Parade, Fireworks Highlight Hurdland’s Fourth of July Celebration
By Echo Menges
HURDLAND, Mo. — The 154th Hurdland Fourth of July Celebration brought neighbors, families and visitors together July 3-4 as one of northeast Missouri’s longest-running Independence Day traditions filled the town square with patriotic spirit, hometown entertainment and community fellowship.
The two-day celebration began Friday evening with live music by Side of Country, the community’s popular tenderloin meal, bingo and the annual Little Mister and Miss Firecracker contest.
Festivities continued Saturday morning as the annual parade stepped off through downtown Hurdland. Veterans, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, horses, tractors, floats and community organizations made their way along the parade route while spectators lined the streets to wave, visit with friends and collect candy tossed by participants.
Although attendance appeared somewhat lighter than in some previous years, the celebration maintained the welcoming, small-town atmosphere that has made it a tradition for generations.
Following the parade, members of local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts honored the nation’s military with a traditional rifle salute and the sounding of Taps before activities continued throughout the day.
Families enjoyed live music, bingo, raffle drawings, craft vendors, children’s activities and the always-popular baby contest, where every child was recognized as a winner. Visitors also took advantage of food vendors and community organizations that helped make the annual celebration possible.
This year’s weather also cooperated, with temperatures noticeably milder than many Fourth of July celebrations in recent years, allowing visitors to comfortably spend the day outdoors.
As darkness fell, attention turned skyward for a fireworks display that many spectators were still talking about throughout the holiday weekend. Sponsored by the City of Hurdland, Doss Funeral Home and NEMO Coop, the show capped off the celebration with a colorful finale that drew praise from many in attendance.
