Fireworks, Independence Day events planned


Pontiac photographer Karen Eubank captured “the rockets’ red glare” over Bull Shoals Lake during the 2018 fireworks display at Pontiac Cove. This year’s Ozark County fireworks shows kick off in Theodosia at dark Saturday, June 29. Fireworks displays are set for Rockbridge Rainbow Trout Ranch at dark on Thursday, July 4, and at Pontiac Cove on Friday, July 5. Other fireworks shows and Independence Day festivities are also planned around the area.

Times photos/Norene Prososki The annual July 4th golf cart parade at Theodosia Marina Resort is always a crowd pleaser. Above: Last year’s People’s Choice winner was this “Lake Hair, Don’t Care” entry. Below: The first-place winner’s theme was “Lake Lives Matter.” This year’s parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, with line-up at the Fort Cook office.

Photo courtesy of Lake Bums Brew Co. Pontiac brewery Lake Bums BrewCo has a lineup of live music scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The brewery has some indoor seating, as well as this large outdoor covered patio for guests. Guests can also bring their own lawn chairs and use the hammocks strung in nearby trees.

Ozark Countians, along with family guests and tourists, will celebrate the Fourth of July in the coming days with a wide variety of colorful events around the area. The fireworks displays listed here are free and open to everyone. Some of the associated activities, including games, food vendors and other fundraiser offerings, do have charges or request donations. Happy Independence Day, everyone!

 

Friday, June 28

AVA - Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava for the facility’s 34th annual Fourth of July celebration. A wide variety of food and activities will be available from local vendors. A car and motorcycle show, silent auction and gun raffle will also be held. Missy Brashears, Shine, Steel Ridge and Backyard Bluegrass will perform. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. A shuttle service will be provided to and from the old Murphy’s Station at High-ways 5 and 76  for overflow parking. In case of rain, the event will be held July 20. 

MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS - The Red, White and Blue Festival begins at 4 p.m. June 28 and continues through the fireworks display Saturday night, June 29. The event includes a Friday evening parade plus live music and a no-charge kids zone. Most events are at the Arkansas State University campus, 1600 S. College St.. A rodeo will operate at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. Visit redwhitebluefestival.com for details. 

 

Saturday, June 29

MOUNTAIN HOME -  A 5K Police Run kicks off Saturday’s Red, White and Blue Festival activities at 7 a.m. on the ASU campus, followed by a pancake breakfast and a car show set for 9:30 a.m. Music and kids’ activities continue throughout the day. The fireworks display starts at 9:45 p.m. Visit redwhitebluefestival.com for specific times and locations. 

THEODOSIA - Fireworks will start at dark Saturday, June 29, over Bull Shoals Lake, viewable from the campground area and adjoining Theodosia   Marina Resort. Cookie’s Restaurant will be open until 9 p.m. A dog show starts at 4 p.m. at the Fort Cook office by the pool, and the 19th annual Fourth of July golf cart parade lines up there at 6 p.m. The popular parade winds around the upper part of the campground and the RV park. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place as well as People’s Choice. There’s no entry fee, and any smaller motorized vehicle that is not a car or truck is welcome. Contact Linda Moore at 417-849-1533 for more information about the parade. 

 

Thursday, July 4

PONTIAC - Musician Wes Dorethy will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lake Bums BrewCo off Highway W in Pontiac. The brewery will open at 4 p.m. 

ROCKBRIDGE RAINBOW TROUT RANCH -  Fireworks start at dark on Thursday, July 4. The annual celebration will include a variety of fun activities and vendors from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets will be available for games and activities, such as corral pony rides, face painting and kids’ fishing. There will also be live bluegrass music and local vendor booths.. The restaurant will be open for dinner, and picnic-style concessions will be available for purchase outdoors by the grist mill.  Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit by Spring Creek and watch the fireworks. In case of rain, the event will be held Friday, July 5. 

WILLOW SPRINGS - The Annual Spectacular 4th of July Patriots Parade will start at 10 a.m. in Willow Springs. This year Willow Springs is also celebrating its 150-year sesquicentennial anniversary. Parade participants will line up at Booster Field starting at 9 a.m. Citizens are encouraged to dress up as a historical character from American history.  At 10:45 a.m. participants will present information about their characters at the Historic Star Theater in downtown Willow Springs. Costumes are available, and those interested in participating should call Jane Bailey at 417-469-2588. 

 

Friday, July 5

PONTIAC - The Howell Creek Band will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.at Lake Bums BrewCo off Highway W. Just Jackie’s restaurant will be open until 7 p.m., then the Fried and Frozen food truck and a kettle corn vendor will be open for the rest of the evening. Fireworks will start at dark over Bull Shoals Lake at Pontiac Cove. 

 

Saturday, July 6

PONTIAC - The Pontiac Price Place Volunteer Fire Department will serve a fundraiser brunch from 9 a.m. to noon at fire station number 1 next to the Pontiac post office off W Highway. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, ham, smoked salmon, hash brown casserole, sweet rolls and beverages.

•  Rio Trio will perform music from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lake Bums BrewCo off Highway W.  The Firecrackers group will serve dinner to raise money for next year’s fireworks show in Pontiac Cove. The brewery will open at 4 p.m. 

THORNFIELD -  The Thornfield House of Prayer will host an evening of fun, food and fireworks beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 6, in the park adjoining the church. Games and music are planned, and hotdogs will be served. Everything is free. The House of Prayer is 6 miles south of Wasola on Highway 95. For more information, call pastor Stan Collins at 417-989-0027.

Ozark County Times

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