From fireworks at the lake to a children’s parade to a barbecue fundraiser, the Smithville area has plenty to offer this Fourth of July.

The holiday falls on this coming Saturday, July 4.

Fireworks at the lake

Once again, the city of Smithville and Clay County plan to light up Smithville Lake with a fireworks show.

The show, planned shortly after dark, will take place on the west side of the dam, just as it has in the past. The dam is on the southwest side of the lake, between Smith’s Fork Park and the Litton Visitor Center. Parking is available free of charge in the park and surrounding area.

The view from inside a boat on the water tends to be a popular spot.

“Seeing the show’s reflection in the water makes for a pretty unique presentation,” Smithville city administrator Gerry Vernon said.

Show up early for a good spot either on the ground or water. The show will last about 20 minutes.

The city and the county split the cost of the $10,000 show. They contract with Aerial FX, a pyrotechnics company in St. Joseph, for the event.

Children’s parade in downtown Smithville

This Independence Day will mark the second children’s parade in downtown Smithville. Harley and Jackie Morlock, owners of Nellie’s Sweet Shoppe, are again planning an event where children on tricycles and in wagons and strollers parade on downtown sidewalks. Participants receive red, white and blue frozen treats, and the top three entrants receive prizes.

“Last year, it was a spur of the moment thing, and 150 people showed up,” Harley Morlock said, adding that the parade drew 15 entries.

The patriotic entries included a wagon decorated with American flags.

The idea for the parade stemmed for a similar event their daughter, Ronna Mack, participated in as a child when the family lived in Deep Haven, Minn.

“Our little corner grocery store had a little parade like this every Fourth of July. It really made an impression with Ronna,” Morlock said.

The sidewalk parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. near the courtyard and will travel a one-block route, covering parts of Main, Bridge, Church and Commercial streets.

To participate, either call Morlock in advance at 873-3663 or show up for the parade.

Trimble celebration

The city of Trimble is planning a day that will begin with a parade and end with a fundraising event.

The morning will kick off with a 9:30 a.m. parade. A fundraiser for the Edgerton-Trimble Fire Department that will include a dunk tank and barbecue meal will follow at the community center.

The meal costs $6.50 for adults. Children younger than 3 eat free.

The parade will travel north to south through town along Port Arthur Road (Missouri Route F) and end at the community center, which is at Fourth and Oak streets.

fireworks rules

The city of Smithville has the following rules for fireworks within city limits.

Shooting off fireworks

- Fireworks discharge is allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4 only.

Buying fireworks

- Fireworks sales, which are allowed 24 hours a day, began June 20 and will end July 5.

Smithville Editor Nancy Hull Rigdon can be reached at 532-4444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .