The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a completely free, daylong celebration honoring America's 250th birthday on Saturday.
The festivities feature a packed schedule of patriotism, community pride and family events spanning from Saturday morning through the evening fireworks. In observance of the holiday weekend, the city of Willow Springs will be closed on Friday.
Parade Details and Route
The Fourth of July parade will officially step off at 10 a.m. The route will travel from Ferguson Street, head down Main Street, and conclude at Booster Field. John Bailey of Bailey Chevrolet will serve as the parade announcer, stationed in front of the Star Theatre at 209 E. Main St. As previously announced, American Legion Post 384 will lead the parade as this year's Grand Marshal.
Parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. at the Willow Springs High School parking lot. General participants should enter off 10th Street near the football field. Horse entries have specific instructions: Riders must park in the grassy area at 10th and Main streets to unload and tack up, then proceed to the check-in point at 10th and Ferguson.
Chamber officials issued a safety reminder for spectators, asking parents to keep children on the curb or sidewalk, supervise them at all times and ensure they do not run into the street to chase candy.
Schedule of Events
Following the parade, residents are invited to continue the celebration with a full day of activities:
- 11 a.m. Patriotic Program: Held at the Star Theatre, the program features performances by the Cornerstone Dance Studio and Living Portraits, alongside a special recognition of veterans.
- Noon to 3 p.m. Community Picnic: An old-fashioned, hometown picnic will be held at Booster Field. The event features free hot dogs provided by the Eleven Point Rural Fire Department and Mayor Adam Webb, watermelon from the Willow Springs FFA Alumni, chips from the Knights of Columbus and popsicles from the Willow Springs Rotary Club. The fire department will also supervise "Water Wars" with squirt guns and water games.
- 1 to 3 p.m. Live Music: Stringed Union and Sharry Lovan will perform live during the community picnic at Booster Field. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
- 5:30 to 10 p.m. Concert for a Cause: Ha Ha Tonka will perform a benefit concert for Whetstone Boys Ranch at the Pine Meadows Venue, 1449 Highway 76. The event includes food trucks, fireworks and family activities. Tickets are $25 each and available online at events.whetstoneboysranch.com/july4th.
- 6 p.m. Dinner and Fireworks: First General Baptist Church, 2507 Railroad Drive, will host a free community dinner, followed immediately by a free fireworks show to cap off the holiday.
Organizers are still hoping to reach a goal of 250 parade entries to mark the nation's semiquincentennial, and free registration remains open online at www.wschamber.net. For more information, contact the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce at 417-469-5519.
