A pair of Tallahatchie County events will mark the Independence Day holiday.
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Rosebloom Recreational Park’s annual Independence Day celebration will be held first, on Saturday, June 29.
The Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort (CARE) will sponsor a parade, patriotic program and political rally on Thursday, July 4, on court square in Charleston.
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At Rosebloom, festivities will get underway with a gospel singing at 5 p.m., followed by a time of speechmaking by the politicians. Local candidates are invited to speak for a $25 fee. State candidates will pay $100.
Capping off the night will be a patriotic program and a grand finale fireworks show.
Booth space is available to rent for $25 for vendors and office seekers alike.
A concession stand will churn out catfish, hamburger and hot dog plates.
For more information, call Johnny Smith at 647-2743 or Garrett Pollan at 662-809-1550.
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CARE festivities will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Independence Day.
A patriotic-themed parade will get underway at 9 a.m. Lineup for the parade will start at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the county office building (old SuperValu).
Golf carts, convertibles, walkers, side-by-sides, cars and trucks, all-terrain vehicles and horses may be entered for a $10 fee.
“All parade vehicles and horses must be decorated in Independence Day colors and styles,” noted CARE spokesperson Glenna Callender, adding that prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated entry in each category.
She said the parade will first travel to Tallahatchie General Hospital for enjoyment by the hospital staff and residents, then continue on toward West Main Street before turning eastward toward the square.
A patriotic program will feature speakers and music. Among those who have volunteered for the program, noted Callender, are Charleston Mayor Sedrick Smith, Charleston First Baptist Church minister Joe May, Shelbi Grace Boone, Emily Hargett, Carol Sturgis, Sue Shaw Inman, Jim Milam and Glenda Brock Woods.
Interested political candidates will be allowed to share a few words about themselves, said Callender.
CARE will be selling hot dogs, chips and drinks and offering a bounce house and slide for children, she added.
“Please participate in this celebration by entering your favorite candidate in the program, by entering a decorated vehicle in the parade, or by offering to get a veteran or active service member to attend the program,” Callender urged.
Registration forms for candidates, decorated vehicles and horses, and oldest veteran are available at the Charleston Arts Center — the CARE building on the square.
For more information or to volunteer, call the CARE office at 647-0942 from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1-4 p.m. weekdays.
