Independence Day extravaganza: Top events and fireworks displays in Southeast Missouri

Spectators watch fireworks July 4, 2021, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missourian file

Residents and visitors of Southeast Missouri shouldn't have trouble finding Independence Day entertainment, as several celebration events and fireworks displays are scheduled to take place leading up to Thursday, July 4.

Cape Girardeau

On Wednesday, July 3, Bethel Assembly of God of Cape Girardeau will host a free event with food, inflatables and a fireworks display. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cape County Park South.

Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation will host its annual Great American 4th of July Fireworks at Arena Park event from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. Festivities include tailgating, a food truck rally, patriotic music performed by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band, presentation of the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award, remarks from dignitaries and a fireworks display. For more information, call (573) 339-6340.

Fort D Historic Site is hosting "Fourth at the Fort!", featuring reenactments of Ford D soldiers' Independence Day celebrations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend.

Jackson

July 4 festivities kick off in Jackson with Mercy Healthpoint’s Independence Day 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun run and virtual 5K. The races are scheduled to begin at 7:04 a.m. on Thursday at Mercy Fitness Center-Healthpoint, located at 410 W. Main St., in Jackson. Interested parties must register by Tuesday, July 2, and pay a race fee of $25 and a sign-up fee of $2.50. To register, visit www.https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Jackson/SEJuly4th5k.

A “Chill the Fourth Out” event is being held in uptown Jackson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is slated to feature “the cutest summer trends and new products”, hot dogs, homemade ice cream, drinks, chips and more from uptown businesses Charmed at Cobblestone Corner, Fringe Clothing Boutique, Stitched and Stamped and High Street Station.

Jackson’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual July 4 celebration from 7 a.m. 10 p.m. Thursday in Jackson City Park, featuring several events throughout the day. Events include:

A car show sponsored by the Cape Capaha Antique Car Club will feature more than 150 vehicles from Missouri and surrounding states. Trophies will be presented for first through third place and a new division for youth 21 and younger has been added this year. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson City Park. 

A double-elimination co-ed mud volleyball tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the event is closed. Entry fees support Jackson High School’s girls volleyball program and the city’s fireworks display, and the top four teams will receive cash prizes. 

Rubber duck races will be held at 11 a.m. on Independence Day at Jackson City Park. The first 10 ducks to finish will win prizes, and participants don’t need to be present to win. Tickets are available for $5 at High Street Station, 106 S. High St. in Jackson. All proceeds will benefit Jackson Heritage Association and Oliver House Museum. 

From 7 to 8 p.m., local band Shades of Soul will perform a free concert at the Niclous Leist Memorial Band Shell on Symphony Drive. The event is sponsored by Jackson Municipal Band. 

Following Shades of Soul, Jackson Municipal Band will perform a variety of patriotic songs and oldies from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the band shell. 

The city’s 25-minute fireworks display over Rotary Lake will begin at 9:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnic foods. 

Oak Ridge

The Cape County Cowboy Church, located at 220 Orchid Lane in Oak Ridge, is putting on a free concert and fireworks display on Sunday, June 30. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk.

Marble Hill

On Wednesday, July 3, Marble Hill will host its annual Independence Day celebration beginning at 5 p.m. at the Marble Hill ballpark. The event is free and music will be played by C106FM and Positive Country 104.1.

Perryville

The City of Perryville, Perry County and Perry County Heritage Tourism are hosting Perryville’s annual Independence Day fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Perry Park Center, located at 800 City Park Dr. Luna’s Shaved Ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase.

Sikeston

The Sikeston Elks Lodge 2319 is hosting its annual July 4 fireworks display beginning at dusk on Thursday at the Sikeston Recreational Complex at 501 Campanella Drive. The Elks are accepting donations to continue the event into the future, which can be mailed to Sikeston Elks Fireworks, PO Box 931; Sikeston, MO 63801.

Poplar Bluff

Poplar Bluff’s Independence Day celebration begins downtown at 9 a.m. Thursday with a parade, and the fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The parade will begin at Whiteley Park and travel toward downtown Poplar Bluff via Ditch Road.

Wappapello

Friends of Wappapello Lake is hosting Fireworks at the Lake festivities on Saturday, June 29, at Redman Creek Recreation Area in Wappapello. Fun and games begin at 9 a.m., with several free activities, including a cruise in, foam party, obstacle course, mobile petting zoo, performance by the Rising Son Bluegrass Band and fireworks after dark.