By design, God and country are always centerpieces of Rosebloom Recreational Park’s annual Independence Day celebrations, and both will be on prominent display at next Saturday’s Fourth of July festivities.
“This year, we have a very special program planned to celebrate our nation’s 250th year of independence,” said Andrea Davis, one of the organizers of this long-running tribute set in the scenic rolling hills of southeastern Tallahatchie County.
Admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to show their patriotic pride by wearing red, white and blue clothing and accessories.
The day’s activities begin at 2 p.m. with the opening of arts and crafts booths under the park’s towering shade trees. (Anyone interested in setting up a booth — the fee is $25 — may call Michelle Rideout at 662-520-8548.)
For enjoyment of the children, a free water slide will be available from 2-6 p.m. All children must be supervised.
For the first time ever, the Rosebloom Fourth of July offerings will include a competitive car show, to be open from 2-6 p.m. The entry fee is $25, and awards will be presented later in the day. (For more information about the car show, contact Don Davis at 662-647-7043.)
Andrea Davis said special gospel music provided by Ken Harrison and friends will kick off the scheduled slate of activities at 4:30 p.m.
“At 5:30, we continue with great gospel music by our local favorite, Troy Hill and friends,” she added.
A patriotic program will get underway at 6, with master of ceremonies Dusty McKibben opening and emceeing that segment of the program.
State Rep. Tracey Rosebud, of Tutwiler, who represents District 30, which includes all of Tallahatchie County and parts of several others, will make a special presentation.
Then, veterans of the United States armed forces who are in attendance will be recognized for their service to the country.
Winners of the afternoon’s car show will be announced and presented with a prize.
The youngsters who participated in Rosebloom Recreational Park’s summer youth ball program will be announced. All ballplayers are asked to wear their uniform for the occasion.
Honey Please, a band whose repertoire features selections from a variety of musical genres, will perform from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Stacey Wrenn of Grenada is on the drums, Wayne Carpenter of Grenada on the rhythm and lead guitar, Glenn Nail of Carrollton on the lead guitar and Tommy Davis of Water Valley on the bass guitar. From Van Morrison, Otis Redding and Marshall Tucker, to Georgia Satellites, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr., the band Honey Please offers something for everyone. Given the occasion, they also will perform some patriotic numbers.
As the grand finale, at 9 p.m., one of the area’s most spectacular fireworks shows will illuminate the sky above Rosebloom park.
Remember, a park concession stand will be open throughout the day to offer a variety of foods, treats and beverages to satisfy the hunger and quench the thirst.
Because this is a family-friendly event, absolutely no alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the park.
All are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Andrea Davis. “We look forward to seeing families enjoy this event each year.”
For the latest updates on the July 4 celebration and other activities at the park, follow Rosebloom Recreational Park on Facebook.
The park is located at 9895 Rosebloom Road, Scobey, MS 38953.
For more information about Rosebloom’s star-spangled bash, send a text message to Michelle Rideout (662-520-8548) or Andrea Davis (662-647-1752).
