PARADE, FIREWORKS SET FOR FOURT CELEBRATION

Three days of family activities will be held in Arena Park during the July 4 holiday, July 3 through 5.

The 1997 celebration will be sponsored by Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838.

"In the past different fragments of the community have taken care of each July 4 event separately," said Roger Brown, VFW community chairman. "The plans for this year's community picnic is progressing with a planned itinerary."

On July 4, a parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. at Capaha Park and will end at Arena Park where the rest of the holiday activities will resume.

"We are asking children in the area to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade," said Brown.

He said youth don't have the same sense of why we celebrate the Fourth of July as their elders.

"We want them to wave the flag and be happy to have the freedom to do the things they want."

There will be no admission fee to the community celebration.

"It is just going to be a place for the community to gather and enjoy the day," said Brown.

Carnival rides will be set up for all three days, and there will be food concessions.

A large fireworks display is planned for 9 p.m. on July 4. Zimmer Broadcasting will sponsor the display music.

Cape Girardeau July 4 Activities

July 3

Carnival rides during evening

July 4

11:30 a.m., Parade from Capaha Park to Arena Park

1:30 p.m., U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson will speak

2 p.m., Papa Aborigine concert

3 p.m., House of One concert

7 p.m., Compton Heights Band concert

9 p.m., fireworks display

Carnival rides and concessions in park all day

July 5

8 a.m., antique auto display

7 p.m., street dance

Carnival rides and concessions all day