With July 4 falling on a Tuesday in 2023, many community celebrations were held on prior weekends. But there are still several ways to celebrate Independence Day in the Springfield Metro area.
Here’s a rundown of events in the Queen City or just a short drive away, from parades to fireworks and more.
Springfield’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Celebration
The Midtown Neighborhood Association is once again putting on its Springfield’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Celebration, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The theme of this year’s event is “Fantastic 4th!” It’s free to attend.
It all begins with the parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Benton and Central streets. This year’s Grand Marshals are 1st Lt. Larry Rottman, U.S. Army retired, and his son C.P.O. Eli Redstone, U.S. Navy retired. Parade entries include local scouting troops, antique cars and trucks, the Victorian Ladies Drill Team, floats and more.
The parade route winds through Midtown before ending at Washington Park (1600 N. Summit Ave.). Activities at the park include music, parade awards, games, DNA’s BBQ food truck and free frozen treats (while supplies last).
Freedom Week Fireworks with the Springfield Cardinals
What’s more American than hot dogs, baseball and fireworks? You can enjoy all three at Hammons Field as the Springfield Cardinals present Freedom Week Fireworks.
The fun starts when the gates open at 4:35 p.m. Fans 21 and older can enjoy drink specials on all adult beverages during the first 30 minutes after the gates open. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m., as the Cardinals host the Amarillo Sod Poodles. It’s $2 Tuesday, so hot dogs and bratwursts will be available for just $2 throughout the night.
Don’t leave when the game ends. Local band Red Light Runner will put on a postgame concert and fans will be invited onto the field to watch the fireworks display.
Visit the Springfield Cardinals’ website for more information or to purchase tickets.
2023 Celebration of Freedom in Bolivar
Also on July 4, the Bolivar Rotary Club presents its Celebration of Freedom on the campus of Southwest Baptist University. Food vendors open at 5:30 p.m. and musical entertainment from The Shuffle Cats starts at 6. Tumbles Gymnastics will perform at 7:10 p.m.
Boy Scouts Troop No. 376 and the American Legion will assist with the presentation of colors and recognition of veterans. A fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:20.
More fireworks displays in the Ozarks
There are more places to catch a fireworks display if you’re willing to drive a little. The Monett Area Chamber of Commerce presents Freedom & Fireworks at the city’s South Park. Children’s activities and vendors open at 1 p.m., with carnival rides and games. Guests must purchase a $20 wristband for access to those rides and games. Live music starts at 2 and runs throughout the afternoon and evening. The fireworks display is scheduled to start around 9:30.
Head south for to Hollister’s 70th Annual July 4th Fireworks Display at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park. The Western Taney County Fire Department will be grilling hot dogs and selling them with chips, soda and water, while Nitro Ice will be selling sno-cones. You can play yard games and enjoy music until the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m.
Chadwick, in Christian County, will host its fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the Chadwick Community Building. It’s free to attend and donations are accepted.
Parades in Marshfield, Strafford
Marshfield’s 144th Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. on the Marshfield Square. This year’s theme is “American Made.” The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce reports it has secured a United States Air Force flyover for that event, which will be followed by a concert from The Jetz.
The City of Strafford hosts its 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. Lineup starts at 9:15 a.m. and no registration is required to participate.
