Walk/run, mud volleyball highlight Jackson Fourth of July

An early morning 5k race, mud volleyball and nighttime fireworks will be part of this year's Fourth of July Celebration in Jackson City Park.

"It's going to be a fun time," said Shane Anderson, director of the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department. "We just hope that the weather will be OK."

The day will kick off with the Independence Day 5k walk/run and children's fun run at 7:30 a.m. The race will start and end at HealthPoint Fitness Center in Jackson and will support SoutheastHEALTH's cancer, children's health and wellness programs. Registration is $25 before the day of the race and $30 on race day. For more information on the walk/run, call 243-2211 or visit healthpointplaza.com.

The mud volleyball tournament will begin at 8 a.m. in Jackson City Park. The tournament will be a double-elimination contest with teams competing in the mud for cash prizes.

"We had about 40 teams last year and we expect between 40 and 50 this year," said Jason Mauser, an organizer of the tournament. "There's cash prizes for first through third place."

Mauser said there is a $200 entry fee per team and the registration deadline is 5 p.m. June 25. For information on how to register a team, call Mauser at 576-8709.

This year's celebration will include two new events, the Little Miss Firecracker Pageant at 10 a.m. and the Kids' Mud Pit and Obstacle Course from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"The mud pit is free for kids ages 7 through 12 who aren't old enough to get in the mud volleyball tournament," Anderson said. "They shouldn't be left out of playing in the mud."

Classic cars and trucks will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the car show, and beginning at 11 a.m. local artists will showcase paintings and other artwork during Art in the Park. The Southern Brothers will perform at 7 p.m. at the bandshell, and the celebration ends with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

To view the complete Fourth of July schedule of events at Jackson City Park, visit jacksonmo.org.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, Mo.