Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center to host 40th annual 4th of July Celebration

Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center will host its 40th annual Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, June 26, beginning at 6 p.m. at 2004 Crestview Drive in Ava.

The annual event is known as one of the largest fireworks displays in Douglas County, drawing families from across the area for an evening of food, entertainment, activities and community celebration. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dark.

The celebration will include dessert, crafts, kids’ games and activities, cotton candy, color guard, bingo called by Copeland, music, hamburgers and hot dogs, funnel cakes, local vendors, inflatable activities, a dunking booth, car show and free parking. Fishing will also be available at the Crystal Lake Fishery Trout Pond.

A large silent auction will also be held during the event.

The Mr. and Miss Firecracker Pageant will also be held at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center earlier that evening, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Children ages 3 to 5, 7 to 10 and 11 to 13 may participate. No baby pageant will be held. Pageant participants are encouraged to wear firecracker or patriotic themed outfits, with comfortable shoes and no hoop skirts or unsafe accessories. Contestants should be able to walk across the stage, answer a public question and show personality and confidence. Awards will include Mr. Firecracker, Miss Firecracker and first runner-up.

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Buster Clifton Davis. A gun raffle will also be held for a His and Hers Glock 43X 9mm set, with the drawing planned the night of the fireworks.

Shuttle service will be available to and from the former Old Murphy’s Station parking lot, now Fleaology, located at 1904 S. Jefferson St. in Ava, at the bottom of the hill from the healthcare center.

Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and spend the evening enjoying family friendly fun, music, food and fireworks.

The rain date for the celebration is July 17.