Bing, bang, boom. There will be plenty of opportunities to lights color the night sky across the Ozark Gateway region this Fourth of July. At least one begins this Saturday.
STRAWBERRY – June 29
Strawberry will host its annual event Saturday, June 29 at the school ballfield, with a car show getting events underway at 5 p.m., concessions beginning at 6 and entertainment by Cody Noel and My Honky-Tonk Heroes at 7. Fireworks will begin around 10 p.m.
CAVE CITY – July 3
On July 3, Cave City will host its 14th annual Celebrate Freedom spectacular at the Cave City Park. Music and concessions will begin at 7:30 with fireworks set for dark.
Meanwhile, several towns in the area will celebrate the holiday on July 4.
BATESVILLE
Riverside Park in Batesville will be host to the 22nd Annual Celebrate America event for an afternoon of fun, food, and rockin’ live entertainment from The ShotGunBillys! The fireworks show will kick off at 9:1 p.m. over the White River.
SALEM
The Salem Chamber of Commerce will host Fireworks In The Park with food vendors and music prior to a fireworks display over the lake at the Salem City Park. Contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 870-895-5565 or contact@salemar.com for more information.
HORSESHOE BEND
Horseshoe Bend will host activities, including car show, chili cookoff, flotilla on Crown Lake, and other entertainment throughout the day on July 4. Fireworks will begin at dark.
CHEROKEE VILLAGE
Cherokee Village will host several events on July 4 with a firefighters’ pancake breakfast at Baseheart Fire Station from 6:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a boat parade on Lake Thunderbird at 7 p.m. and fireworks on Lake Thunderbird at 9.
LAKE CHARLES
Meanwhile, Lake Charles State Park has planned several events for the Fourth of July holiday starting with Blast Off at Lake Charles from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
“Build your very own bottle rocket from everyday materials and send it flying! Join a park interpreter outside the Nature Center to see science in action and learn a fun way to recycle at the same time.”
From 1 to 3 p.m., the program Nature Center Exploration will begin.: “Come explore our Nature Center and learn about some of the unique wildlife in our area. Our park interpreter will be there to help answer any questions you may have and give programs. Animals may include turtles, frogs, snakes, and more.”
Reptile Rendezvous will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m.: “From quick turtles and deceiving snakes to clever lizards, reptiles showcase some of the most fascinating adaptations in the animal kingdom. Join a park interpreter in the Nature Center to meet some of these amazing creatures and learn how they’ve evolved to thrive in Arkansas.”
Cast Net Fishing Demonstration will be held from 3:30 to 4 p.m.: “Fishing with a rod and tackle certainly is fun, but have you ever tried fishing with a cast net? This ancient method may seem odd, but it still has its charm. Meet a park interpreter at the in-park boat ramp to try your hand and learn more about a different way to haul in a catch!”
Finally, weather permitting, a Sunset Kayak Tour will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m.: “Experience the beauty of the sunset on the water. Join a park interpreter at the swim beach for a tour of Lake Charles as the sun sets. Wear appropriate clothing and be sure to bring plenty of water. Reservations can be made in the visitor center or by calling (870) 878-6595. There is a 5-person limit, so make your reservations early. This tour is subject to weather conditions. Meet at the south end of the swim beach.”
WALNUT RIDGE
Walnut Ridge’s fireworks display will be held at Stewart Field at dark.
POCAHONTAS
Fireworks on the Black River at Riverfront Park in Pocahontas will begin at about 9:30 p.m. For more information contact the Pocahontas Fire Department at 870-892-8801.
MOUNTAIN VIEW – July 6
The fun continues Saturday, July 6 in Mountain View with the annual fireworks show to be held at dark at the Stone County Fairgrounds.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.