Independence Day celebrations begin Thursday

Last year's drought that postponed the Harrisburg Town and Country Lions Club fireworks display is a distant memory.

In fact there is a chance of rain most of the week with a predicted clear night Thursday in time for the fireworks at the Saline County Fairground. Fireworks begin at dusk Thursday.

Other chances to see the Independence Day celebration fireworks displays are Saturday in Eldorado and Eddyville.

Eldorado

The Eldorado festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Eldorado High School Sports Complex. At that time participants may register for the Eldorado Dollars for Scholars 5K Race to help raise scholarships for Eldorado students. Over the past five races Dollars for Scholars has raised almost $4,000 that has allowed it to give out eight $500 scholarships. Since the organization began in 2007 it has distributed 40 scholarships totaling more than $25,000.

Walkers start on the track, run up Hillcrest Road, then back along the bike trail to finish back at the track.

There will be local vendors in tents and musical entertainment, according to Sean Watson, member of the Eldorado Men's Club that sponsors the celebration.

There are many donors to the event with Eldorado-Raleigh Pleasure Drive Park District donating the largest amount followed by the City of Eldorado and East Eldorado Township.

The fireworks show set to music begins about 9 p.m.

"The way it looks it should be a good, cool weekend," Watson said.

Eddyville

Eddyville Independence Day celebration is an all day affair of food, music and fireworks.

Barbecue is served starting at 10 a.m., children's games begin at 2 p.m., musical entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.