Don't get all dressed up in red, white and blue just to stay home. Here's a rundown of all the places you can get your patriotism on this Fourth of July.
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Red, White and Bluegrass
Start your celebration early at Red, White and Bluegrass in Columbia. The outdoor music festival offers the ultra-American combo of beer, tacos, yard games and live music. The Kay Brothers, Mercer and Johnson and Grass Fed Music will perform. Tickets are $6 (bit.ly/2rxfqRj), with seating beginning at 5 p.m. and music at 6 p.m. Find it at Rose Park at Rose Music Hall (1013 Park Ave., Columbia).
MONDAY, JULY 3
Independence Day Blood Drive
There's nothing more patriotic than bleeding for your fellow man (or woman). Give some red during the Red Cross's annual Independence Day blood drive. Show up at First Presbyterian Church (718 Court St., Fulton) between 2-6 p.m. Donors get a free drawstring bag while supplies last.
Holts Summit Firework Festival
Beginning at 5 p.m., the Holts Summit firework festival. There is no cover. Jam to the "gritty, red dirt country musicality" of the Scooter Brown Band, a four-member group from Texas. According to City Clerk Amy Burec, there will be plenty of refreshments, a bounce house, pony rides and more than 40 vendors. Fireworks begin at about 10 p.m. Join the fun at Greenway Park (282 S. Greenway Drive, Holts Summit).
TUESDAY, JULY 4
Sixth annual Independence Day Parade
Fulton's Fourth of July celebration will honor local heroes. This year, the county's emergency personnel will have a place of honor in the parade. There will also be a trailer for veterans. The parade departs at 11 a.m. from the south gate of William Woods at 12th Street and ends at Memorial Park. All are welcome to join - just make sure to be there on time. Organizer Tom Maupin said there will likely be crowd-pleasing vintage cars and motorcycles.
VFW Fish Fry
Following the parade, fill up on fish with the VFW. Serving begins at 1 p.m., at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2657 (505 Collier Lane, Fulton).