Variety of activities scheduled for Fourth

Cape Girardeau's Libertyfest will not only celebrate American independence but also the city bicentennial this year, and Jackson residents will be treated to an expanded concert from the city's municipal band.

Every year Old Town Cape's Libertyfest draws thousands to downtown to catch live entertainment and watch fireworks. This year those entertainment offerings will incorporate two celebrations of the city's birth -- a re-enactment of Cape Girardeau's incorporation and an original short theater piece about Louis Lorimier written by Dr. Roseanna Whitlow.

The festival will get a later start than last year -- 6:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. -- due to the lack of an opening parade. But from 5 p.m. through 6:25 p.m. will be the dedication of a Vietnam War memorial on the grounds of the Common Pleas Courthouse.

Libertyfest will get underway immediately after the dedication with activities for youngsters at Water and Themis streets and musical entertainment at Spanish and Independence streets.

Acoustic folk musician Dan Wiethop starts the music, followed by the Mike Renick Band and a musical finale by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band. Between those performances a re-enactment of the city's incorporation, with George Dordoni portraying city founder Louis Lorimier, and Whitlow's short play "Young Louis Lorimier" are scheduled. The play imagines an early encounter between Lorimier and his future wife while they were teenagers.

During that time Steve Schaffner and the Jerry Ford Dixieland Band will both stroll through the streets providing musical entertainment.

Libertyfest will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem by Bekah Phanstiel, comments by Mayor Jay Knudtson, the presentation of the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award and a fireworks display over the Mississippi River starting at 9 p.m.

During the events downtown streets will be closed to traffic starting in the afternoon.

Events in Jackson will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the Independence Day 5K Run starting at the Jackson City Park.

Festivities continue at 11 a.m. with the judging of the annual car show. Throughout the day artists will display their work and entertainment will be offered, capped off by the Jackson Municipal Band from 7 to 9:15 p.m.

There will also be activities throughout the day for children.

The municipal band usually only plays for one hour, but has extended the performance to more than two this year, Jackson Chamber of Commerce director Marybeth Williams said.

A fireworks display will follow the performance, and all events will take place in the Jackson City Park.

For more information on Libertyfest, call 334-8085, and for more information on Jackson's Independence Day events, call 243-8131.

In addition to celebrations in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, Oran will sponsor a Fourth of July picnic, a yearly tradition since 1908. The daylong event will be held at the town's Knights of Columbus Hall with both lunch and dinner and entertainment throughout the day, ending with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Schedules

Libertyfest

5 to 6:25 p.m. -- Dedication of Vietnam War memorial at Common Pleas Courthouse

6:30 to 7 p.m. -- Dan Wiethop at Spanish and Themis streets

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Strolling fiddler Steve Schaffner

7 to 7:30 p.m. -- "Young Louis Lorimier" at Spanish and Themis streets

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. -- strolling Jerry Ford Dixieland Band

7:30 to 8 p.m. -- Mike Renick Band and Spanish and Themis streets

8 to 8:30 p.m. -- Incorporation re-enactment at Spanish and Themis streets

8:30 to 9 p.m. -- Cape Municipal Band at Spanish and Themis streets

9 p.m. -- National anthem, mayor's remarks and Spirit of America Award presentation at Spanish and Themis streets

Approximately 9:30 p.m. -- Fireworks over the Mississippi River

Jackson (all events at the Jackson City Park)

7:30 a.m. -- Independence Day 5K Run

11 a.m. -- Judging of car show

2 p.m. -- Dance celebration with local dancers from Dance Expressions studio

7 p.m. -- Jackson Municipal Band concert

9:30 p.m. -- Fireworks display