Local Fourth of July events kick off Friday

SIKESTON — With the Fourth of July falling on Tuesday, many communities have Independence Day celebrations planned on the actual holiday while others will start their festivities as early as Friday, June 30.

The Vanduser, Missouri, Betterment Committee will once again kick off its two-day celebration on Friday at Graviett’s Memorial Ball Field. The Committee’s Ninth Annual Independence Day Celebration will be from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 30 and from noon to midnight Saturday, July 1 at Graviett’s Memorial Ball Field.

On Friday of Vanduser’s event, there will be a fish fry (fish, hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans), bounce houses, vendors and pageants. The band, White Lightning, will perform. On Saturday, there will be a parade followed by pageants and a cruise-in at 12:30 p.m. A crawfish boil will be at 6 p.m. A flag presentation at 8:30 p.m. The event will concluded with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Other local Fourth of July festivities are also planned this weekend.

Fireworks over the Mississippi River will be at dusk Saturday, July 1 in New Madrid, Missouri.

The newly established East Prairie Lions Club will sponsor a street dance/tailgate party Saturday, July 1 in downtown East Prairie. The Cruisers will provide entertainment. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, sodas, water and glow toys for sale. All proceeds will go to the East Prairie Lions Club.

Then, on the actual holiday, the East Prairie Chamber of Commerce and City of East Prairie will sponsor a fireworks display at dusk Tuesday at the East Prairie High School football field.

The City of Sikeston and Sikeston Elks will once again have its annual fireworks display starting around dusk Tuesday at the Sikeston Recreation Complex on Campanella Drive. Many residents prefer to go to the Complex to see the fireworks while others can enjoy them from their backyards. A fire truck with Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s Fire Division will also be on standby for safety.

The annual Oran Fourth of July Picnic will fall on the holiday at the Knights of Columbus Council 4311 grounds in Oran. An all-you-can-eat buffet-style dinner will be served indoors and by carryouts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday will be carryouts only. Menu includes roast beef, fried chicken, dressing and all the trimmings, drinks and desserts. Cost is $15 for all-you-can eat; $5 for children 6-12 years; and free for children under 6 years.

The KC-sponsored event also includes an antique tractor display; horseshoe tournament at 1 p.m. (entry fee is $10 and registration at noon); pedal tractor pull at 4 p.m.; cornhole tournament at 4:30 p.m. (entry fee is $10 and registration at 3:30 p.m.); music by Classy Chassy Country from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Whippoorwill Hollar from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. No coolers or supersoakers will be allowed on grounds.

The “Let Freedom Ring 2023” celebration will be from 4 p.m. to dark July 4 at the Knights of Columbus Hall property on Marshall Street in Charleston. Hosted by First Assembly of God and other Charleston community churches and organizations, the event will include a cornhole tournament at 4 p.m., food, bounce houses, games, door prizes and giveaways, cooling tent and live music. The event will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk.