By ALEXANDRA LAMBDIN
(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — Celebrate the Fourth of July with lots of activities in Warrensburg offered by several community organizations.
The day kicks off with the Annual Freedom Fest 5k Run/Walk at 8 a.m. with an entry fee of $15. The event starts at Grover Park Baptist Church.
“I think it is a great community event,” said Kim Nicas, Warrensburg Parks and Recreation superintendent. “It’s something to do from morning until night.”
Downtown Warrensburg will be covered in patriotic garb Thursday morning during the children’s Patriotic Parade. Registration for the free event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Johnson County Courthouse, along with games and prizes. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Participants are invited to dress in their patriotic best and bring their decorated wagons and bikes.
“We felt like it was a good thing for downtown,” said Julie Turnipseed, executive director of Warrensburg Main Street. “Good for families, good for the community as a whole. Those types of activities build a sense of place; they build a lot of memories. And that really helps grow community and longevity.”
To help beat the summer heat, admission to the Nassif Aquatic Center will be half-price from 1-5 p.m. for the Star Spangled Swim. Attendees can also participate in games and enjoy music. The center will only be open from 1-5 p.m. July 4.
The holiday in Warrensburg ends with the Freedom Spectacular, sponsored by Grover Park Baptist Church, American Legion Post 131 and Warrensburg Parks and Recreation. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Grover Park Baptist Church. The event features free games, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones and drinks, as well as a moon walk and face painting. The Warrensburg Community Band will perform at 7:30 p.m.
“I think it’s an opportunity for the community and the church to come together in just a very healthy way,” said Randy Neal, pastor at Grover Park Baptist Church.
There will be giveaways throughout the evening, including car washes, haircuts, massages, movie tickets, oil changes and, the top prize, a flight for two around Warrensburg. Names will be drawn from the names taken at the registration table.
The fireworks display will begin at dark. Those attending should bring their own chairs and blankets.
Grover Park Baptist Church is providing a bus to pick up international UCM students and shut-ins around Warrensburg.
In case of bad weather, contact Warrensburg Parks and Recreation’s cancellation line at 660-747-5100. The rain date for the fireworks show is July 5. For more information about the day’s events, contact Neal at 660-747-7196 or Nicas at 660-747-7178.