Fireworks

The fireworks show is back on in Cape Girardeau.

It's been a bit of a roller-coaster ride in the city during the last several years. In 2009, the city stopped funding the show for financial reasons, then the responsibilities were picked up by a veterans group, which announced in February it would not be able to fund fireworks this year.

It just didn't seem right that the largest city in our region would not have a fireworks display. Though initially desiring to remain anonymous, the chairman of the board of the Southeast Missourian and Rust Communications donated $6,000 toward the cause, hoping it could be matched to secure the $12,000 needed for the show. Isle Casino Cape Girardeau came forward with another $6,000.

We're happy that we'll have fireworks this year.

The show will be at Arena Park again this year, where we will also announce the winner of the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award. To nominate someone for this award, visit semissourian.com/forms/spirit or see the print form periodically running in the newspaper. The deadline for nominations is June 13.

Of course many other nearby communities have fireworks shows, too. Jackson has stepped up plans for its overall festivities, which include a 5k run/walk, mud volleyball, a beer garden, a car show, a little miss pageant, a bicycle parade, food stands, pony rides and a gospel concert and a fireworks show at the city park.

The Fourth of July is a great holiday to spend celebrating our heritage, our freedom and patriotism.

We hope everyone makes time to get out with family and friends on Independence Day and enjoys the rockets' red glare.