Local communities plan firework shows for holiday

SIKESTON — Fireworks will once again light up the night sky in Sikeston on the Fourth of July to commemorate Independence Day.

The show will begin at dusk or when it gets dark in the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds on Sunday.

The Sikeston Elks Club will once again put on the show, as they have for nearly 30 years, but this year was a bit more problematic with the shortage of fireworks and higher costs.

“It’s been a problem,” said Bonnie Hagler, fireworks chair for the Sikeston Elks. “We had to increase our fireworks budget to get the job done but the show will go on. Donations have come through.”

The Sikeston Elks depend on donations from local businesses and individuals to put on the show. Hagler said the donations they’ve received will mostly cover this year’s costs but “if people would still like to donate we would be thankful.”

The event typically draws a big crowd and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Hagler thanked Sikeston DPS for helping with the traffic and the overseeing of the event.

“The people who set off the fireworks have to dig bunkers and things to set off the fireworks and they do it under the supervision of the fire department to ensure nobody gets hurt,” Hagler said.

Troy Wisdom and Gladiator Fireworks will set off the fireworks. In the case of rain, the show will be moved to Monday night.

Other shows are set for the area as well this weekend.

Oran

A fireworks display will be held at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday in Oran as a finale to the annual Fourth of July Picnic at the Oran K.C. Hall and grounds.

Charleston

There will be a fireworks display in Charleston at about 9 p.m. Sunday as a finale to the “Let Freedom Ring” event held at the Knights of Columbus Park at the corner of 6th Street and E. Marshall Street.

New Madrid

A fireworks display will be held in New Madrid at dusk on Saturday ending the annual New Madrid Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks display will begin at dusk with the public able to gather along the Mississippi River levee.

East Prairie

A fireworks celebration will be held around 9 p.m. Sunday in East Prairie at the high school football field.

Portageville

A fireworks display will be held in Portageville at 9 p.m. Saturday, as a finale to the 2021 Portageville Community Days, held at Meatte Memorial Park.