Continuing a decade-long tradition, Starkville Parks and Recreation will host the city’s annual Independence Day celebration at the Sportsplex beginning at 5 p.m. July 4 and continuing until 9:30 for the fireworks display.
To compensate for the event’s growth seen in recent years, Director of Recreation and Sports Gerry Logan said new festivities were added, including food and craft vendors and local band performances.
Activities for children will be available, primarily inflatable bounce houses spanning the entire 4 1/2-hour event. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Apostolic Assembly of God dance team will perform, and local band Lot 158 will take the stage at 7:30.
“Obviously the fireworks, which will begin going off at 9 p.m., are the huge attraction, but until then, we are trying to offer as many things possible for families to do,” Logan said. “We were also fortunate enough to receive some help for the Starkville Area Arts Council to get the word out and find some local talent to perform.”
A litter-free event
At the beginning of June, the city of Starkville became a Keep America Beautiful campaign affiliate, which is a national organization that encourages citizens across the nation to improve the cleanliness and overall health of their community. Because of this, Herman Peters, department head and director of parks and recreation, said his department wants the Independence Day celebration the very first litter-free event in the community.
Both trash cans and recycle bins will be placed in all areas occupied for the event, and each family will receive trash bags throughout the day in order to keep trash off the ground.
“This is the first big event that has been held since becoming a part of the organization (Keep America Beautiful),” Peters said. “No one in attendance will get an opportunity to throw trash on the ground because there will be a place to throw it away within 10 feet of each person.”
Newly-minted mayor to give welcome
According to Peters, the best part of the event is the family-oriented atmosphere and the constant growth in attendance year after year.
“No matter your age, race or economic background, there is something for everyone to do and it causes everyone to just blend together so well,” Peters said. “So come out, bring your good attitudes, bring your lawn chairs, leave the fireworks at home and have a really good time.”
Mayor-elect Lynn Spruill will also be a part of the celebration, welcoming all community members in attendance during what will be her second appearance after being sworn in July 3.
Many surrounding communities, Spruill said, are putting on Fourth of July celebrations on the Saturday, which she thinks will draw more people to Starkville’s event.
“It is a wonderful event and it has been really successful over the years,” Spruill said. “It draws a huge crowd each year, and we (Starkville) just want it to continue to grow. It is just a really good event for the community.”
Volunteers wanted
Each year, in addition to the full-time staffers with Starkville Parks and Recreation, volunteers are wanted in hopes to add more coordination and organization throughout the day, Logan said.
Individual volunteers and large-groups are welcomed, and will be shuffled throughout different areas of the event, including stage set-up, vendor assistance and overall support to the staff.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Logan at 662-323-2294 or [email protected].
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