Independence Day is just around the corner, and Mid-Missouri has a slew of activities for those looking to get into the patriotic spirit.
JEFFERSON CITY
Of course, Jefferson City is home to the annual Salute to America festival, a two-day event that includes carnival rides, vendor booths, concerts and the ever-so-popular fireworks show over the Missouri River.
Here's the full rundown:
JULY 3
The Missouri American Water Carnival Land will open at noon and close at 11 p.m., with rides and games in downtown Jefferson City, beginning at the corner of Monroe Street and Capitol Avenue.
A social hour and music from KPLA will begin at 4 p.m. at the Madison Street Stage, at the intersection of High Street, and live music will be available at the Budweiser Beer Garden and Riley Toyota Stage in the Central Bank lot, as well as a food court at 100 W. High St.
Then, at 6 p.m., the Red, White and Bloom Parade will march through downtown Jefferson City.
The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at the Madison Street Stage, followed by the Little Mr. and Miss Independence contest at 7:30 p.m. (Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m.)
From 8:45-10 p.m., the stage will be home to the Q106.1 Dance Party with Big Treble Entertainment.
At the Capitol Stage at the corner of High and Broadway streets, a welcome and announcements will take place at 8:15 p.m., followed by Craig Campbell at 8:30 p.m.
JULY 4
On Independence Day, there are plenty events tied to Salute to America. Below, find a full schedule, by location:
Madison Street Stage - corner of Madison and High streets
11 a.m. - K9s on the Frontline
Noon - Boys & Girls Club Drumline
1 p.m. - JC Dance Academy
2 p.m. - JC Dance Fusion
3 p.m. - J. Pfenny's Hot Dog Eating Contest
4 p.m. - Osage Travelers Band
7 p.m. - Starlight Memories Band
Heritage Stage - Carnahan Memorial Garden
11:30 a.m. - Ben Franklin
12:30 p.m. - Professor Farquar
2:30 p.m. - Ben Franklin
3 p.m. - Raptor Basics with an eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary
4 p.m. - Professor Farquar
5 p.m. - Raptor Basics with an eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary
Budweiser Beer Garden and Riley Toyota Stage - Central Bank lot
2 p.m. - Shawn C
4:30 p.m. - Griff'N Greens
7:30 p.m. - Notorious
Capitol Stage - corner of High and Broadway
6:30 p.m. - Raptor Basics with an eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary
7:15 p.m. - Emcee/intros, parade winners, sponsor recognition
7:30 p.m. - SuperJam
9 p.m. - Emcee/intros, Little Mr. and Miss Independence Contest winners announced, sponsor recognition and the Pledge of Allegiance
Activities in downtown Jefferson City on the holiday itself will also include the Kid's Zone in the 100 block of Madison Street, in front of the Governor's Mansion, which will include pony rides, a petting zoo and Scholastic Books. The Kid's Zone will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
There will also be the Route 66 Car Cruise-in from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Broadway Street, where more than 50 classic cars will be parked.
Then there is the main event - the Red, White and Boom Fireworks Sky Concert in downtown Jefferson City, set to begin at dusk. This is one of the largest fireworks displays in the state, and those wishing to can tune into NASH FM 100.1 to hear music coordinated to go with the display.
If the Salute to America festival isn't for you, or you just want to celebrate America's independence in every way you can, there are several other options in Mid-Missouri, some starting as early as Saturday and at least one as late as July 13.
In Jefferson City, Capital Bluffs Event Center is hosting an event from 7-11 p.m. Wednesday with live music from Five Turn Knot and frozen drinks by Shrunken Head Tropic Lounge. Tickets are available for $5.
ASHLAND
In Ashland, the annual 4th of July Tractor Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, with lineup beginning at Southern Boone Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. After the parade, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., will be the Tractor Show and Community Picnic at The Meadows, 16535 Old 63 South. The event will include games, an obstacle course, plus food, including burgers, hot dogs and homemade ice cream.
The event is free and open to the public, though donations are accepted, with proceeds going to benefit the local mission outreach of Walk in Faith Church.
ELDON
Eldon's Fourth of July events kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K Run/Walk that starts at the Eldon Public Safety Building. The annual Fourth of July Parade will begin at 11 a.m. and go through downtown Eldon.
In the afternoon, there is a variety of activities available, including half-price swim at the Eldon Aquatic Center from noon-4 p.m., a free family kickball tournament at Eldon Air Park Soccer Field from 1-5 p.m., the Food Truck Village at Eldon Air Park from 4-11 p.m., along with craft vendors and face painting at the Eldon Air Park from 4-8 p.m. and the Concert in the Park featuring Pure Drive from 7-9 p.m.
The annual fireworks display will begin at dusk at Eldon Air Park.
FREEBURG
The Freeburg Lions Club will host its annual fireworks display Wednesday, with the show starting at about 9:20 p.m. at the Freeburg Lions Club Ballpark, just south of town.
FULTON
In Fulton, the annual 4th of July Festival will begin Wednesday with live music 5-9:45 p.m., followed by a fireworks display.
On Thursday, the Fourth of July parade will begin at 11 a.m. and go through Fulton's Brick District, from the south gate of William Woods University at 12th Street to Memorial Park. At dusk, the Fulton Country Club's annual fireworks display will be able to be seen from Veteran's Park and Canterbury Hill Winery hosts a special fireworks viewing party from its bluff top perch across the Missouri River from Jefferson City.
HOLTS SUMMIT
Holts Summit will host its annual 3rd of July Festival starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the city's Civic Center at 282 Greenway Drive. The festival will include vendor booths, bounce houses, a beer garden and live music from Murphy's Ford, who will start playing around 8 p.m. The city's fireworks display will begin at dark, which organizers estimate will be around 9:45 p.m.
The Holts Summit event is free and family-friendly.
LINN
The General Baptist Nursing Home will host its area-wide Linn Independence Day Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the home at 196-CC U.S. 50 West in Linn. The event will include live music from the Branded Believers Band, which will play gospel and bluegrass, as well as several food vendors and independent business booths.
The annual event will kick off with the presentation of colors by the Linn VFW & Auxiliary, followed by a veterans' salute. All area veterans are encouraged to attend. The event also includes the Hot Rod/Antique Car Show, which awards money and trophy prizes, along with a cash raffle drawing.
There will also be activities for children, including games, water activities and bounce houses.
And, of course, the highlight will be the large fireworks display at sunset.
"This year's event will be bigger and better as we become more a part of the community," administrator Jeannine Guyton said in a news release. "This year, we don't have any other regional events to compete with, so we're hoping people from all around will come out."
RUSSELLVILLE
The Russellville Lions Club will host its annual fireworks show July 13 at 13625 Route C.
Plates of pork steaks will be available for $9 and hamburgers for $6 with potato salad, french fries or baked beans serving at noon. Activities including a bounce house, pedal pull and corn hole will be at the pavilion.
That evening, Whiskey Throttle is scheduled to play at 7:30 p.m. before a 30-minute fireworks show at dusk by Bax Fireworks. The event is co-sponsored by Community Point Bank.