Sparks in the Park gets parade blast off
Clara Tipton, 5, discusses her favorite part of Fourth of July, “Sparklers!” with pageant emcee Cassy Ballard.
Holly Vanloozen and Naomi Mason were named Little Miss Sparkler; while Kaylee West and Lily Williams were each named Miss Firecracker. (Photos by Ryan Squibb)
A gang of cheerful youth chanting “U-S-A” rolls through town during Sunday’s Fourth of July parade.
See a full gallery of Sparks in the Park parade and pageant photos at greenecountycommonwealth.com.
Ash Grove celebrates Fourth of July at City Park, Main Street
A welcoming 82 degrees accompanied the inaugural Sparks in the Park Fourth of July Parade Sunday afternoon on Main Street, Ash Grove, which culminated at Ash Grove City Park where Sparks in the Park festivities were just beginning.
More than 50 entries, including red, white and blue vehicles, churches and horses, made the slow trek east through town as onlookers smiled, waved flags and collected candy with a patriotic downtown backdrop.
Once at the park, Sparks—this year organized by the Ash Grove Lodge 100—officially kicked of the event with a bagpipe performance by Battlefield fireman Daniel Zacher, a word from Ash Grove Mayor Caleb Smith, and a pageant to crown Little Miss Sparkler and Little Miss Firecracker.
As darkness fell, fireworks rose. This year's fire in the sky presentation was courtesy of longtime firework enthusiast Doug Renshaw, who is the usual pyro master of ceremonies.
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Lawrence County Record
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