Fourth of July events struggle as rain covers much of region

American music was plucked, strummed and sung. Children got their faces painted in hues of red, white and blue. There was a historical re-enactment and flag-waving galore.

And, yes -- despite intermittent rain -- brilliant fireworks lit up the skyline and the faces of those who attended Fourth of July Celebrations in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

"The Fourth of July means celebrating, but it also means honor and respect for those who have protected us over the centuries," said Gary Johnson, a downtown Cape Girardeau business owner. "It's a time to reflect and enjoy family and friends."

Rain fell early in Cape Girardeau, reappearing later in the evening just before the 9:30 fire-works show. Libertyfest organizers estimated between 5,000 and 6,000 people showed up throughout the day.

(Aaron Eisenhauer)

The Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award was presented during a special ceremony to Neal Edwards, a World War II veteran who volunteers at the Missouri Veterans Home and is active at the local VFW and American Legion. A re-enactment of Cape Girardeau's incorporation as a city was held, as well.

Several of those who attended said they couldn't help but think of America's soldiers who are involved in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I've been worried about rain drops all day, so it's sobering to stop and think about the soldiers who have more pressing matters to concern themselves with," said Steven Hoffman, who is president of the executive committee for Old Town Cape, which organized Libertyfest.

Rain was a big problem in Jackson, however, where thousands of people turned out for the Fourth of July celebration before a summer storm Tuesday afternoon drenched festival-goers, prompting many of them to rush to their cars and head home.

Many of the dozen concession-stand operators at the Jackson City Park packed it up too. Even the pony rides shut down because of lightning.

"It was pretty good crackling lightning," said Shane Anderson, Jackson's parks and recreation director who headed up the civic committee that organizes the annual festival.

A banjo trio from the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen riverboats, from left, Mike Gentry, Bob Schad and Paul Penta, performed for passengers at the Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo Monday. The boats stopped in Cape Girardeau on the way to St. Louis during the annual re-enactment of the Great Steamboat Race of 1870. (Fred Lynch)

For the second year in row, rain played havoc with the Independence Day celebration. The storm hit about 1:30 p.m., Anderson said.

Anderson was soaked and had to go home to change. It was the second consecutive Fourth of July festival in which he had to change into dry clothes.

"It was really a heavy rain," he said. "The tree I was standing underneath had a lot of leaks in it," he said with a grin.

A classic and antique car show drew more than 150 vehicles and a large crowd throughout the morning and early afternoon.

But a half-hour deluge sent the crowd and many of the exhibitors packing.

Carolyn Whitener of Jackson showed up to watch her 11-year-old daughter, Molly, participate in a dance show on a tennis court in the park.

But the court was too wet and the show had to be canceled.

Still, Whitener was in a mood to celebrate America's 230th birthday.

"It's a time to spend with family," she said.

Whitener loves to view the numerous American flags displayed around the war memorial at Cape Girardeau County Park North on the Fourth of July.

One of those flags flies in honor of her late father who served in the Army in World War II. He died in 1984.

For Whitener, the Fourth of July is special partly because of her memories of her father.

For her daughter, Molly, the holiday is special for another reason.

"Fireworks," she said.

But not everyone her family loves them.

"My cat doesn't like it," she said.

Paige Overfield, 4, tried her best to pedal a few feet during the children's version of a tractor pull at the Oran Fourth of July celebration. (Aaron Eisenhauer)

In Oran, Mo., wildly sporadic rain showers didn't stop thousands of people from attending the annual Fourth of July picnic at the Knights of Columbus grounds.

Kirby Hahn, the chairman of the picnic, said rain hurts attendance numbers and last year rain even made them cancel the fireworks display. But people still showed up for the food and family fun. About 1,100 locals ate lunch at the picnic.

"A lot of people just come for the food and then they just hang around and talk," said Henry Trankler, who has attended the picnic for more than 50 years.

The picnic began around 1908 as a small town event. Later, in 1963, the Knights of Columbus organization overtook the proceedings.

There were many activities for all ages -- a horseshoe tournament, a box turtle race, wagon rides, a kiddie tractor pull and bingo -- that were played throughout the afternoon.

"People come here to see people they don't get to see often," Hahn said.

The events put patriotism on display with American flags being strung up and red, white and blue apparel being worn.

However, Lester Glastetter, a World War II veteran, said not enough people appreciate what this country gives its citizens.

"People in general don't realize what freedom is unless they go to war," Glastetter said. "Eighty percent of people take their freedom for granted."

Staff writers Scott Moyers, Mark Bliss and Sean Ludwig contributed to this report.