The annual Fayette Party in the Park has a full slate of activities for Independence Day. This year’s theme is “As American as Apple Pie.”

Things kick off with a disc golf tournament at 9 a.m. Those interested in playing should contact the Party in the Park Facebook page or Josh Kirby.

The Fayette City Pool will open at noon. A bounce house and yard games including giant cup pong, giant Jenga, and giant Yardzee, will open at 1 p.m. near the playground beside the lower shelter house. Vendors are expected to open shop near the upper shelter house at 1 p.m. DJ Dex Williams will provide music throughout the day.

The popular frog and turtle races return again this year at 1 p.m. Sponsored by Central Missouri Transmission, winners of the races, for children 12 and under, will reap large cash prizes. First-place winners will take home $250, with $100 for second place and $50 for third place. Questions should be directed to Cheyenne Cook.

The annual parade will begin at 2 p.m. Parade entrants are expected to line up in the school parking lot along Herndon Street at 1:30 p.m. The parade will wind its way through and around the park twice.

The parade will also boast a contest for the most patriotic floats. Judges will look for the best use of the theme as well as creativity. Contestants may sign up on the day of the parade or visit via the event’s Facebook page. Prize packs from area businesses will be awarded.

The annual Salute to Veterans will take place at the lower shelter house immediately following the parade.

At 4 p.m. water balloons will be available at the sand volleyball court.

Also at 4 p.m.,  a musical number from the upcoming FACT production of “Newsies” will be performed at the lower shelter house. At 5 p.m. a watermelon roll on the hill behind the upper shelter house will kick-off. There will be divisions for children and adults. Competitors are expected to bring their own watermelons. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Members of the White-Bell Post of the American Legion will open a food stand at 5 p.m. On the menu will be hamburgers and hot dogs.

A dog show will take place at 6 p.m. at the lower shelter house, presented by Solo’s Dream Catcher, a local animal welfare charity. Prizes are awarded in each class for large, medium, and small breeds. New this year will be a separate class for puppies and a prize for the most patriotic. The entree fee is $5 for each dog, payable to Solo’s Dream Catcher.

The will be a baby contest at 7 p.m. in the lower shelter house for children up to three years old. Following at 7:30 p.m. will be the Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest for kids in grades PreK through 5 at the lower shelter house. Both contests are sponsored by Sheep Dog Creation’s Boutique and Stephanie’s Photography.

Families are encouraged to bring pop up tents and lawn chairs and enjoy a full day of activities throughout the park.

At sundown, the City of Fayette will put on the annual Independence Day fireworks display.