1 to 4 p.m. Lucas Beine, dressed in period costume, will show park visitors what life was like in 1700s Colonial America.

* 7 to 8 p.m. Pat Schwent and Saxy Jazz at the municipal band shell.

* 8 to 9 p.m. Jackson Municipal Band at the municipal band shell.

* 9:30 p.m. Fireworks display. Spectators can bring chairs, blankets and picnic foods.

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

salderman@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, MO