Here is a roundup of Fourth of July events in the area in conjunction with America’s 250th birthday.
Activities announced for July 4 weekend in Houston
Houston will celebrate America’s birthday with three days of activities on July 3-5.
Vendors, live music, food and activities on Main Street are planned by the City of Houston.
Here is the schedule:
Friday, July 3 — 5-9 p.m. car show, food and music by the South 63 Band and food at Emmett Kelly Park.
There will be cash awards for car show winners: Best of Show ($500), People’s Choice ($250), Mayor’s Choice ($200), Chamber Choice ($200), Best Summerfest Spirit ($150) and Best Club Participation ($150).
Trophies will be awarded to winners in various categories, including small cars, classics, muscle cars, hot rods and trucks.
Saturday, July 4 — 8 a.m. freedom 5K and 10K run, 9-10 a.m. National Day of Prayer, Houston Ministerial Alliance; 10 a.m. vendors and Main Street Fun Zone with live music by James Kirk, 11 a.m. Houston Area Chamber of Commerce parade; noon to 3 p.m., vendors and activities; live music by Lone Pine Band, 6:30 p.m.
American Legion Post 41 will furnish free premium hot dogs, “Freedom Dogs,” chips and water downtown at Lone Star Plaza pavilion at the parade. There will be signs and a big banner.
The Texas County Community Singers will present a free patriotic concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at First Baptist Church, Houston.
A dusk fireworks show is at Houston Memorial Airport. Food and drink vendors sponsored by chamber.
Sunday, July 5 — 7 a.m. sunrise service at Emmett Kelly Park; followed by pancake breakfast provided by Nan’s Chuckwagon to benefit the Texas County Food Pantry. Plates are $12 each; $4 goes to the pantry. The event, sponsored by the Houston Ministerial Alliance, concludes at 9 a.m.
For information, call Travis Witzemann, economic development director, 417-217-4225, or email twitzemann@houstonmo.org.
Summersville to hold fireworks show
Summersville will celebrate the country’s birthday with a fireworks show on Sunday, July 5, at the baseball field near Summersville Elementary School.
The Summersville Chamber of Commerce will sell hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks from the concession stand.
Organizers said the fireworks event is hosted by Drop In Convenience.
Cabool plans Fourth of July activities
Cabool is gearing up for an evening of hometown pride at the “Red, White & Bulldog Blue 4th of July Block Party and Fireworks” on Saturday, July 4. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. on Main Street with a parade.
This year’s event marks America’s 250th birthday alongside Cabool’s 144th anniversary. Organizers say the block party will feature live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, patriotic activities and a fireworks finale. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the small‑town atmosphere that has made the celebration a local favorite.
The festival includes activities for all ages, including a Kids Zone, bouncy house, face painting, water play area, sprinklers and a dunk tank. Community contests will run throughout the evening, such as a watermelon‑eating contest, tug of war, hula‑hoop competition and the Red, White & Blue ‘Most Patriotic’ Contest.
Additional highlights include a beer garden, patriotic T‑shirts, a fire‑pit raffle display and a special veteran recognition ceremony hosted by the VFW.
Willow Springs announces parade, picnic, theatre program
The Howell County community will hold a 10 a.m. July 4 parade in the downtown business district. After the parade, there will be a patriotic program at Star Theatre. A picnic is planned at Booster Field at noon. It features live music, water wars, hot dogs, watermelon and more.
West Plains to return SkyFire on July 3
After a 12‑year hiatus, SkyFire is returning to West Plains on July 3, hosted by Give Local First at its new location, the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at dark. Food trucks will operate from 5 to 9 p.m., offering barbecue, burgers, tacos, hot dogs, desserts, drinks and more. Admission is $5 per car, and families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of community fire.
Roby Saddle Club event
The Roby Saddle Club will sponsor live music Friday, July 3, at 14520 Route AW, Plato. The Kimble Parker Band will perform. Fireworks are at dark.
Have an event to add? Send it to news@houstonherald.com
Licking held its celebration on Saturday, June 27 with activities that includes a fireworks display.
