There was no shortage of fun, food, fireworks and festivals over the long holiday weekend. Absolutely no shortage of patriotism in this area! There was no excuse for not getting out and enjoying the holiday, as there was plenty to do for people of all ages.
With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday this year, there was ample opportunity for festivities. My holiday weekend started on Friday evening at the 29th annual Fourth of July Celebration at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center. The event is a favorite of mine, and by the large number of people in attendance, it is clear many enjoy this annual event.
Missy Breshears, Backyard Bluegrass, Southern Streak and Taylor Thompson entertained the crowd. It was a walk down memory lane, admiring all of the classic cars on display from the Roadrunner’s Car Club Car Show.
I always enjoy watching the young children explore, learn and have fun taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells at these events. Children of all ages took pony rides, jumped in bounce houses, tried their aim and accuracy at the dunking booth and more. The evening ended with a wonderful fireworks show, which could be seen for miles. Events like these, with families celebrating, laughing and making memories are the things the children I saw will look forward to sharing with their own children one day. I always enjoyed taking my children to these events, and now love taking my grandchildren.
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the 31st annual Squires Picnic and Fourth of July Celebration. This event has more of a small town feel with the dessert bar with homemade pies and cobblers. But when the bands took the stage, couples started dancing, children began to swirl, skip and sing along. Everywhere you looked people were smiling. I was happy to see Bluegrass Tradition, Jim Dandy Band and Southern Streak, for a second night in a row.
Though this event feels like a small town event, the number of people in attendance was staggering and required off-site parking. The event grows each year and that too makes me smile. I am not the only one who sees the civic, community and family values in events such as these.
At 10 p.m., when the sky was jet black, fireworks erupted and truly brought the holiday to the close we all enjoy and expect.
I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend, and are prepared to attend the many festivals, fairs and events that are coming up over the next several months. The 33rd Senatorial District is sure to be busy and I hope to be able to visit with you at some of these events.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882. |
