One of the primary late spring, early summer attractions in this area, the Clinton County Fair, is still well underway, but within just two weeks following its conclusion, another major summer event will be on tap, that being the annual Chamber of Commerce Independence Day fireworks show. Once again, the fireworks display and other events will take place at Mountain View Park.

The Chamber, in conjunction with the Recreation Park Board has been working over the past few months to put together a fun filled afternoon and evening of events that will provide entertainment for people of all ages and have released a schedule of events to take place at the park on Friday, July 4th.

With the holiday falling on a weekend–and if the weather cooperates–a large number of spectators are expected to be on hand throughout the approximate six and a-half-hour program that begins at mid-afternoon, leading up to the fireworks.

The event was first held at the park last year and was deemed a success, despite the continuous on and off rain throughout the day and night leading up to the fireworks show. Also, events last year began in the morning hours but this year, board members opted to narrow the time of the event down somewhat and add more attractions to allow more people to take part.

Also this year, there will be a couple of returning events plus a couple of new ones being tried out.

All events leading up to the fireworks display will begin around 3 p.m., including the second annual car show that will run from 3-6 p.m. Entry fee is $10 with the first 50 vehicles receiving dash plates. Over 30 trophies (up to four feet tall) will be awarded at 5 p.m.

Car show awards will be given in the following categories: Best of Show–Car; Truck, Motorcycle and Tractor; Best Chevy; Best Ford; Best Mopar; Longest Distance; Best Paint; Best Engine; Best Wheels; Best Hi-Perf; Best Interior; Oldest Vehicle; Most Original; Most Unique; Sponsor’s Choice.

Another returning event will be live gospel music featuring local and area individuals and groups. They will be performing on stage from 6-8:30 p.m.

A new event being piloted is the barbecue cookoff in two categories, for the professional and the back-yard BBQers, that will take place from 3-5 p.m.

Backyard cooks entry fee will be $10 and professionals $50, with the winner in each to receive a 50 percent of total entry fee payback.

Also this year, just for the children, there will be inflatables set up throughout the entire afternoon and evening. Children can purchase an armband for $5 and have unlimited access to the inflatables from start to finish (3-9 p.m.) on Friday, July 4.

At around 8:30 p.m., prior to the actual fireworks that will begin promptly at 9 p.m., the Clinton County High School Band and ROTC will perform, as well as the initial performance of the recently formed Clinton County Alumni Band.

There will also be plenty of parking available as spectators can use the park or the parking lot at Clinton County Middle School. There will be concessions available throughout all the events.

In case of rain, all the events would be moved to Saturday, July 5 with the same times for each event.

For more information on the car show, contact Jay Craig at 606-688-1596; the BBQ cookoff, call Bobby Reneau at 606-688-4337; or for general information about any event, Jay Garner at 606-688-0469.