David Beaver and his friends are planning just a small get-together next week - a small get-together with hundreds of people and a marching band.
The annual Fulton Independence Parade will start on 12th Street at William Woods University at 11 a.m. July 4, travel down Court Street and conclude at Memorial Park.
Five of this year's grand marshals will be former military officers who served 20 years or more.
"We're just finalizing the list," he said.
A children's bike decorating contest will be a highlight of the parade, and they are welcome to ride along, joining the parade at the Callaway County Library.
Celebrating the nation's birthday was a local tradition that died off, and then came back in 2012, Beaver said. Years ago, Fulton residents celebrated Independence Day on a piece of private property, but when that was sold, the event stopped. This parade came from a need to recognize the origins of the United States.
"It was started by some guys who served (in the military) and didn't want to ignore our country's birthday," Beaver said. "Tom Maupin and Steve Moore, the City Councilman, and I were in conversation one day. We said we did basically nothing to celebrate our country's birthday."
The annual parade was born from that moment, he added. This year's parade will include first responders such as fire, police, EMS and deputies.
"There will be quite a few old cars," Beaver said of the Callaway Cruisers club.
A giant flag will be carried down the street, and in the forefront of the parade, members of the 83rd Helpers will hand out flags. Fulton Professional Firefighters will provide the color guard, and the Fulton High School summer band also will march.
People interested in participating can call Beaver at 573-220-7589 or Maupin at 220-0735. There is no charge to participate. Applications also may be picked up at Fulton City Hall or the chamber of commerce.
"We're just happy that people accepted it the way they did," Beaver said.
Other celebrations
There's fun to be had elsewhere in Callaway County, as well.
Dozens of firework booths have sprouted around the county to serve DIY pyrotechnicians. Check the sidebar for ordinances and safety tips that may apply.
Holts Summit will have its annual Fourth of July festival on July 3 at Greenway Park. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with music from Kricket Alley. Vendors and food trucks will be on hand. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m.
While the city of Auxvasse doesn't have any Fourth of July events planned, there's sure to be plenty of patriotic spirit at the Auxvasse Rodeo on Friday and Saturday.
Organized jointly by the Callaway Youth Expo and the Callaway and Montgomery County Cattleman's Association, the rodeo will take place at Lion's Club Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the gate, and children 6 and younger may watch for free.
Near New Bloomfield, Guthrie Community Christian Church has a celebration planned for 7 p.m Saturday. Stop by for hot dogs and other refreshments.
Fulton fireworks will be shot off later in the day from the Fulton Country Club.