Preparations are nearly complete as the Capital City gets ready for its annual Independence Day celebration.
The two-day celebration features carnivals for the kids in downtown Jefferson City, plenty of food, music and an elaborate fireworks display, shot from a barge on the Missouri River over the State Capitol the night of the 4th.
The celebration is called Salute to America . It begins this evening with a parade a 6 o’clock, leading in to opening ceremonies this evening a 7:30pm. A Beatles tribute group, FabForever, performs on the stage in front of the Capitol.
Festivities continue tomorrow throughout the day. Starship with Mickey Thomas performs at 7 o’clock on the stage in front of the Capitol. Fireworks begin when it gets dark.
Tens of thousands annually attend the celebration, but Jefferson City expects even more this year because of high gas prices. The city is prepared for a crowd of 50,000 as Missourians choose to stay close to home to celebrate Independence Day.