Plans in the Works for Effingham's 4th of July Celebration

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Published on June 30 2016 10:55 am
Last Updated on June 30 2016 10:55 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(EFFINGHAM CITY TOURISM DIRECTOR JODY THOELE, EFFINGHAM NOON ROTARY INCOMING PRESIDENT AMANDA McKAY AND EFFINGHAM MAYOR {AND NOON ROTARIAN} JEFF BLOEMKER POSE WITH A COMMEMORATIVE CHECK REFLECTING THE $20,000 CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE CITY TOWARD THE COST OF THE EFFINGHAM 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY)

Effingham Noon Rotary, the Effingham Knights of Columbus Council, and the City of Effingham are working together to make it an Independence Day celebration to remember.

Noon Rotary has taken over organization of the fireworks display in Effingham and the ceremony at Klosterman Field just ahead of the fireworks display. The City has contributed financially to help with the cost of the display. The Knights are hosting their third annual Parking Lot Party the evening of the 4th.

Gates will open at Effingham High School at 7pm. There will be free parking and seating for the public at Klosterman Field. An opening ceremony at 9pm will feature a color guard and the National Anthem, followed by the fireworks display. Concessions will be available.

In addition, the amusements that were in place for the Sacred Heart Parish Picnic will be open not only on the 4th, but also on Sunday, the 3rd, from 4-10pm each night. Net proceeds will be shared by Noon Rotary and Sacred Heart Parish. It's an effort to establish a 4th of July Festival in Effingham.

Meanwhile, the Parking Lot Party at the Knights of Columbus Building will feature an outdoor stage with two bands set to perform. "Identity Crisis" will perform from 5:30pm until the fireworks display. The band features music from Katy Perry and Lady Gaga as well as songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. "Flight Fifty" will perform immediately following the fireworks, featuring classic rock music.

Hamburgers, porkburgers and hot dogs will go on sale by the Knights at 6pm. An outside bar will open at noon. All of the Parking Lot Party activities are open to the public.

The City of Effingham has contributed $20,000 toward the cost of this year's fireworks display.