Mountain View to celebrate sesquicentennial

Mountain View will hold sesquicentennial activities June 30 through July 4 to coincide with its annual alumni banquet and the second annual Mountain View Fireworks Celebration.

Things kick off 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, with an old-time movie film, popcorn and drink at United Methodist Church. Admission will be 50 cents.

Plan to get wet Thursday, July 1, with free swimming all day at the city pool. Pool hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

At 6 p.m. Thursday evening in the downtown gazebo, there will be music featuring Dan Duncan and Dee Dee Connors. Mountain View Chamber of Commerce will be serving free hot dogs and lemonade on the Community Center porch.

Friday take a Memory Stroll down Oak Street, enjoying live music in front of Ozark Trading Post. Then at 6 p.m., the Baker Bluegrass Band will perform, followed by square dancing at 7 p.m. and line dancing at 7:30 p.m. The Moore-Cash Connection will perform at 8:15 p.m. Oak Street will be blocked off during the event.

A full day of activities begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, with the Pet Costume Parade on Oak Street.

The Yesteryear Museum in city council chambers on Oak Street also opens at 10 a.m., displaying numerous photos and artifacts of Mountain View history will be on display until 3 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to noon, Mountain View Fire Department will have water spraying for the kids between the library and community center off of First Street. Children will also have the chance to catch a Porky Pig (non-greasy).

At 11 a.m., the dedication of the gazebo in memory of city founder John Goldsberry will be held with prayer and the national anthem. Singing will be performed by Erin Hand.

Dress up in your patriotic best and participate in the Patriotic Costume & Hat Parade on Oak Street at noon. Prizes will be awarded.

The afternoon continues with the Patriotic Parade with floats, color guard and much more at 3:30 p.m. The parade will line up at Mountain View Elementary at 2:30 p.m. and will go from the grade school to First Street and end at the airport.

That evening the Mountain View Fireworks Celebration committee has an evening of food, fun, games and music at the football field. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., visit various booths, including the National Guard, Boy Scouts, Zumba, and more, as well as a dunking booth, water fun and various children's games.

Food vendors will be on hand to fulfill your tastes with everything from sno-cones and watermelon to hamburgers and hot dogs.

Entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. with country music by The Country Travelers followed by Christian group Sky Bourn. Freefall Express skydivers will descend around 7 p.m. with a patriotic presentation. The evening will end with the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, the community churches are sponsoring a potluck and gospel singing 12:30 p.m. at Veteran's Park. Bring a dish, your lawn chair and come prepared for an afternoon of uplifting music and fellowship.