America’s 250th Birthday: Fourth of July celebrations in the Heartland

(HEARTLAND WEEKEND) - It’s America’s 250th birthday this year, making Independence Day celebrations extra special.

The federal holiday, also known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the historic date in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress.

This year marks the semiquincentennial of our nation’s founding.

Communities across the Heartland will be commemorating the occasion with special events for the next few weeks, including fireworks displays, picnics, historical reenactments and more.

Here is a growing list of Independence Day events across the region:

Missouri

• Riverfest will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in downtown Cape Girardeau on July 4, starting at 3 p.m. Other local events can be found here.
• Oak Ridge will host its 4C 4th of July Celebration on June 28 at the Cape County Cowboy Church at 7:30 p.m. There will be music and fireworks.
• Scott City is celebrating America’s 250th at Scott City Park on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Expect free food and drinks, inflatables, live music and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Goreville Freedom Fest is set for July 4 at the city park at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Jackson’s 4th of July festivities run from July 3-5. For the full list of events, click here.
• The Cape Riverfront Market will host Red, White, and Blue Fest on July 4 starting at 8 a.m. You can enjoy local vendors at 35 S. Spanish Street.
• Chaffee Swimming Pool will host a Fourth of July Celebration from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vendors, raffles, door prizes and a hot dog eating contest. Contact the pool if you are interested in being a vendor.
• Mercy Health Foundation Southeast will host an Independence Day 5k. The race will being at 7:04 a.m. on July 4.

Illinois

• On June 26, Johnston City will have its Fireworks Spectacular at Arrowhead Lake at 5 p.m.
• From June 26 through June 27, Vanduser will host its 12th annual Independence Day Celebration. There will be fireworks on Saturday at Graviett’s Memorial Ball Field at 9:15 p.m.
• Whittington’s Freedom Celebration is set for June 28 at the ballfield from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Steeleville will have its 4th of July Picnic from July 2-4 at the Steeleville American Legion BBK Post 480. Activities on Thursday and Friday go from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with Saturday’s events running from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Equality will host its Fireworks Festival at Cardinal Park at 5 p.m. on July 3. There will be music, food, a raffle, entertainment and fireworks.
• Independence Day at the Lake is also set for July 3 at 8:30 p.m. It will take place at Lake of Egypt near Marion.
• Vienna will have its Independence Day Celebration on July 3 at the ballpark from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Marion Knights of Columbus is hosting a 250th Anniversary Celebration of Independence on July 3-4. There will also be a car show, laser show, live music, food, inflatables and fireworks.
• On July 4, the Carmi Chamber of Commerce will host a fireworks show at the White County Fairgrounds at 9 p.m.
• The city of Anna is hosting a 4th of July & America 250 Celebration at Anna City Park starting at 10 a.m., featuring music, food trucks and a parade. Fireworks will begin at dusk or around 9 p.m.
• The Carbondale City and SIU Independence Day celebration is happening on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. at Banterra Bank parking lots 18 and 56.
• Du Quoin’s 4th of July Celebration will be at the fairgrounds on July 4 starting at noon. Fireworks will be at dusk, and attendees can enjoy music, vendors and a car show.
• Harrisburg is celebrating July 4th with a parade at 1 p.m. on Poplar Street, a car show at the amphitheater and fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Tamms is hosting the 4th at the Park Fundraiser on Front Street on July 4. There will be a car show from noon to 5 p.m. as well as live music, BBQ and fireworks.
• On July 5, America’s 250th Anniversary Veterans Fundraiser and Mr. & Mrs. Independence Day Pageant is happening from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Marion VFW Post 1301.
• The Murphysboro Independence Day Celebration is set for July 3 at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Park Bandshell. There will be music, vendors and food, with fireworks after 9 p.m.
• West Frankfort’s America 250 Celebration is happening July 5, starting at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
• In Mulkeytown, the Izaak Walton Club Fireworks Display is set for July 11 at 9 p.m. The preshow starts at 7 p.m.

Kentucky

• Paducah’s Independence Day Celebration will be downtown on July 4, with events starting at noon. There will be food vendors, a Ferris wheel, live music and more. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
• Murray, Kentucky Freedom Fest is set for July 3-4. The Murray Art Guild Summer Art Party runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. The main event is Saturday, starting at 7 a.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For the full schedule and list of events, click here.

Tennessee

• Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council will be hosting a fireworks show on July 3. The event starts at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.
• The Palmersville Fire Department is hosting its annual Stars, Stripes & Support fundraiser on June 27 at 5:30 p.m. There will be food, sweet treats, games and family fun, with fireworks at dark.

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