Jackson readies for 2-day bicentennial bash

The centerpiece of Jackson's yearlong bicentennial celebration will take place July 4 and 5, with activities ranging from pageants and parades to races for people and rubber ducks -- and helicopter rides and fun in the mud.

Jackson's Independence Day celebrations are known to be fun, and this year's two-day event promises even more events and activities. Among new attractions is an antique tractor show; a nine-hole miniature golf course; a golf-ball drop; displays of a hot-air balloon and armored troop transport; rubber duck races on Hubble Creek; and a wagon trail parade.

Friday's fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m., and spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics.

The Jackson Elks Lodge will staff a beer garden from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Shelter No. 1, with beer tickets purchased at the entrance with proper identification. Patrons' hands will be stamped to allow them to return to the enclosed beer garden throughout the day; it is the only area of the park where beer may be bought and consumed. Proceeds help support the fireworks display.

Friday schedule

7:04 a.m.: Jackson Independence Day 5k walk/run and Firecracker one-mile fun run. With its start and finish at HealthPoint Fitness Center on West Main Street, the event is structured so various ages and abilities can compete. Registration is $25 before race day and includes a T-shirt and giveaway bag. First, second and third places will be awarded in each age group. More information is available at 243-2211 or healthpointplaza.com.

8 a.m.: Mud volleyball tournament at Shelter No. 1. Sponsored by the City of Jackson Independence Day Celebration Committee, the tournament is a double-elimination coed contest with up to 50 teams competing for cash prizes.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Car show with more than 150 cars and trucks from Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Arkansas.

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Beer garden

10 a.m.: Little Mr. and Ms. Firecracker Pageant at the band shell. It will crown a king and queen in age groups from infants to teens; participants must wear red, white and blue attire, and everyone will win an award. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

10 a.m.: Armored car display. The armored troop transport, known as MRAP -- mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle -- comes from the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

10 a.m.: Helicopter rides. Cost is $35 a person; rides will begin at men's softball field No. 2 on North Union Avenue.

11 a.m.: Hubble Creek rubber duck races. Taking place at the pedestrian bridge over Hubble Creek, races are sponsored by the Jackson Heritage Association, with proceeds to help to promote its work to preserve history. Prizes to those who choose the first 10 ducks to reach the finish line. Prizes include a weekend getaway by Elite Travel, a mini iPod and a flat-screen TV; you must be present to win.

Beginning at 10 a.m.: Food stands, vending booths, pony rides, children's games and a duck pond. The Jackson High School swim team will host a bounce house as a fundraiser to support its season. A Parkview Street kiddie train ride is $3.

1 to 5 p.m.: Jackson Municipal Swimming Pool. Admission is $3 a person, and children younger than 4 are admitted free.

7 to 8 p.m.: Pat Schwent and Saxy Jazz at the band shell.

8 to 9:30 p.m.: Jackson Municipal Band at the band shell.

9:30: Fireworks display.

Saturday schedule

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Antique tractor show.

9 a.m.: Armored car transport display.

9 a.m.: Helicopter rides.

10 a.m.: Bicentennial covered wagon parade. Demonstrating modes of transportation common in Jackson's early history, the parade will begin at the swimming pool parking lot, make its way through uptown Jackson and end at City Park.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Beer garden.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kids mud extravaganza. This is a mud pit and obstacle course for children age 2 to 12; it's free of charge.

10 a.m.: Miniature golf course for both young and old; $3 per nine holes or $10 for unlimited play. It will be on Parkview Street. across from pavilion No. 1.

10 a.m.: Golf ball drop benefits the Jackson Uptown Revitalization Organization. It features the dropping of 1,000 golf balls from a helicopter with the potential of up to five holes-in-one. Buy a ball for $2 at Coldwell Banker, 2723 E. Jackson Blvd., or before the event at the men's softball field No. 2 on North Union Avenue in City Park.

10 a.m.: Hot air balloon display. The tethered balloon will be on display at the American Legion Field at West Washington Street and North Union Avenue.

1 to 8 p.m.: Jackson Municipal Swimming Pool. Admission is $3 a person, and children younger than 4 are admitted free.

Closures, parking, restrictions

Several areas in and around City Park will be closed to vehicular traffic, including Parkview Street between North High Street and North Union Avenue. A vehicle parked in posted no-parking zones will be to towed at the owner's expense. After the fireworks, police officers will be posted at all major intersections to aid in clearing traffic.

Prohibited from the park during the festival are private fireworks, dogs, glass containers, coolers and alcohol other than that bought and consumed in the beer garden.

More information is available by contacting Shane Anderson, director of parks and recreation, at 204-8848 or swanderson@jacksonmo.org.