WESTSIDE — A number of local special events and celebrations are set in observance of Independence Day next week. The following are open to the public. GRAVETTE
The annual Gravette fireworks program will be held the evening of Wednesday, July 4, at Pop Allum Park, according to Mike vonRee, who has headed the annual event.
The display will begin at dark, and members of the Gravette Fire Department will be “firing the show on their own time.”
There is ample parking at the park but arriving “early” allows persons to get a good viewing area. The program and the parking are free.
Gravette citizens are reminded that, according to a new city ordinance which the city council approved May 24, the discharge of fireworks inside the city is limited to the hours between noon and midnight on July 3 and 4.
Discharge of bottle rockets, sky rockets, Roman candles and any firework that is mounted to and “flies on a stick” is prohibited.
The ordinance also allows the fire chief to ban the discharge of fireworks based on fire conditions.
Vendors are also allowed to sell fireworks which are not prohibited under state or federal laws in the city. Previously, the sale of fireworks had been prohibited inside city limits. A permit, setting out requirements, must be obtained at city hall. Information is available by visiting the cityhall during normal business hours or by calling 787-5757.
GENTRY
The July 4th Freedom Festival in Gentry is next week 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 side of the park in the southeast pavilion. McKee Employee Recreation Association will host the events.
Adult coed softball tournaments will begin in the morning and continue throughout the day.
The annual car show runs all day, with judging and trophies in numerous categories.
The following begin at 12 noon in Gentry City Park:
Food, drinks, arts and crafts, inflatable rides, camel rides, a petting zoo, a dunking booth and a rock-climbing wall will be available.
Antique tractors will be displayed by Tired Iron of the Ozarks, with tractor driving and hay-rack rides all afternoon in the city park.
Wrestlers will perform in the ring between 3 and 5 p.m.
Little Miss Gentry pageant will take place on the stage in the park at 5 p.m.
Kaylin Cripps will perform, with her new band, at 6:30 p.m.
Earl’s Garage will take the stage at 8:15 p.m.
Fireworks will be set offby the Gentry Fire Department at dusk, with the display being one of the best in the area.
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.
DECATUR
The Decatur Assembly of God will hold its Second Annual Celebrate America festivities at 7 p.m., July 3, on the DAG campus. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Festivities will include games for kids and food.
The highlight of the evening will be the Celebrate America Fireworks Show,presented by DAG Creative.
Celebrate America is open to the community and families are invited to attend.
SULPHUR SPRINGS
The annual Sulphur Springs Fourth of July Celebration will be held Saturday, July 7, in the park at Sulphur Springs.
The Sulphur Springs Fire Department will be hosting games and other activities, beginning at 10 a.m. There will also be good food available to enjoy while visiting with friends and neighbors in the big shady park.
The day’s events will be climaxed by the annual fireworks in the park display at dark that evening.
The fire department will also be giving away a flat screen TV, a wagon donated by Kraft Foods and more. Tickets are $2 each or six for $10, available bystopping by the fire station or by calling the fire chief, 228-0073 or 298-3400.
News, Pages 7 on 06/27/2012