The week ahead is filled with numerous Independence Day celebrations.

Thursday

Mexico Activity and Nutrition Center BBQ Lunch

The Mexico Activity and Nutrition Center will host a Fourth of July barbeque lunch and celebration. On the menu will be BBQ pork, hamburgers or hotdogs served with scalloped potatoes, baked beans, watermelon and Jello cake. The theme of the party is “America through the decades,” so participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite decade for the chance to win a prize. Emily Lain and Friends will put on a patriotic show and Ben Jamin will keep the music going.

Eastern Missouri Truck Pullers LLC

The Eastern Missouri Truck Pullers Association will host its annual pull at 1501 S. Main Street in Vandalia. Classes include Street Stock Gas, Small Block Gas, Hot Stock Gas, Pro Street Gas, Pro Stock Gas, True Stock Diesel, Hot Stock Diesel, Work Stock Diesel, 2.6 Smooth Bore Diesel and Classic Modified Tractors. Registration will be from 3:30-6 p.m and pulling starts at 7 p.m.

Friday

Tyronn Lue’s C2C Fireworks Show

This year, Tyronn Lue’s Community Day Celebration will span two days. Starting Friday, Game World Events will be bringing a number of family-friendly activities including a bounce house and rock wall. There will also be music in the park, free hotdogs and hamburgers and the annual fireworks display, which will begin after dusk.

Saturday

2026 Honor Flight Breakfast - Laddonia

The annual July 4th Veterans Breakfast will be held at the Laddonia Christian Church at 4th and Chestnut Street from 7:30-10:30 a.m. On the menu is biscuits and gravy, a stack of pancakes and eggs served with your choice of bacon or sausage. Veterans eat for free and non-veterans will be asked to contribute a $5 minimum donation. Sharon Lake from Great River Honor Flight will be at the breakfast ready to assist anyone wanting to sign up. The Honor Flight National has opened registration up to any Veteran serving up to July 31 1991 — Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Gulf War veterans are now included.

4th of July Celebration - Laddonia

The City of Laddonia’s annual Fourth of July Celebration will be held at the Laddonia Ball Park with numerous events scheduled throughout the day. Vendors will start setting up at 8 a.m. and registration for the Baby Show and Little Mr. and Miss Competition will open at 8:30 a.m. The slow pitch softball tournament and contest judging will start at 9 a.m. with a parade to follow at 11 a.m. Kid games, including a frog jump, turtle race, hula hoop contest, ball throw and bike race will start at 1 p.m. There will also be a horseshoe tournament at 1 p.m., a cake walk at 2 p.m., a washer/cornhole tournament at 3 p.m., a back-seat driver contest at 4 p.m., and barrel races with stick horses at 5 p.m. and more. There will be live music all day and a fireworks display after dusk.

Tyronn Lue’s C2C Youth Pool Party

C2C will host a youth pool party at Fairgrounds Aquatic Center from noon to 5 p.m. The cost of the first 250 participants will be covered by C2C, but parents accompanying their child will be required to purchase a ticket. From 4-5 p.m. C2C will also be providing a meal to party-goers.

4th of July fireworks Celebration - Mexico

The Mexico Noon Lions will host its annual fireworks show at the Mexico Optimist Fields after dusk.