A host of Independence Day observances are going on throughout the area this weekend – plenty to “pick and choose” for your own celebration!

DEXTER
The city’s Fourth of July Fireworks display will begin after dusk (say around 8:30) on Sunday night, July 3. The display will be held at the East City Park and is free and open to the public.

On Monday, July 4, Kristie and Jason Banken continue the tradition of a Fourth of July Parade for kids. The parade will being at the corner of Elm and Vine streets at 10 a.m. Kids will walk, ride bikes and trikes, skateboard, ride in wagons – all sorts of forms of non-motorized transportation along a route that goes Elm to Stoddard, Stoddard to Poplar, Poplar to Vine and back to the starting point. Along the way the youngsters will pause at the Dexter Post Office to salute the flag and sing patriotic songs. At the end of the parade the Bankens invite the children for lemonade and cookies on their front lawn.

WAPPAPELLO
The Army Corps of Engineers says all campgrounds and recreation areas will be open this weekend, just two months after historic flooding. A temporary road has been built around Highway T and the lake stage was a 361 feet late in the week - very close to summer pool. The annual Waterfest will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, ending with a fireworks display over the lake at 9 p.m. Saturday.

BLOOMFIELD
The Independence Day Celebration in Bloomfield will actually take place on Saturday, July 2, with a complete lineup of activities throughout the day. From morning to evening, there are activities for young and old at the Bloomfield City Park. At dusk Saturday evening Jerry Fuqua will sing the National Anthem, and the annual fireworks display will begin.

FIREWORKS IN DEXTER
Residents are reminded that Dexter city ordinances forbid the use of fireworks in the city limits except on July 4. This year the ordinance has been amended to include July 3. Persons in the city of Dexter are not permitted to use fireworks except on July 3 and 4.

In addition, this week it was observed that signs have been posted prohibiting the use of fireworks at any time of Dexter Public School property.