Jul 3, 2008

Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare and Highway Church of the Nazarene each reported record attendance at their annual Independence Day celebrations held on Friday and Sunday night, respectively. However, Saturday night’s event by Southern Construction at Brown Branch on Saturday was rained out and has been reset for this Saturday night, July 5. The annual Squires Picnic will be held on Friday, July 4, on the grounds of the Squires Volunteer Fire Department, eight miles south of Ava on Highway 5. Folks began gathering on the hill in south Ava as early as 4 o’clock last Friday afternoon for Heart of the Ozarks’ big celebration, and by 8:30 cars were being turned away because all parking lots were full. More people took advantage of the shuttle service this year, provided by First Southern Baptist Church, parking off-site and riding the bus to the nursing home. Rain clouds threatened earlier in the day, but by evening skies had cleared and folks turned out in record numbers to visit, listen to the live music provided, visit the various food, craft and game booths, and enjoy the big fireworks show at dark. Celebrate American, sponsored by Highway Church of the Nazarene north of Ava, also reported its largest crowd ever on Sunday night. Following heavy rain on Saturday, skies cleared, the temperature and humidity dropped, and folks took advantage of the very comfortable weather to enjoy the outdoor festivities there. Many expressed disappointment that the National Guard Black Hawk helicopter was unable to come due to deployment to the floods in north Missouri, but the other attractions made up for the loss. Skydiver Terry Wendt, of Rogersville, made his arrival right on time at 7 o’clock to highlight a patriotic segment that included the posting of the Colors by Ava VFW Post 5993 and the singing of the National Anthem by the church’s praise team. While the early evening sun was still high in the sky, folks sought out the shaded areas to park their lawn chairs while listening to the gospel bluegrass music of the Kellys, from Norwood, who performed on the brand new stage just completed for this year’s event. By the time the Calvarymen took the stage at 8 o’clock, the sun was lower and the crowd began moving out into the open field. The Hartville-based group sang right up until dark, and led the transition into the giant fireworks display provided by Chris Davis of Lantis Fireworks & Lasers. Throughout the late afternoon and early evening hours, people took advantage of free popcorn, sno-cones and cotton candy while the kids played on the inflatable games, fished in the Crystal Lake Trout Pond, and climbed the rock wall. Full meals were also available, and the homemade cobbler and ice cream was so popular that some went home without any. Squires Picnic Live entertainment will be performed by local groups throughout the evening Friday, at the 26th annual Squires Picnic. The program will conclude with fireworks later in the evening. In case of rain on Friday, Saturday, July 5 has been selected as a rain date. There will be arts and crafts on display, along with various food items including burgers, hot dogs, Nachos, soda, popcorn, cotton candy, a cake walk and homemade ice cream. The schedule of performers is as follows: 5:00 – Cindy Smith and Glen Dale Robertson; 5:40 – Harlan Davis and Hometown Express; 6:20 – Springcreek; 7:00 – Porter Family Quartet; 7:40 – Hunter Creek; 8:20 – Rolla Swofford; 9:00 – Erin Akers and David Richardson. Southern Construction Southern Construction will host its 15th annual 4th of July Celebration on Saturday night, July 5. This event has been rescheduled after being rained out last Saturday night. Beginning at 5 o’clock, this event is held at Southern’s shop at Brown Branch and is hosted by Lonnie and Linda Combs. There will be music by the Ozark Bluegrass Boys, turtle races, horseshoe pitching and buffalo chip tossing. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potatoes, dinnerware and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring covered dishes to complement the meal, and don’t forget your lawn chairs. There will be a huge fireworks display at dark. Throughout the pages of the Douglas County Herald this week you will find announcements of other special events being held in conjunction with the 4th of July holiday. Sweden Church, 10 miles east of Ava, will have a special program on Saturday night featuring Green Valley Grass and other local singing groups. That program will begin at 6 o’clock and will include a barbecue, homemade ice cream, and fireworks. Walnut Grove Church south of Ava will have food, fun and fireworks on Sunday evening, July 7, and Brushyknob Church east of Ava near Skyline School will have a special program on July 11.