July 4th is time for celebration and gratitude

For residents in the Meramec Valley Region the legendary Lion Clubs Carnival – celebrating 75 years - is one of the central focuses of July 4th with carnival rides, delicious food, games of all kinds, fabulous fireworks (July 4 at 11 p.m.); fellowship, and of course the highlight of the carnival, the announcement of the winner of a shiny new red 2010 Chevy Camero at midnight on July 4th.

If you need a place to cool off, you may consider stopping by SplashZone, Rolla’s outdoor water park, located in Ber Juan Park next to The Centre on 14th Street. SplashZone is open Monday through Friday, 12-noon to 7 p.m., weekends from 12-noon to 6 p.m. The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation complex, located at 1200 N. Holloways Street, is also a great place to get out of the heat, enjoy their 63,000-square-foot facility, and swim in the indoor pool, which features a three-story slide, Olympic-size pool, lazy river and vortex.

Looking beyond the Fourth, I would also encourage everyone to consider attending another patriotic event at the Veterans Memorial Park Fun Show next Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, (located off Hwy. 72 on Southview Drive). Admission to the event is free, but a $15 registration fee is required for anyone who enters the Fun Show competition. Classic and vintage cars and modified trucks of all makes, models and sizes will be participating and on display, while visitors check out the chrome and leather, and take in the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Food concessions will be provided by the Rolla Road Riders Motorcycle Club. The event is hosted by the South Central Veterans Memorial Park Committee. For more information, please contact Jerry Bumpus at 573-647-7601.

In closing, please keep in mind all the members of the U.S. Armed Services this weekend both in the U.S. and abroad, who over the years, have served our country. We need to always remember that if it wasn’t for the brave men and women in uniform throughout the years and today, we would not be experiencing the peace, joy and freedom that we do. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you enjoy the freedoms and celebrations that they have made possible, and continue to make possible for all of us.