Communities plan Fourth of July celebrations

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Area communities are planning Fourth of July celebrations. Here is a roundup:

Willow Springs: A parade is set for 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, in Willow Springs.

The lineup begins at 9 a.m. at Booster Field. Participants and spectators are sought. Persons are invited to enter vehicles. Businesses, veterans, schools, civic and social clubs are invited to celebrate the 246^th birth of the country. Some period costumes are available by calling Jane Bailey at 417-469-2588.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a patriotic program in the Star Theater with live music by Sharry Lovan’s band.

Historical characters will be on stage and will make brief remarks.

Cabool: A Fourth of July ceremony is planned in downtown Cabool at the gazebo. Free food and water begins at 6:30 p.m. July 4. Steve Forsythe will provide comedy at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks show by the City of Cabool starts at dark from Montgomery Lake.

HELD EARLIER

Houston: The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a parade and fireworks on Saturday, July 2. Beginning at 3 p.m., veterans will serve 1,000 hot dogs with condiments, chips and cold water at Lone Star Plaza. The parade lineup starts at 5:30 p.m. at the high school. It begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Houston.

The fireworks show is at 9 p.m. at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds.

Licking: Licking’s Fourth of July celebration will be at Deer Lick Park from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 2. A cornhole tournament begins at 2 and is sponsored by the Wildcat Travel Club. Pre-registration can be done at Friend Lumber and Rinne Tire Pro. zVarious groups and businesses will sell food items throughout the day. The fireworks show is estimated to start at about 9:15 p.m.

Alley Spring:

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will celebrate Independence Day with a summertime concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at Alley Spring and its mill. The renowned Baker Family from Birch Tree will perform on the banks of Alley Spring in front of the historic Alley Mill. It will be open for visitation and a tour is at 7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic-style dinner or your favorite summer treats to enjoy while listening to traditional bluegrass with family and friends. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or lawn blanket and take part in one of the classic celebrations that define the Alley community. Alley Spring is five miles west of Eminence  on Highway 106.  For more information, phone 573-226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.