Community fireworks displays scheduled

Communities as well as individuals are celebrating America's birthday with fireworks and other ways of having fun. While Scott City has its fireworks display on Father's Day weekend to celebrate Summerfest, Jackson and Cape Girardeau will have July 4 fireworks and other organized activities.

Marsha Toll, who heads up the July 4 Libertyfest sponsored by Old Town Cape and the Evening Optimists, said about $15,000 worth of fireworks will be discharged from a barge on the Mississippi River "as is tradition."

Old Town Cape raises the money to pay for the fireworks with some help from the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and an assortment of businesses.

In Jackson on the Fourth of July, a fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Traditionally the Jaycees sponsored the July 4 event, but this year the Jackson Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead.

Jackson Parks and Recreation director Shane West Anderson said the festivities will include an American Idol contest on stage, a car show, children's games, a petting zoo, food stands and at 8 p.m. a municipal band concert.