Many area events celebrate Independence Day

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

There are many opportunities to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks displays and various celebrations held throughout the three-day holiday weekend.

The fun gets underway on Friday evening with the Fireburst Independence Day Fireworks Display in Kimberling City.

Sponsored by the Table Rock Chamber of Commerce, this professional fireworks spectacular gets underway at dusk on Friday, July 1. A 30-year tradition, Fireburst is a popular area event. Fireworks can be seen high above Table Rock Lake and the recently renovated Kimberling City Bridge, and can be viewed from the shores of Table Rock Lake, from the decks of nearby lake homes, or via boats in the heart of the lake.

Sunday, July 3, is the date of the 15th annual Branson Landing Liberty Light Up. Evening entertainment featuring music by the Dirty Saints gets underway at 6:30. You’ll enjoy the ‘80s rock music of the Dirty Saints, joined by The Damsel and other special guests. An amazing, choreographed fireworks display lights up the night beginning at dusk. The event is free to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfort while enjoying the event.

Chateau on the Lake will also celebrate Independence Day on Sunday, July 3, with a fireworks spectacular beginning at dusk. Open to guests of the Chateau on the Lake, as well as the public, fireworks can be viewed from the parking lot at Chateau on the Lake, the Dewey Short Visitors Center, and other nearby locations, as well as by boat.

Top of the Rock in Ridgedale offers a fireworks extravaganza on July 4, beginning at dusk. Free for guests of Big Cedar Lodge, this event is open to the public, with a $20 entry/parking fee for all other visitors.

One of the area’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations will be held on July 4 at the Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park in Hollister. Join in the fun with the Little Miss Firecracker pageant, music and other holiday activities. The town’s fireworks display, featuring over 1,000 shell hand-lit fireworks, gets underway at dusk.

Rockaway Beach celebrates Independence Day in style with a Rockin’ 4th of July on Monday – a day filled with music, food and fun. Activities begin at 12 noon with a variety of entertainment. Those in attendance will enjoy the music of the Outlaw Eagles, the Credence Coolwater Revue (CCR) tribute show and Georgina Holiday, as well as the Black Note Band. The day’s fun also includes craft vendors, food trucks and more. The day’s main event gets underway at 9:30 p.m. with an awesome fireworks display. This is the only area-wide fireworks display for Forsyth, Merriam Woods and Rockaway Beach and is a don’t miss event. Fireworks can be viewed by land or by boat.

Another annual event in Branson, the Firecracker 5000 will be held on Monday, July 4, at 7:30 a.m. at the Branson Landing. Join in the fun of a 5K or 10K or a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. Each year this event sees more and more participants. Proceeds from the event go to help support local fine arts programs and to benefit student cross country athletes who cannot afford proper running gear.

Branson’s Titanic attraction will also celebrate Independence Day beginning on July 1 with the display of 4,000 American flags, in honor of the 4th of July. The flags will remain on display until July 12.