An old-fashioned community Fourth of July celebration inspired by traditional Americana and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. is scheduled for July 4 on the campus of Missouri State University-West Plains.
Hosted by Explore West Plains, the family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. centered around the campus’ Smith-London Bell Tower area. The celebration will feature a non-motorized parade, children’s activities, food trucks and live music.
The morning festivities will begin at 10:15 a.m. with an official welcome from West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff, followed by a patriotic sing-along and a performance by the Ozark AcousChicks Women’s A Cappella Chorus.
Lineup for the parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Franklin Avenue near Broadway. The parade is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m., moving west on Cass Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, south on Pennsylvania, west on Webster Avenue to Franklin Avenue, and returning to the starting point. Organizers noted the route is designed to be short to accommodate participants of all ages and abilities.
Parade participants are encouraged to embrace a traditional small-town theme through creative entries. Decorated wagons, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, pull carts and walking groups are all welcome. Organizers are requesting patriotic designs, particularly those inspired by the America 250 milestone, with an emphasis on handmade decorations.
For safety reasons, cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles and golf carts will not be permitted in the procession, though motorized mobility devices used for accessibility are allowed. Organizers also request that participants refrain from using fireworks or unsafe props, and ask that candy and treats be handed out to spectators rather than thrown. Children must be supervised by an adult, and all pets must be leashed.
Officials emphasized that only family-friendly, nonpolitical entries will be accepted for the event, which is intended to foster community spirit and recognize the nation's milestone anniversary.
“We want this to feel like a classic small-town Fourth of July celebration,” organizers said in a statement. “Simple, creative, patriotic and centered around community participation.”
Families, churches, civic groups, scout troops, sports teams, individual residents and veterans organizations are all encouraged to take part in the festivities.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, residents can follow Explore West Plains on social media or contact the tourism department via email at tourism@westplains.gov.
