By SUSAN MARSHALL

Staff writer

Peabody businesses and organizations will be busy during June preparing for the 94th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Peabody City Park.

July Fourth falls on a Saturday this year, but several events take place in advance of the holiday.

“The carnival will arrive Thursday,” said Preston Hodges, head of the Fourth Fest Committee. “They will have ticket specials and the rides will be in operation.”

The annual Peabody-Burns Alumni Dance will begin at 9 p.m. July 3 at the American Legion. Money raised from admissions will fund scholarships at Peabody-Burns High School.

“The events during the day on the Fourth are the same as last year,” Hodges said.

A 5K, a horseshoe tournament, and a flea market will begin the day at 8 a.m. at City Park, as well as a sand volleyball tournament at the volleyball pit across S. Locust St. from the park entrance.

At 11 a.m., the American Legion Auxiliary will hold the annual dog show at Santa Fe Park downtown.

At noon, the action moves back to the city park where Peabody Recreation Commission will hold kids games.

The rec commission also sponsors a free swim day at 1 p.m. at Peabody Municipal Pool.

A parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel south down Walnut St. to Second St. where it turns west to the park. Music will begin at the park at 6 p.m. The carnival will be open until midnight.

The fireworks extravaganza is once again being advertised as “the explosion of one million fireworks.”

The show begins at dusk at the sports complex in City Park, and draws high attendance numbers year after year.

“Buttons are still $3.00,” Hodges said. “We stamp about 5,000 every year and always sell out. We still have one of the most unique fireworks displays in the state.”

Hodges, Brian McDowell, and Erik Barnes all are certified and licensed to discharge the mortars and fireworks at the celebration.