The City of Maumelle will continue its tradition of a big Independence Day celebration, with a parade, festival, cardboard boat races and fireworks on Thursday, July 4.

The parade is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. along Millwood Circle and Club Manor Drive.

The rest of the day’s festivities will take place at Lake Willastein Park.

The festival begins at 5 p.m. and includes vendors, concessions family games, performances, inflatables and more.

The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Sixth Annual Cardboard Boat Races at 5:30 p.m. at the lake’s boat ramp.

Armed with cardboard, duct tape and a few other odds and ends, participants use skill and ingenuity to transform materials into a vessel for the water. Not only does their “boat” need to be quick, but it must be capable of carrying passengers. This is a great team building project for businesses, families, schools, civic and church organizations. 

This year’s theme is “Fly Like an Eagle.” Participants are encouraged to decorate their boat and wear matching attire to add to the fun.
Teams consist of only two participants in each boat. Competition heats will be broken down into three divisions: 

Youth – Both racers are 17 and younger.

Family – One adult and one youth under 17.

Corporate – Two adult racers. 

Fastest of the Fleet awards will be given in each division. Additional awards include Sinking with Style, Team Spirit Award and Floating with Flare.
Early bird registration is $15 per team through Friday, June 28. The cost will increase to $25 per two-person team. Each participant will need to complete a registration form and waiver to participate.

This event is sponsored by State Farm Anthony Otwell Agency, State Farm Lee Tuxhorn Agency and Chick Fil-A Maumelle. The races are presented by the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department. To register or for more information, go to maumellechamber.com or call 501.851.9700.

The remaining 4^th Fest schedule:

6:15 p.m. – Presentation of parade awards (amphitheater)

6:20 p.m.– MGC Kids!

6:40 p.m. – Cardboard boat race awards (amphitheater)

7:50 p.m. – Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem (amphitheater)

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks

4^th Fest is presented by the Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department.

Other holiday celebrations:

HEBER SPRINGS

The 2019 Fireworks Extravaganza at Heber Springs will be held Saturday, July 6, at Dam Site Park on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake. Gates open at 10 a.m. for a fun-filled day on the beach before the festivities begin. Partygoers will arrive by boat and by car to enjoy food vendors and live music beginning at 7 p.m. from the band Just Sayin’. At 9:30 p.m., one of the largest fireworks displays in Arkansas will light the skies above the lake, as thousands of breathtaking fireworks are choreographed to music broadcast on Timeless 106.1 FM KFFB. The Fireworks Extravaganza is free, although those traveling by car have the opportunity to provide a $10 donation per vehicle. For more information, visit cca.heber-springs.com or email [email protected].

FAIRFIELD BAY

Fairfield Bay will host a Fourth of July Festival at the Bay. The weeklong celebration will include a free concert, a parade, a golf tournament and fireworks over Greers Ferry Lake on Friday, July 5. For more information, go to visitfairfieldbay.com/events.