29 Jun 2015 Fireworks and parades highlight Independence Day in the 501

Posted at 1:02 PMh in News by

A variety of special events are planned in the 501 to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 4.

The Fabulous Fourth celebration is planned Saturday in Conway County.

FAIRFIELD BAY

Fairfield Bay will observe “A City of Patriotism” and holiday celebrations on Fourth of July weekend.

Festivities kick off Friday, July 3, with a traditional town parade at 9 a.m. at the Mall, showcasing floats from Fairfield Bay and neighboring towns. The 4th of July Parade says a lot about the Bay, with its strong sense of community and deeply felt national pride. A majority of Bay residents have served in the military and it shows with flags flying all over the community.

That evening, there will be a fireworks display over Greers Ferry Lake at the Fairfield Bay Marina.

On Saturday, July 4, there is a full day of fun, games and entertainment beginning at 7 a.m. with the Red, White and Blue Golf Tournament at Indian Hills Golf Resort. Call 501.884.7637 to register.

The Fairfield Bay Baptist Church Bazaar is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with inflatable games for the kids, door prizes, live music, food and more.

The fun continues from 2 to 8 p.m. at the inaugural Miniature Golf Tournament at the professional Harris Cup certified mini golf course in Woodland Mead Park.

At 8 p.m., the festivities continue with “Lucky Draw” playing in the Amphitheater in the back of the park.

For information, call the conference and visitor center at 501.884.4202.

HEBER SPRINGS

The Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays in Arkansas at Dam Site Park in Heber Springs over spectacular Greers Ferry Lake. On Saturday, July 4, there will be music, food and fun for the whole family. “Imagine That Band” will perform at 7 p.m. The fireworks are planned at 9:30 p.m. with choreographed music on KFFB 106.1 FM. For more information, visit heber-springs.com.

MAUMELLE

“Work, Live and Play” is the theme for this year’s Maumelle Fourth of July Parade, scheduled 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. The parade starts on the corner of Audubon Drive and Millwood Circle, proceeds east, turns south on Club Manor Drive and then turns northwest back onto Audubon Drive. Monetary awards are given for the best entry in each category. For more information, contact Kevin Cummings at 501.851.6990 or [email protected]. Registration forms are available at the Jess Odom Community Center. The parade is sponsored by the Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department and Peyton Team Realtors.

The Second Annual Cardboard Boat Race sponsored by the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will be held Saturday, July 4, at Lake Willastein Park. Awards will be given in several categories, including Fastest of the Fleet, Sinking with Style, Team Spirit Award and Floating with Flare. For more information contact the chamber at 501.851.9700 or [email protected].

MORRILTON

Fireworks, live music, hot dogs and watermelon are all on tap for the Conway County Fourth of July celebration at 17th annual Fabulous Fourth.

Thanks to patriotic volunteers and donors, the celebration will remain 100 percent free.

Live music will be non-stop with the Akeem Kemp band filling the air with jazz, blues, rock and country. The New Sinatra’s will also be performing jazz-infused and classic pop melodies. Even the fireworks will be synchronized to music as a grand finale.

There will be a watermelon eating contest; a contest for the best apple pie; games for the children; red, white and blue helium balloons; iced tea and lemonade. Picnic baskets and coolers are allowed in this sprawling Corps of Engineers park.

On display will be 150 American flags that will set the patriotic tone. Cool breezes along with large shade trees make for a festive celebration.
All activities will start at 5 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

For more information including a list of the sponsors and volunteers, visit Fabulous Fourth on Facebook or fabulousfourth.wix.com/fab4#!.  Information is also available by contacting Susan Henderson at 501.208.3121 or [email protected].

PETIT JEAN

Petit Jean State Park will host an “old-fashioned” celebration of the nation’s birthday on Saturday, July 4. Fun, family-oriented games, contests and other activities will be offered. Contact the park for a schedule. Admission is free.