Are you chomping at the bit, anxious to start celebrating this nation’s 246th birthday? Wait no longer than Saturday night.
July 4 won’t come until Monday, but Jackson’s Independence Day celebration will kick off early with a free concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Nick Leist Memorial Band Shell in City Park. Performing will be Heartless, a tribute band from Chicago that performs the music of Heart.
While listening to the music, enjoy refreshments sold at food trucks and a beer stand (provided by Stooges).
Kick off Independence Day at 7:04 a.m. (a time selected because the date is written 7/04) with the Southeast HealthPoint Fitness 5K Run/Walk. Events will include a “Firecracker 1 Mile” walk or run just for fun (starting at 7:15), a “5K Walk” and a “5K Run.” There are medals for first to third-place finishers in each age group.
The start and finish line will be at Southeast HealthPoint Fitness, 414 W. Main St.
Register online until July 1 at SEhealth.org/july4race, or visit either HealthPoint location. Registrations will be accepted until 4 p.m. Sunday, July 3, or until 6:45 a.m. race day at the Jackson location.
For more information, please call HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson at 755-2301 or visit sehealth.com.
Helicopter rides will not be offered this year because of the rise in fuel prices.
Fuel prices have not stopped the car show. Head to Sycamore Lane in City Park where the Capaha Antique Car Club will present a car, truck and motorcycle show from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. More than 150 vehicles will compete for trophies with first, second, and third place awarded in each category.
From Sycamore Lane it’s a short jaunt to Pavilion No. 1 where teams will compete in the double-elimination co-ed mud volleyball tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four teams. Registration ends at 5 p.m. today, June 29. For more information, contact Jason Mouser at 576-8709, or online at jacksonmo.org.
Food stands and a beer garden (operated by Stooges) will open up at 9 a.m. on Parkview Drive. The beer garden will remain open until 7 p.m. All beer must be consumed in the beer garden.
The Great Golf Ball Drop is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Legion Field. Numbered golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter and the ball that lands nearest a flag wins that prize. Although helicopter rides are cancelled this year, the Great Golf Ball Drop will go on.
As the sun starts to dip toward the horizon, make your way to the Nick Leist Memorial Band Shell to enjoy music performed by The Quarantine Band at 7 p.m.
Following the Quarantine Band on stage will be the Jackson Municipal Band at 8 p.m. After your blood is stirred by patriotic tunes and other favorites, either stay right there at the band shell or pick a comfortable spot elsewhere in the park with a great view of the sky to enjoy the dazzling fireworks display beginning at 9:30.
Free parking is available throughout the day off of North Union Avenue and Parkview Street. Do not park in No Parking zones. Violators will be towed.
