GENTRY — The July 4th Freedom Festival in Gentry is fast approaching and plans are under way to make this year’s event one of the best. On the schedule for Wednesday, July 4, are the following events and activities:

◊ A one-mile fun run and a 5-K run will kick off the day's activities, with registrations beginning at 7 a.m. and the runs starting at 8 a.m. Registration will be on the south end of the park in the southeast pavilion. McKee Employee Recreation Association will host the events.

◊ Adult coed softball tournaments begin in the morning and continue through the day.

◊Antique tractors will be displayed by Tired Iron of the Ozarks, with tractor driving and hayrack rides all day in the city park.

◊Annual car show all day, with judging andtrophies in numerous categories.

◊Little Miss and Mister Gentry pageants will take place on the stage in the park.

◊Music on the stage throughout much of the afternoon and into the evening hours. Earl’s Garage will perform in the evening.

◊ Fireworks will be set off by the Gentry Fire Department at dusk, with the display being one of the best in the area.

Vendor forms are available at city hall and by contacting the Gentry Chamber of Commerce Office at [email protected].

Those planning to attend are reminded that, for safety reasons, city ordinance does not permit dogs in the park during the festival.

For more information on the day's events and activities, contact Bev Saunders at the Gentry Chamber of Commerce office, 736-2358.

News, Pages 3 on 06/20/2012