Fourth festivities

This past weekend had just about everything you could ask for in a Fourth of July weekend: great weather, fun activities for the entire family, barbecues and, of course, fireworks.

Organizers for both events in Jackson and Cape Girardeau did a tremendous job, and attendees were treated to some wonderful festivities.

Those in Jackson had some midsummer fun Monday evening with a car show, arts and crafts booths on display, two men demonstrating blacksmithing and plenty of good eats -- such as barbecue and funnel cakes -- available through vendors. Capping off the evening was the much anticipated fireworks display.

Cape Girardeau played host to a four-day extravaganza put on by the USA Veterans organization that culminated Monday evening with a demolition derby and professional firework display in Arena Park.

Rodger Brown, USA Veterans commander, said about 3,500 attended the extended weekend event. While disappointed more people in the area didn't take advantage of all the weekend festivities, Brown was thankful for those who did come out and hoped they would encourage their family and friends to come next year. He was especially pleased with the strong turnout for the demolition derby and fireworks display Monday evening.

While USA Veterans has not decided whether it will continue the four-day schedule next year, Brown did say that both the demolition derby and fireworks would be back.

Though the festivities organized by USA Veterans were top-notch, there is a major financial component to putting on such a grand event.

"We did not quite break even, but we will overcome," Brown said. He went on to say this was the third year the organization fell just short of breaking even.

If you'd like to support the organization, which does not receive financial support from the city of Cape Girardeau for the celebration, donations can be sent to USA Veterans, P.O. Box 840, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.