This Independence Day, revelers will have plenty of activities to choose from as communities around the Republic-Times coverage area pull out all the stops to celebrate our great nation’s birthday.

Columbia:
Columbia hosts a patriotic bicycle parade in addition to its annual Independence Day celebration this Saturday, July 4.

The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from the Immaculate Conception School playground on Main Street, traveling north a few blocks to Metter Park. Registration is at 10 a.m., and there is a $5 entry fee. Call 281-2301 for more information.

The annual July 4 celebration begins at 11 a.m. at American Legion Memorial Park, with food, games and fun. The event will culminate with a fireworks display at dusk.

The Legion will host bingo in their hall beginning at noon. There will be a washer tournament at 1:30 p.m. and a Kloepper card tournament at 4:30 p.m. Balloon artist Mike Geerlof will also be on hand for the festivities.

In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display will take place Sunday evening, July 5.

Valmeyer:
Valmeyer’s Midsummer Celebration takes place Friday through Sunday, July 3-5, at Borsch Memorial Park in the old town, featuring the annual baseball tournament and fun activities.

The Mon-Clair League baseball tournament takes place all three days with games from morning through the evening. The championship game is set for approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The Brent Roever Memorial Volleyball Tournament takes place Friday at 10 a.m. Call 618-741-0515 to enter. Music will be performed Friday by Well Hungarians starting at 8:30 p.m.

See a world famous Budweiser Clydesdale and get a photo with one of these gentle giants from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday compliments of Anheuser-Busch and Grey Eagle Distributors.

A garden tractor pull takes place at noon on Saturday. Call 458-7720 to enter. Music will be performed by Fifth Wheel starting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

A fireworks display will take place at dusk this Saturday night.

A parade takes place Sunday at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Fun and Games in the Water.” Call 935-2111 to enter a float.

A bags tourney takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Call 618-830-5156 for more information or to enter.

Dupo:
Come enjoy a “Picnic in the Park” in Dupo this Independence Day.

Dupo’s annual July 4 celebration takes place in the village park from noon to 11 p.m. this Saturday, featuring food, beverages, games and rides for children.

A washer tournament takes place at 4 p.m.

Music will be performed by the Rat Rod Kings from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Kingdom of Solis from 7 to 11 p.m.

As always, a fireworks show will take place at dusk.

Paderborn:
The St. Michael’s Catholic Parish in Paderborn’s Picnic and Homecoming is Saturday, July 4.

It will feature a fried chicken dinner in the air-conditioned hall, quilt and cash bingo, and raffles, along with the usual picnic attractions including games and entertainment.

Masses will be celebrated at 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Waterloo:
J.Fires’ Market Bistro, located at 725 N. Market Street in Waterloo, hosts its annual Red, White and Blue Bash this Friday, July 3, featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, shrimp boil and music by The Trophy Mules from 6 to 9 p.m.

No reservations are necessary, so come by anytime for delicious food and delightful entertainment.

The Waterloo Park District is hosting a grand opening for its new disc golf course at Konarcik Park from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 4. The community is invited to come out and see this new addition to the city and try out the course.

For our original story on the new course, click here.