July Fourth celebration just around the corner
The event for which Peabody may be best known is a scant three weeks away and plans are unfolding for the 85th annual fireworks extravaganza.
The Peabody July Fourth Society has a full day of events planned for the holiday itself as well as some activities the weekends before and after.
Brian and Alisa McDowell will again be in charge of the overall celebration.
"This is the 85th consecutive celebration," said Alisa McDowell. "Peabody's annual celebration is a long-standing tradition. It is still funded strictly by donations and all of the labor that goes into it is free."
Years ago the celebration was advertised as the largest free fireworks show in the state of Kansas, but free-will donations were taken at the gate in lieu of a set admission charge. Somehow the donations were always enough to pay for the fireworks and give the folks in charge enough faith to put on another "fireworks extravaganza" the following year.
With the passage of time the fireworks have become more expensive. The cost of the 2005 show was about $12,000. The Battle of New Orleans has a price tag of $1,500 and most set pieces start at $300.
"We need donations to keep the tradition going," said McDowell. "Donations and button sales are the only funding we have."
Pleas for help went out to local donors last week. Donations may be sent to Peabody Fourth of July Celebration Society, PO Box 74, Peabody. Anyone with questions about the cost of sponsoring a specific set piece or aerial display should contact the McDowells at 983-2550.
"They also can contact us if they would like to volunteer their labor to help get the fireworks ready or do any of the other things it takes to put on a celebration of this size," said McDowell.
Other chairmen for July Fourth committees are vendors/buttons, Kristi Silvernale, 983-2589; gate workers, Tim Peterson, 983-9131; carnival, Steve Rose, 983-2662; flea market, Larry Rose, 983-2910; alumni dance, Preston Hodges, 983-2970; horseshoe tournament, Kip Pohlman, 983-9206; kid games, Russ Busenitz, 620-344-8380; car show, Brian Whiteside, 983-2079; parade, Rose Thomason, 983-9156 or Tammy Whiteside, 983-2079; dog show and legion auxiliary dance, Myrna Wood, 983-2451; and story time, Rebecca Gillet, 983-9028.
The celebration will also encompass a dance at the American Legion on July 1 and the alumni dance at Coneburg Inn on July 3. A softball tournament is scheduled for the Saturday following the celebration.
