Barry County to celebrate Independence Day
July 1, 2020
Spencer Terry, of Purdy, prepares fireworks for lift-off at the city’s annual fireworks display, Friday, July 3.
Communities prepare to commemorate Independence Day in a variety of ways across Barry County. While plans may vary, all communities are asking that you bring lawn chairs and are encouraging attendees to practice social-distancing.
• Wheaton:
According to City Hall, Wheaton’s annual 4th of July event will begin at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4, with hot dogs and chips served up at Wheaton City Park.
Two bands will perform and fireworks are scheduled to be set off at dusk.
• Purdy:
Purdy’s community picnic and fireworks show, organized by the Ken & Julie Terry Family - made possible by donations from area businesses and individuals - will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, July 3, at The Gathering Place, at the junction of Business Highway 37 and Highway C, in Purdy.
For a $5 charge, attendees can purchase a hot dog meal, including a jumbo beef hot dog, baked beans, chips, cookie and a drink. Live entertainment by the Play Boyz Band is scheduled, with a 30-minute fireworks show planned for about 9 p.m.
• Exeter:
The Exeter Area Event Committee is sponsoring its first annual Independence Day celebration in the Exeter City Park on Friday, July 3, beginning at 3 p.m. Live music, food, free watermelon and free games and rides provided by the Exeter Corn Maze will mark the event. Spokesperson, Robyn Cole, said because the event was put together on short notice, they will not have a fireworks display this year.
• Washburn:
Washburn will hold its 20th annual community 4th of July celebration on the grounds of the First Baptist Church at 618 N. Second Street, according to pastor, Jim Erwin. The event will take place on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For safety reasons, this year, instead of a potluck, prepackaged food will be served and there will be no kids events. However, live music by The Texans is planned, and there will be fireworks at dusk.
• Shell Knob:
Shell Knob will be hosting two events on July 4. Their 2nd annual “Let Freedom Ring” boat parade begins at 11 a.m., when decorated boats will parade along a specified route. Last year’s parade boasted 16 entries, with more expected this year. There is no charge to enter your boat in the parade, but cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners. For more information, or to pre-register your boat, contact the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce at 417-858-3300.
Shell Knob’s annual “Fire & Thunder” fireworks display will begin at dark, usually around 9:30, one-third mile east of the Shell Knob Bridge.
• Monett:
Monett will host its annual “Freedom & Fireworks” event on July 4 in Monett’s South Park, beginning at 1 p.m., when vendors will open for business. Live music is on tap from Dylan Brock, Flyin’ Buzzards, Bootleg Riot and the Mark Chapman Band, with a fireworks display to follow the singing of the national anthem at 9:30 p.m.
• Seligman:
Hot dogs will be served at Seligman City Hall grounds beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4. Live music by The Flyin’ Buzzards will begin at 7 p.m., and fireworks will be set off at dark.
• Wheaton:
According to City Hall, Wheaton’s annual 4th of July event will begin at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4, with hot dogs and chips served up at Wheaton City Park.
Two bands will perform and fireworks are scheduled to be set off at dusk.
• Purdy:
Purdy’s community picnic and fireworks show, organized by the Ken & Julie Terry Family - made possible by donations from area businesses and individuals - will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, July 3, at The Gathering Place, at the junction of Business Highway 37 and Highway C, in Purdy.
For a $5 charge, attendees can purchase a hot dog meal, including a jumbo beef hot dog, baked beans, chips, cookie and a drink. Live entertainment by the Play Boyz Band is scheduled, with a 30-minute fireworks show planned for about 9 p.m.
• Exeter:
The Exeter Area Event Committee is sponsoring its first annual Independence Day celebration in the Exeter City Park on Friday, July 3, beginning at 3 p.m. Live music, food, free watermelon and free games and rides provided by the Exeter Corn Maze will mark the event. Spokesperson, Robyn Cole, said because the event was put together on short notice, they will not have a fireworks display this year.
• Washburn:
Washburn will hold its 20th annual community 4th of July celebration on the grounds of the First Baptist Church at 618 N. Second Street, according to pastor, Jim Erwin. The event will take place on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For safety reasons, this year, instead of a potluck, prepackaged food will be served and there will be no kids events. However, live music by The Texans is planned, and there will be fireworks at dusk.
• Shell Knob:
Shell Knob will be hosting two events on July 4. Their 2nd annual “Let Freedom Ring” boat parade begins at 11 a.m., when decorated boats will parade along a specified route. Last year’s parade boasted 16 entries, with more expected this year. There is no charge to enter your boat in the parade, but cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners. For more information, or to pre-register your boat, contact the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce at 417-858-3300.
Shell Knob’s annual “Fire & Thunder” fireworks display will begin at dark, usually around 9:30, one-third mile east of the Shell Knob Bridge.
• Monett:
Monett will host its annual “Freedom & Fireworks” event on July 4 in Monett’s South Park, beginning at 1 p.m., when vendors will open for business. Live music is on tap from Dylan Brock, Flyin’ Buzzards, Bootleg Riot and the Mark Chapman Band, with a fireworks display to follow the singing of the national anthem at 9:30 p.m.
• Seligman:
Hot dogs will be served at Seligman City Hall grounds beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4. Live music by The Flyin’ Buzzards will begin at 7 p.m., and fireworks will be set off at dark.
