July 04, 2009 09:59 pm
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By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
Thousands of area families spilled into area parks Saturday to celebrate Independence Day with music, hot dogs and fireworks.
At Landreth Park in Joplin, organizers of Freedom Fest were anticipating a crowd of more than 30,000 people to sit on lawn chairs, listen to several bands and dine on hamburgers, funnel cakes, pizza and hot dogs, said Michelle Tessman with the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department.
“I think it’s very important to hold community events, where families can bring their kids and it’s free,” said Beth Peacock, event coordinator who also works for the city.
With support from several sponsors, she said, the city managed to spend $10,700 for about a 20-minute aerial display at dusk from Dover Hill, she said.
Numerous cities throughout the country canceled their annual fireworks displays this year because of declining revenues since the recession began.
“We just tightened our belts,” Peacock said.
The city has held the event in Landreth Park for about the past 15 years, she said.
“It’s just something we can do for the citizens of Joplin,” she said.
Jody and Gina Hendrix, of Joplin, arrived about 30 minutes early with their 5-year-old son, Benjamin, who was enjoying ice cream and playground equipment.
“I like the fact that it’s in a park, and it’s good family entertainment,” Jody Hendrix said.
In Seneca, organizers of the holiday celebration brought back the popular “Seneca Idol” singing competition, based on the TV sensation “American Idol.”
Mackensie Powers, 11, was one of 26 entries in the event that was held Saturday afternoon at Seneca High School.
“I’ve loved singing since I was 3 years old,” Mackensie said.
She sang “Butterfly Away” by Miley Cyrus accompanied on guitar by her grandfather, John Powers, of Tulsa, Okla.
Her stepfather, Scott Johnson, said the event is popular with Seneca residents.
“There’s some really good talent here,” he said. “It’s been a dream of hers to be a singer.”
Competition was held in three different age categories with trophies awarded in each category, said Gwen Sampson, committee member.
The grand prize winner would receive three hours of recording time at the McCready Recording Studio, Sampson said.
Later in the evening, fireworks, music and food were among the festivities planned for the main event at Route U and Bethel Road with fireworks.
Kids’ inflatables were common at all of the events, including the Community Independence Day Celebration held in Kiwanis Park in Baxter Springs, Kan.
With the help of sponsors, organizers bought 1,200 hot dogs, 960 cans of soft drinks, 1,008 bottles of water and 700 bags of chips for the free event, said Fire Chief Robin Wene.
Fireworks and a performance by the Duling Family Country Music Show of Girard also were featured.
The highlight of the evening was, of course, the fireworks.
Janice and Jim Maryman, of Baxter Springs, brought their lawn chairs early for a good seat in front of the bandstand.
“We get to see all the people in town and see the entertainment and fireworks,” Janice Maryman said.
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