Independence Day is about a week away. Mansfield, like many communities, celebrates freedom this weekend.

Staci Alsup is the director of the Mansfield Community Center. She joined Ozarks Today on Thursday morning.

Freedom Celebration, June 28, runs from 1 p.m. until the end of the fireworks show (about 10 p.m.) Admission to the event at Mansfield City Park is free.

From the City of Mansfield: The Mansfield Community Center will be having its annual Freedom Celebration Saturday, June 23, at the city park. We are planning on a Sand Volleyball Tournament, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, games at the park for the kids, as well as music and a street dance.

The BBQ will kick off at 4 p.m. We will start the day with a run/walk which is being organized by John Hinsley. The Miss Firecracker contest will be at 6:00 p.m. this year and it will be open for girls from birth to 9 years old.

If you have a group that wants to participate you must contact the center to sign up your booth and to get on the list. We have several games planned for the kids: golf putt, football toss, duck pond, bounce house, basketball toss, face painting, and more to be added.

The grand finale of the evening is the fireworks brought to you by the City of Mansfield.

The Community Center is selling raffle tickets which include the chance for 4 St. Louis Cardinals tickets, 4 Springfield Cardinals tickets, a stainless steel grill, a bicycle, and other prizes to be added.

Golf Balls are on sale now for our golf ball drop. This year we will be doing a $300 closest to the hole, and $200 farthest from the hole.

This is our biggest fund raiser of the year and we invite everyone to attend. If you would like any more information please feel free to contact the center at (417) 924-7070.