An old-fashioned community Fourth of July celebration inspired by traditional
Americana and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States is planned from 10
a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on the campus of Missouri State University–West Plains.
Hosted by Explore West Plains, and centered in and around the Bell Tower area, the
family-friendly event will feature a non-motorized parade, kids’ activities, food trucks,
and music.
At 10:15 a.m. the mayor will issue a welcome which will be followed by a sing-a-long of
patriotic songs and a performance of the Ozark AcousChicks Women’s A Cappella
Chorus.
Parade lineup will be at 11 a.m. on Franklin Avenue near Broadway. The parade will
begin at 11:30 a.m. The route will go west on Cass to Pennsylvania, south on
Pennsylvania, then west on Webster to Franklin, continuing on Franklin to disband
where it began. The route is purposefully short to accommodate all ages and abilities.
Participants in the parade are encouraged to embrace the spirit of a traditional, old
fashioned Fourth of July celebration through creative, non-motorized entries. Decorated
wagons, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, pull carts, and walking groups
are all welcome. Organizers are asking for patriotic themes, including entries inspired by
the America 250 celebration, with handmade decorations especially encouraged.
For safety, children should be supervised by an adult, participants should remain with
their entries at all times, and pets must be leashed and under control. Organizers ask
that participants avoid fireworks, unsafe props, and throwing candy, with handing out
treats preferred instead. Cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, and other motorized
vehicles will not be permitted in the parade, although mobility devices used for
accessibility are allowed.
Only family-friendly, non-political entries will be accepted. All are reminded this is an
event meant to inspire community spirit and recognize the country’s milestone.
“We want this to feel like a classic small-town Fourth of July celebration,” organizers
said. “Simple, creative, patriotic, and centered around community participation.”
Families, churches, civic groups, veterans and veterans groups, scout troops, sports
teams, and individuals are all encouraged to participate.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, follow Explore West Plains on social media or reach out via email
to tourism@westplains.gov.
