25 Jun 2012 Holiday celebrations in the 501

Posted at 4:06 PMh in News by

by Molly Bowman

Patriotic spirit has never been lacking in the 501, and this Independence Day is no exception.  

As you and your family get decked out in your best red, white and blue attire, check out some of the festivities going on in the area to help celebrate the national holiday.

  • To kick off the holiday, head up to Heber Springs on Tuesday, July 3, for the annual Greers Ferry Lake Fireworks Extravaganza. Tune in to 106.1 KFFB to listen to a playlist of patriotic tunes that corresponds with the performance. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m., and will offer a fantastic show to everyone within viewing distance of the lake.
  • The 14th annual “Fabulous Fourth” will be held Wednesday, July 4, on the banks of the Arkansas River in Morrilton. Everyone is encouraged to bring their picnic blankets and lawn chairs out to Cherokee Park at 5 p.m. to enjoy free hot dogs, lemonade, iced tea and watermelon. Live music, an apple pie bake-off, a watermelon-eating contest and activities for the children are some of the activities leading up to the fireworks show taking place at 9 p.m. For more information, contact Susan Henderson at [email protected] or 501.208.3121.
  • Petit Jean State Park will host a “Fun and Games Day” on Wednesday, July 4, that is sure to have something for the whole family. Bring your own bike at 8:30 a.m. and decorate it for the bicycle parade. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by other fun activities for the remainder of the day. Admission is free.
  • Little Rock will host the 29th annual Pops on the River on Wednesday, July 4. The festivities will begin at Riverfest Amphitheater at 5:30 p.m. and are free to the public.  Performances for the evening will include the “Oh Say! Can You Sing?” top five finalists, Happy Tymes Jazz Band and The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The evening will be topped off with a fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m.
  • Maumelle’s Fourth Fest will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. A parade looping around Millwood Circle, Audubon Drive and Club Manor will kick off the evening. When the parade ends at Lake Willastein, free games will be available such as a water balloon throw, a basketball shootout, a floating green and a dunking booth. The entertainment will begin at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. will close out the night.