The Southern

Fireworks 2009

Weather allowing, fireworks begin at dusk tonight at the following locations:

Anna: Anna City Park.

Benton: Rend Lake Dam and Visitors Center, Rend Lake, near Benton.

Carbondale: SIUC Arena parking lot, Carbondale; rain date Sunday.

Carterville: Cannon Park.

Christopher: City ballpark.

Goreville: City park.

Harrisburg: Saline County Fairgrounds, Harrisburg.

Lake of Egypt: Elks Park.

Marion: Knights of Columbus Hall, St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Metropolis: Dorothy Miller Park, on the riverfront.

Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon Airport.

Murphysboro: Riverside Park, Murphysboro; fireworks, food, baseball.

Vienna: City ball park; disc jockey, popcorn and soda.

West Frankfort: Frankfort Community Park.

Celebrations today

Some of today's Fourth of July celebrations are:

Cape Girardeau: 1 to 5 p.m., Red House Interpretive Center invites veterans and active members of all branches of military service to see members of the Sons of the American Revolution and view their display of historical American flags dating from 1777 through 2008. The Red House is located on the riverfront in historic downtown Cape Girardeau. 573-335-1631.

Cape Girardeau: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fort D Historic Site, Cape Girardeau. Fourth at the Fort Living History with re-enactors of the Turner Brigade demonstrating life during the time of the American Civil War. Demonstrations include artillery drill and firing, infantry drill and rifle loading and firing, ladies fashions and hands-on drill experience for visitors. Admission is free. 800-777-0068.

Carbondale Patriot's Rally: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Carbondale Town Square Pavilion. Speakers on the Constitution and reforming civil government. Free food and drinks provided. 618-203-4406.

Johnston City: 9 a.m. Old City Park beside Washington School. Parade begins at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Music, raffle, free hamburgers and hot dogs, watermelon eating contest, washer toss and more. Kids ages 5 to 12 may bring decorated bikes for the kids' bike parade. Best decorated bike wins a trophy. 618-694-4751.

Kaskaskia Island: 12:30 p.m., Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site. Since Liberty Bell of the West cannot be rung, the 1874 church bells next door will be rung. Samuel P. Wheeler, Southern Illinois University Carbondale Professor of Illinois History, will give the principal address. Barb Brown, Randolph County Circuit Clerk, will make special introductions. Don Welge, President of Gilster Mary-Lee Corp. of Chester will give opening remarks as master of ceremonies. Other speakers include the Rev. Dave Corrigan, veteran Danny James; Emily Lyons, Liberty Bell of the West Chapter of NSDAR; Kenneth Ragland, commander, Chester VFW; Roland Wagner, commander, Chester American Legion; Chester Mayor Joe Eggemeyer; Perryville Mayor Deborah Gahan; and Dennis Thomas of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Music will be provided by Chester Municipal Band and vocalist Deb Hoelscher. 618-284-7230.

Rend Lake Fireworks Festival: 9:30 p.m., dam and visitor center. Live music provided by the Southern Illinois Concert Band. Events begin at 4 p.m. A free children's area will feature face painting and crazy hair up-dos, a playground area and balloons. Entertainment includes: Sojourn, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; SI Concert Band, 8 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5 per vehicle. Bring lawn chairs. 618-438-2121.

Steeleville: Celebration runs through at Steeleville American Legion Park. Daily schedule includes: Classic baseball games at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; carnival rides from 6 pm. to closing; entertainment from 8 p.m. to closing; arts and crafts in the city park. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. 618-965-3134.