The Fayette July 4 Party in the Park is right around the corner, and a full day of events is planned in celebration of our nation’s independence.

Tristin Head has taken over the planning of the annual event and is still seeking volunteers to help with various events throughout the day. To volunteer, contact her at fayettepartyinthepark@gmail.com.

This year’s event features the return of a three-on-three basketball tournament, a disc golf tournament, dance performances, a photo booth, and the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker Contest.

The Party in the Park kicks off with the parade at 10 a.m. All floats and entrants will check in at 9:15 a.m. in the high school parking lot across from the park. 

Following the parade will be the annual Quilt of Valor presentation by the Peacemakers Quilters and the Salute to Veterans in Shelter House #2. 

The dog show will begin at 11 a.m. in Shelter House #2. Check-in for the show is at 10:15 a.m. 

Following the dog show, a crafting station will open in Shelter House #2, hosted by the Fayette Bicentennial Committee.

Andy and Cheyenne Cook from Central Missouri Transmission will again host the much-anticipated frog and turtle races. Large cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Check-in begins at 10:50 in the outfield of Lembke Field. The races start at 11:15 a.m. 

Following the frog and turtle races will be Power Wheels races. Registration is at home plate at Lembke Field at 11:45 a.m. Races will take place on Landers Memorial Drive, the road that bisects the city park, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Registration for the three-on-three basketball tournament is currently open via the Party in the Park’s Facebook page. The cost to register is $30 per team for teams with between three and five players of any age. First-round games begin at 7:30 a.m. at the basketball court in the park. Brackets will be designed based on the number of entries.

Bridget Hussey will show off her dance students with a show at Shelter House #2 starting at 1:30 p.m.

The day’s events will conclude with the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest at Shelter House #2. Check-in begins at 2:45 p.m., with the contest starting at 3 p.m. 

In addition to all of the activities throughout the park, the Fayette City Pool and Splash Pad will be open all day at no cost.

At sundown, the City of Fayette will present its annual fireworks display. As of Tuesday morning, $1,125 of the $4,200 cost of the display has been donated. The display is typically funded through donations. Stop by City Hall on South Main Street to contribute to the show.