Blue Mound's 250th birthday celebration runs morning to night

Last year's Blue Mound July 4th parade was soggy but given the hot and dry days leading up to it, no one really minded. This year rain is unlikely but sunny, hot weather is expected. (Journal file photo)

Journal staff report

Blue Mound’s Independence Day celebration is always one of the best summer events in the county, and this year organizers have plans for the 250th birthday of our  country to be no exception. It is a daylong event, and this year organizers are very mindful of the heat wave the area is experiencing and will provide tubs of bottled water throughout the area to beat back the heat.

The annual slow-pitch softball tournament starts off the day at 8 a.m. at the city’s ballfield. At 9 a.m. the baby contest, the chip away golfing contest and the horseshoe pitch begin. Leading up to the parade at 11 a.m. there will be a bike race.-

The parade theme this year is, of course, “Happy Birthday, America!” and the members of the American Legion will act as color guard to begin the parade as the grand marshals of the parade.

Lunch is at noon at the city park, and that is also when the turtle race begins. Other afternoon events include the chicken drop, hog wranglin’ behind Ralph’s Service, a movie at the Blue Moon for those who want to beat the heat, a burnout contest, bounce houses, a fish fry and a kids dance party. At dusk, the fireworks show begins.

For a complete schedule of events, see below.