A long Independence Day weekend is just around the corner and communities around the Ozarks are preparing for some of their favorite holiday traditions and firework displays.
The News-Leader has compiled a list of 18Fourth of July and other firework celebrations throughout the Ozarks.
Republic's Have-A-Blast Patriotic Celebration
When: 6-10:15 p.m. Friday, June 28
Where: JR Martin Park in Republic
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Republic's 28th annual Have-A-Blast Patriotic Celebration will feature live music from Psychobilly Cadillac and Jukebox Hero, followed by a firework display. The event will also feature food vendors and a kid's zone with inflatables and a petting zoo. Entry to the celebration is free but the kid's zone does require a wristband. Wristbands are $10 per child and $5 per additional child.
Willard's Freedom Fest
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29
Where: Jackson Street Park in Willard
Willard's 62nd annual Freedom Fest is the weekend ahead of 4th of July. The festival kicks off at 11 a.m. with a parade, which will start at Willard Middle School and conclude at Jackson Street Park. Trophies will be awarded to Best Musical Organization, Best Vehicle, Best Commercial Organization, Best Non-Profit Organization and Most Patriotic Pet.
Following the parade, a bounce house will be available for children, a kid's watermelon eating contest will be held at 3:30 p.m. and fireworks will start at dusk.
This year's lineup of entertainment includes Kicking Jacksie at 6:30 p.m. and Midwest Thick at 8:30 p.m. The Star Spangled Banner will also be sung by Willard High School alumna Lily Clark at 9:45 p.m.
Sky High Fireworks Celebration
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 29
Where: Nixa High School in Nixa
Also head of 4th of July weekend, Nixa's annual Sky High Fireworks Celebration will be held at the Nixa High School. The festivities will include inflatables, balloon twisting, face painting, food, games and live music. A fireworks display will be held at the Nixa High School Eagles Stadium.
Fireburst at Table Rock Lake
When: 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 2
Where: Kimberling City Bridge in Kimberling City
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce has hosted Fireburst, a celebration of Independence Day, for more than 30 years. Fireworks will begin at dusk near the Kimberling City Bridge. The show can be viewed on land or boat.
Branson Landing's Liberty Light Up
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3
Where: Branson Landing in Branson
The Branson Landing is hosting its 17th annual Liberty Light Up concert, featuring Damsel at 6:30 p.m. and The Dirty Saints at 8 p.m. Fireworks will be displayed over Lake Taneycomo, starting around 9:30 p.m. A beer garden will be open on the landing, available from 6 p.m. until the conclusion of the firework show. Folks are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers are not allowed.
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Midtown in Springfield
Springfield's Midtown Neighborhood Association is back again with its annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Benton Avenue and Central Street, traveling north on Benton and concluding at Washington Park. A free, community celebration will be held at the park throughout the afternoon.
Marshfield's Independence Day Parade
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Marshfield Square in Marshfield
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Independence Day parade with the theme, "Freedom, Faith, Family, Fun." Following, a celebration featuring food trucks, vendors and live entertainment will be held on the Marshfield Square.
Ebenezer Historical Society 4th of July Parade
When: 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Ebenezer Historical Society
The Ebenezer Historical Society's annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at the intersection of Farm Roads 56 and 153. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places. Folks are encouraged to bring their show cars, everyday drivers, ATVs, tractors and floats. Hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn and drinks will be served at the Ebenezer Historical Society after the parade.
Sparta Historic District's 4th of July Celebrations
When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Sparta's Main Street
The Sparta Historic District is hosting an afternoon and evening full of 4th of July festivities, starting at 3 p.m. with a parade. The parade will begin at Sparta Middle School and travel along Main Street. Following, folks may gather at Sparta Middle School for a drag city cruise-in and apple pie competition.
Springfield Brewing Company's Beer Brat Eating Contest
When: 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Springfield Brewing Company in Springfield
Springfield Brewing Company is hosting an inaugural Beer Brat Eating Contest this 4th of July. The 10-minute contest is limited to the first 15 entrants. Folks can register at Springfield Brewing Company or by messaging the brewery on social media. Entry is $20. Female and male winners will receive one case of beer from the brewery's To-Go Fridge.
Red, White and BBQ
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: The Waterford at Ironbridge in Springfield
The Waterford at Ironbridge is hosting a free 4th of July BBQ, featuring pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips and watermelon. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side or dessert to share for a potluck-style meal. Drinks will be provided but folks can bring their own coolers, too.
Local band Thunder Hill will provide live music at 6 p.m. Folks should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Yard games and sprinklers will be provided.
Folks interested in attending the BBQ should RSVP by calling 417-881-5088 before June 27.
4th of July Patriotic Picnic
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Grandview Conferene Center Lawn at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge is hosting an evening full of activities for the 4th of July, starting with a picnic at 5:30 p.m. An Airshow will follow at 7 p.m., then a concert by the Rosy Hips Band at 7:15 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Several Big Cedar Lodge 4th of July activities require admission, available on the Big Cedar Lodge website. The 4th of July fireworks are free to the public.
Lady Liberty Independence Day Fireworks Cruise
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Long Creek Marina at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge's Lady Liberty cruise boat is hosting a special viewing experience for the venue's firework display. Attendees will enjoy a meal and tour of the lake on the cruise boat before fireworks begin at dusk.
Tickets are available on the Big Cedar Lodge website. Tickets are $200 per adult and $100 per child (ages 4-11).
Fireworks at Revolution Church in Nixa
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Revolution Church in Nixa
Revolution Church in Nixa is hosting a fireworks display, starting at dusk. Folks are encouraged to bring their own lounge chairs, blankets and lawn games.
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Hollister's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Hollister
The City of Hollister is hosting its 71st annual 4th of July fireworks show.
Freedom Week Fireworks at Hammons Field
When: July 4-6
Where: Hammons Field in Springfield
In celebration of Independence Day, a firework display will be held after each Springfield Cardinals game throughout the 4th of July weekend. Following the game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on July 4, The Mixtapes, a local '90s cover band, will perform at a post-game concert.
Throughout the summer months, Hammons Field hosts a firework display after each Friday home game (and a few occasional Saturday home games). Fireworks will be on display following games on July 12, July 26, Aug. 9, Aug. 10, Aug. 11, Aug. 23, Sept. 6, Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.
Tickets for Springfield Cardinals' games can be purchased online at milb.com/springfield.
WALDOPALOOZA
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 6
Where: The Clever Barn in Clever
The Clever Barn is once again hosting its 4th of July celebration, WALDOPALOOZA. The event will feature vendor booths, karaoke, bowling, a kid's zone, corn hole and fireworks. The barn's food truck, Happy Trails, will be selling hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn and drinks. Admission is $5 per person.
Fireworks Over the Water
When: 5-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6
Where: Pomme de Terre Dam in Hermitage
Following Pomme de Terre's annual Duck Derby, a firework display will be held near the dam. Folks should gather near the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office for ideal viewing. A DJ will provide music from 4:30-7 p.m., then The County Liners will perform from 7 p.m. until the fireworks begin at dusk.
Greta Cross is the trending topicsreporter for the SpringfieldNews-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her onX and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her atgcross@news-leader.com.
