This year's Salute to America Fourth of July celebration is back, with three days of festival and carnival activities. And, according to festival organizers, it's looking like this year's celebration - with the state's bicentennial celebrations on tap - will be well attended.
Festival activities run Friday through Sunday. This year, festival organizers announced there will be no carnival rides at the celebration, but carnival games and an inflatable park will take their place, the News Tribune previously reported.
As Missouri celebrates its bicentennial this year, parade participants are asked to create floats to reflect the state's history. The Red, White and Bloom Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday from Adams Street, with viewing starting on McCarty Street, then traveling north to High Street and down Jefferson Street to East Miller Street.
Also celebrating Missouri's history this weekend is the Heritage Village, from noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and guided history and ghost tours at the Missouri State Penitentiary. To book a tour at the penitentiary, contact the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau for more information.
Following the parade Friday is the Little Mr. and Miss Independence contest, set for 7 p.m. at the Madison Street stage.
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Saturday's schedule will start off early, with the Freedom Fun Run 5K at 8 a.m. All runners for the 5K must register before or at the event and are encouraged to dress in festive attire as they run east toward Adams Street and loop back around the Capitol. In the evening Saturday, following axe throwing, children's games and more, is Boy Band Review on the Capitol Main Stage.
On its final day, Salute to America will once again host the Route 66 Car Cruise, from noon-4 p.m. Sunday. This year, cars will be on the 200 and 300 blocks of East High Street. Sounds of Summer, a Beach Boys tribute band, will play the Capitol Main Stage concert at 7:45 p.m. ahead of the 9:45 p.m. Red, White and Boom fireworks show to close the celebration. Fireworks can be viewed from the north lawn of the Capitol building, and you can tune in to Nash FM 100.1 to hear the music soundtrack for the program.
Numerous other musical performers will be showcased on the Madison Street and beer garden stages throughout the festival.
The weekend will also feature a food court on High Street, the Avenue of Americas craft and vendor area, Kids Zone with pony rides and a petting zoo, and Hill of Heroes, which will have demonstrations and information about military and first responder charities and organizations.
A comprehensive list of activities can be found at salutetoamerica.org. The website also includes festival, parking and shuttle maps.