Area residents are getting ready for the next major holiday -- the Fourth of July.

The communities of Mt. Vernon and Marionville are planning major events.

Red, White and Boom

Red, White and Boom “Sparks in the Park!” is set for July 3 in Mt. Vernon’s Spirit of 76 Park.
This year’s event is possible through the efforts the 2009 Red, White and BOOM Planning Committee, the City of Mt. Vernon, Schreiber Foods Incorporated (a new sponsor) and many other business and individual sponsors.

Entertainment this year begins at 6:45 pm with music provided by the Short Notice Band. This local band was popular last year for its classic rock/blues style, according to an event spokesman. Band members are Larry Pratt, Rick Boyer, Adam Freitas, Mike Weldy and Sam Watts. Catherine James of Mt. Vernon will sing the Star Spangled Banner.

A fireworks display is planned as the finale for the evening. The fireworks will begin immediately following the entertainment. In the event of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, July 4, in the park.

The Missouri National Guard Mobile Events Team will provide several activities for the community during the event, according to SSG Josh Hanks, Recruiting and Retention NCO. The city pool will also be open for swimming at no charge from 4 to 6 p.m. the day of the event.

The food tent and information booth will open at 6 p.m. and will offer a menu of hot dogs, ham sandwiches, snacks and soft drinks to help raise money to fund the event. The food tent and information booth will close when the fireworks display begins.

Organizers offered special thanks to the many area businesses and individuals for their new and renewed sponsorships  this year, including the new BOOM sponsor, Shreiber Foods Inc. Red, White and BOOM is funded entirely by donations. Many volunteers also give of their time and resources to make this event possible, said the spokesman.

The event is free and open to the public. Handicapped parking will be available again at the John Taylor Senior Center lot. Additional handicapped parking will be available in the field area of the new park addition, weather permitting.  Access will be from the John Taylor parking lot and handicapped parking signs will be posted. No pets are allowed at the event. Participants should remember to take lawn chairs.  Personal fireworks and alcohol are also not allowed in the park.

Marionville’s Celebration

Marionville Park Board members, community organizers and fireworks providers are gearing up for the annual 4th of July celebration at the Marionville City Park, located on Benton Street, east of the Marionville City square.

The celebration will be held Saturday, July 4, beginning about 5 p.m., with a concession stand sponsored by the Cal Ripken Baseball League, music provided by the Peters, Janes and Company and a flag retirement ceremony by the local Boy Scout unit.

The fireworks display, which has been increased from last year, will begin as soon as it’s dark enough.

The public is invited to attend this special celebration honoring our country, said a spokesman. Participants should take their lawn chairs.