Fayette’s annual Independence Day festivities in the City Park will kick off earlier in an effort to spare attendees from the normally sweltering heat. Organizer Tristan Head is still seeking a few volunteers to help run the various events scheduled throughout the park on the morning of July 4.

TJ’s Diner & Bar, which Mrs. Head manages, will serve breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. in the lower shelter house. Early birds can fill their stomachs before the parade makes its way through the park at 8:30 a.m.

At least one food truck is expected to set up shop at the top of the park near the pool. Mrs. Head said it has been difficult to secure food trucks and other vendors due to a new peddler’s license the city now requires. She said that while the cost is minimal, the hassle of getting a license prior to the event for out-of-town food trucks made operators turn to other towns instead of returning to Fayette.

Another change to this year’s schedule includes the cancelation of the Quilt of Valor presentation. The Peacemakers Quilters, a local group of patriotic quilters, annually presents the quilt to a U.S. military veteran. This year’s veteran decided last week he did not want to go through with the presentation.

A Salute to Veterans will still take place in the lower shelter house following the parade.

Also after the parade will be a disc golf tournament sponsored by the Howard County Disc Golf Association. The course runs throughout the park.

Other annual staples are returning. Community Auto Sales in Fayette is sponsoring a photo booth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And music will be played throughout the day thanks to Inovatia Laboratories. 

The Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker contest has been moved to 10 a.m. this year, again to provide some relief from the heat. Kids 10 and under may enter the contest at a cost of $5. The contest will be held at the lower shelter house.

The annual dog show is scheduled for 10:45 a.m., also in the lower shelter house. But Mrs. Head said it is at risk of not happening this year because nobody has stepped up to run it. Last year’s organizers have backed out of the show this year. 

Mrs. Head also needs donations to pay for prizes for the dog show. “I would like to keep it, but I need help,” she said.

A big draw every year are the frog and turtle races, presented by Andy and Cheyenne Cook of Central Missouri Transmission.

The Cooks began the event with large cash prizes when all other events were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the races have drawn throngs of children to Lembke Field at the park for a chance to compete for big money.

The races are for children 12 and under. First-place winners will receive $250, with $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

Also returning this year are the Power Wheels races, sponsored by TJ’s Diner & Bar. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., and races will take place after the frog and turtle races. Classes will be based on ages and the number of participants.

At 12:30 p.m., the Howard County Sheriff’s Department will present a demonstration with Blitz, the county’s K9 deputy.

The Fayette city council last month agreed to grant free admission to the Fayette City Pool all day. The pool will be open from 12 to 8 p.m., with pool games from 5 until 7 p.m. The free splash pad will also be open all day.

After a full morning of Independence Day family fun, revelers should return to the park that evening for the city’s annual fireworks show. The display begins at dark.

The city continues to accept contributions for the fireworks display, which is annually paid for by donations. So far, $2,275 has been received toward the $4,200 cost of the show. This includes a donation of $100 by The Fayette Advertiser.