Independence Day celebrations will be a scaled back affair this year at Carthage’s Municipal Park, city officials said Monday.
A 5K race — appropriately called Red, White and Boom Run — will launch the day off bright and early at 7 a.m. Saturday at the park.
The Carthage High School’s cross-country team sponsors the 10th annual race, as well as a fun walk. Registration begins at 6 a.m. in front of Carl Lewton Stadium. Cost of entry for either race is $12 for today and $15 after June 30.
Fast forward to 8 p.m., where the Boy Scouts Troop No. 9 will hold a flag salute ceremony at Municipal Park. Immediately following that, the Heartland Concert Band will entertain the crowd gathering for the main event at dusk. In past years, there have been more bands and more booths to keep folks entertained as twilight neared.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., the sky above Municipal Park will light up and things will go boom, as they do each year at this time, said Jean Christian with the city.
The scaled back celebration, she said, primarily due to budget constraints.
The Lion’s Club of Carthage will have a concession stand available for snacks and cold drinks, she said.
