Fourth of July festivities in Willow Springs

Grab your red, white, and blue and direct your feet to the sunny side of Main Street in Willow Springs for the annual Fourth of July Parade.

The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Booster Field with line up beginning at 9:00 a.m. It is sponsored by the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce. The chamber encourages all businesses, civic and service organizations, churches, schools, veterans, families, individuals, classic car clubs, bicyclists, cloggers, cowboys and girls, clowns and acrobats to participate.

Volunteers to portray historic characters are needed. Participants can select any famous person to portray. The lead characters are George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Jon Adams, Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam, and the Statue of Liberty. The chamber has some costumes and suggestions available. Please call Jane Bailey at 417-469-2588 for more information.

Immediately after the parade there will be a patriotic program with live music presented by Sharry Lovan and Company. It will be a full-fledged tribute to all who have sacrificed for our freedoms. There will be short remarks by the historic characters following.

Events Before the Parade

The Chamber is hosting a SWAT challenge the morning of the Fourth to raise funds for the Chamber and the Willow Springs Police Department. Registration is at 6:00 a.m., and the competition begins at 7:00 a.m. on Palenske Field. The cost is $30. Activities include an active shooter sprint, officer rescue, equipment carry, an obstacle climb, and a quarter mile run. Register at the Chamber office or the police station.

Also on the morning of the Fourth is the first “I Ran From the Cops” 5K. The cost for this event is also $30. Funds will benefit the Chamber and the police department. Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. on Palenske Field. The race begins at 7:00 a.m.