With Fourth of July just around the corner, area towns are gearing up for nights of food, fireworks and good, old-fashioned carnival fun. Salute to America will host a variety of events around the state's Capitol, but don't miss out on these other area celebrations.
Ashland
The city of Ashland will be hosting a Fourth of July parade starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade will kick off from Henry Clay Boulevard at the Southern Boone school district primary school, go north toward Johnson and South College avenues and Broadway, then travel south down Main Street, ending at the starting location. Updates about the parade can be found on the City of Ashland's Facebook page.
Eldon
Eldon's Independence Day celebration will be from 4 p.m.-midnight Sunday in Eldon Park. This year's celebration includes craft booths, food trucks and vendors, live entertainment and fireworks at 9:25 p.m., with music playing on the radio, KS95.1. Food will include novelty items such as kettle corn and carnival foods plus ice cream, lemonade and sandwiches. Live music starts at 4 p.m. with Chloe Hoecker, followed by Helen Russell & Company taking the stage from 7-9 p.m. before the fireworks show. The 2021 Independence Day 5K is a day prior, with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Freeburg
The Freeburg Lions Club is hosting its community fireworks show Friday, with the show starting at 8 p.m. at the Freeburg Lions Club Ballpark, just south of town. An opening procession will be conducted by American Legion Post 317, and pork burgers and hot dogs will be for sale at concession stands.
Fulton
Fulton's Independence Day parade will start at 2 p.m. Sunday in recognizing this year's grand marshal, retired Maj. Gen. Byron S. Bagby, as it travels down 12th, Nichols, 10th and Court streets, ending at Memorial Park, left of Business 54 and near the splash pad. Per a resolution passed June 22 by the City Council, fireworks will now be allowed 9 a.m.-midnight in Fulton's public parks for Independence Day.
Holts Summit
Holts Summit is hosting its annual Fireworks Festival starting at 5 p.m. Friday at Greenway Park. The festival will feature the Usual Suspects Band and Real Encounter, a BMX stunt group that has previously appeared on America's Got Talent. In addition to the live music and talent, there will be plenty of food drinks, fireworks and activities for children. Entry to the festival is free, but VIP parking is available for $5. More information can be found at www.holtssummit.org/new_page.php.
Linn Creek
Linn Creek's annual Independence Day celebration will come with southern fried fish and fries from Fry Daddyzzz food truck plus a sweet ice cream selection from Roscoe's Ice Cream Truck. Families and friends are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chairs to watch the free fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. hosted by the City of Linn Creek. The event will be held near the Linn Creek soccer fields, Lake Road 54-69.
Russellville
Though the Fourth of July will have passed, the Russellville Lions Club is keeping the red, white and blue spirit into the following weekend as they host their annual fireworks show July 10 at 13625 Route C. Events will include a bounce house, live music by Wes Duncan, and vendors selling snow cones, fresh lemonade, crafts and more. Pork steaks, pulled pork, burgers, a beer garden and more will be available come 3 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dusk. Any additional information can be found on the Russellville Lions Club's Facebook page.