Fourth of July celebrations in Republic, Willard, Ash Grove

The communities of Republic, Ash Grove and Willard will all celebrate Independence Day this weekend with their annual Fourth of July festivals. Republic will hold their 23rd Annual Have-A-Blast celebration on Friday, June 28, while Willard’s 57th Annual Freedom Fest celebration will take place on Saturday, June 29. Ash Grove’s Sparks in the Park will cap off the weekend on Sunday, June 30. More information about each event follows below:
Have-A-Blast
The 23rd Annual Have-A-Blast Celebration will take place at Republic’s J.R. Martin Park, located at 300 E. Hines, on Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m. The event will feature a kids’ zone with face painting, pony rides, carnival games, balloon animals, a petting zoo and an inflatable zone. There will also be live music performed by the band Members Only, food vendors, and a pyromusical fireworks display. Admission is free; activities and food require a fee.
Volunteers are requested to help with the event; anyone interested should contact Chelsea Small at (417) 732-3500 or csmall@republicmo.com. For more information, go online to www.republicmo.com/360/Have-A-Blast.
Freedom Fest
The 57th Annual Freedom Fest will take place at Jackson Street Park in Willard; activities begin at 8:30 a.m. A full day of events are planned, beginning with the Community Brunch at 8 a.m. Other events include swimming at the aquatic center, the Little Miss Firecracker Pageant at 1 p.m., a parade, a car show, live music and the fireworks show. Parking will be at the Willard Middle School, Willard North/Intermediate School and the Willard Recreational Center; shuttle buses will run between the locations from 11:45 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. until the event ends. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit may park on Jackson Street.
Volunteers are requested to help in various time slots. Anyone wishing to volunteer can fill out a form online at www.willardfreedomfest.com/volunteers.html. For more information on the event, go online to www.willardfreedomfest.com.
Sparks in the Park
Sparks in the Park will take place at Ash Grove City Park on Sunday, June 30. The day begins with Free Swim at 1 p.m. Family and team games, as well as a petting zoo, follow at 4 p.m., and live music at 6 p.m.
Fireworks will close out the evening at 9:30 p.m. There will also be a number of vendors and food vendors at the event. Admission is free; food and activities may require a fee.
Volunteers are requested to help with the event. Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking more information should contact the Ash Grove HTC via their Facebook page, via their website at www.ashgrovehtc.org, or call (417)751-2034.