People in the Ozarks celebrate Independence Day with all sorts of events, including parades, fireworks displays, rodeos, concerts and ice cream socials. Here are some of those events. We'll add listings to this file as we learn about more events.  To see them listed in date order, go to our Community Calendar.

Faith-Family-Freedom Celebration in Norwood, MO

July 3, 2006 starting at 5 p.m. in Norwood, MO.

BBQ supper, Bluegrass & gospel music, fireworks display. Admission is Free. For more information logon to www.libertyfaith.net. Event is sponsored by the Liberty Faith Church in Norwood, MO.

53 Years of Fireworks in Hollister

July 4th in Hollister, Missouri

Make plans now to enjoy Taney County's oldest fireworks display at the 53rd Annual 4th of July Celebration in Hollister, Missouri. This 4th of July show has become an annual tradition to many families and visitors.

I Love America

July 4, 2006 starting at 11 a.m. -until 12 a.m. at the Springfield Underground (Highway 65 & Division)

A FREE 4th of July Celebration brought to you by James River Assembly. For more information call 417-581-5433.

4th of July in Galena

July 4, 2006 at 5 p.m. at the Galena Park

The Galena Park Board is sponsoring their Annual 4th of July Celebration. This event will be taking place on Tuesday, July 4th at the Galena Park starting at 5 p.m. The activities include bingo, raffles, lots of good food, and live entertainment by the Oldfields. To end the evening, they will have a fireworks display. Mark your calendar and come join the fun in Galena!

Independence Day at Fort Leonard Wood

July 4, 2006 starting at 3 p.m. at Fort Leonard Wood. Admission is FREE.

On July 4, 2006, the night sky of Fort Leonard Wood will light up with a blaze of glory to Celebrate Independence Day. Join friends, family, and service members from all branches to celebrate our country's birthday as we gather to enjoy this exciting red-white-and-blue extravaganza. The celebration starts at 3 p.m. on Gammon Field. The whole family will enjoy games, activities, concessions, and more. The excitement continues to heat up with the U.S. Army Soldier Show, on Gammon Field at 7:30 p.m. The performance is free and the public is invited. Fireworks will follow the Soldier Show bringing the night to an explosive conclusion. Call (573) 596-0148 for details.

127th Independence Day Parade

July 4, 2006 starting at 10 a.m. in Marshfield.

Marshfield is proud to have the oldest running 4th of July Parade west of the Mississippi. This year's theme is "America the Beautiful" and are pleased to announce that the 135th Army Band will follow the Color Guard this year. For more information call 417-859-3925 or log on to www.marshfieldmochamberofcommerce.com

4th of July Fireworks and Parade in Salem, Missouri

July 4, 2006 from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. at The Commons in Salem, MO.

Enjoy Crafts, Flea Market, Food, Gospel Music, Country Music, Car Show, Huge Fireworks Display. The Parade starts at 5 p.m.

Fireworks in the Park

July 4, 2006 starting at 5:00 pm until approximately 10:00 pm at the City of Battlefield Park

Come to the City of Battlefield and enjoy good old fashioned fun. There will be inflatables for children, food vendors available and fireworks. Best of all, admission is FREE!

Fireworks Spectacular at Rockaway Beach

July 4th at the Rockaway Beach City Park starting at 3 p.m.

Fireworks will be exploding over Lake Taneycomo this July 4th in Rockaway Beach at the city park. The Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Fireworks Spectacular celebrating the United States of America. Food and vendors will open booths at 3:00pm with live music from 4:15pm until 8:00pm. The evening will conclude with Fireworks over the waters of Lake Taneycomo around 9:30pm.

The music will include gospel music, Bluegrass band High Strung, Branson’s youngest Elvis, 5 year old Little E, and multi-award winning Canadian recording artist Eli Barsi. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats will be available from Bob Evans Restaurants, ice cream will be available from Schwan’s, as well as other food vendors. The Chamber of Commerce will also hold a raffle with prizes including tickets to local attractions, gift cards to local restaurants, and 2 nights at a popular Branson hotel.

For more information please contact Carol Szabo, Chamber of Commerce President, at 417-561-4280.

Monett 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 2006 starting at 11 a.m. at the Monett South Park

Foods/Crafts/Carnival/Kids Contests/Entertainment (2 Stages) Stage 1 Begins at 1 p.m. Main Stage begins 6 p.m./Dance at Tennis Courts begins after fireworks display until midnight/Fireworks Display beg. 9:30 p.m. This year's display will be the Largest Fireworks Display Monett has ever seen and choreographed to patriotic music/Located just south of U.S. 60 & 37 Junction in Monett. Admission is FREE.

Spirit of ‘76 event at 4 Branson parks

Helping children celebrate the United States of America’s 230th birthday is the theme for the annual Spirit of '76 event 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, which will be held at four Branson parks, Alexander Park, Cantwell Park, Murphy Park and Stockstill Park.

All children present will receive free ice cream and an American flag. The event is a family-oriented community service sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force and Branson’s Golden Corral.

"All area families and children are invited and encouraged to visit one of the four different local parks on the Fourth of July," said organizer Steve Weyher, who is the Task Force’s community liaison. "Volunteers will be on hand from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to help encourage a sense of patriotism in America’s young people. Children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in red, white and blue to ride at the park and everyone is asked to wear patriotic colors to show their pride in America."

The Branson Veterans Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the Nation's veterans and their families. This is just one of the many projects the non-profit group sponsors, the largest of which is Veterans Homecoming held during Veterans Week in November. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (The Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.