The City of Dexter is adding a little "boom" to their annual fireworks display this year with a new pyrotechnical contractor and the promise of a bigger than ever fireworks show. Other area firework displays include one at Bloomfield and one at Lake Wappapello.

The Dexter display will be held Saturday, July 5, at the East City Park and Aquatic Center beginning at dusk. Those attending the event who would like to sit in their vehicle can park on the asphalt street that runs east and west just south of the Fairgrounds. But great views are available from the park and the fairgrounds. Private firework displays are allowed.

The fireworks show this year will be put on by S & N Firework Displays of Lincoln, Illinois. It is their first year to have the contract for the display.

City Administrator Mark Stidham says the city did not have the annual event last year because of problems with the contractor, Dexter's fireworks have been a tradition for many years, and the city determined to continue it, Stidham says.

The fireworks will be launched from an area near the lagoons. All roads south of the paved road, including the levee road and the gravel road between the soccer field and baseball complex, will be closed. All other areas will be open for tailgate parties, a patch of ground for a blanket or just a place to park to watch from the comfort of your car. You might want to bring you own watermelon.

Speaking of comfort, the city has been busy treating the area for mosquito control since April. Stidham says the area will be treated again prior to the fireworks show. All that is needed is a little cooperation from the weather, Stidham adds.

Dexter residents are reminded that City Hall will be closed July 4.

For the third year in a row, the City of Bloomfield will be sponsoring a fireworks display at the City Park on July 4. The display will start as soon as it is dark enough.

The Bloomfield show ended for some years, before it returned under the Bloomfield Fire Department.

Assistant Fire Chief Michael B. Smith said the city is purchasing the fireworks from Wisdom Cosmic Sales, Inc. of Poplar Bluff. Fire department members will be "the shooters" for the event. Smth says the members are trained and certified to handle the setting off of the fireworks.

For those recreating at Lake Wappeppelo, a big fireworks display will be held Saturday, July 5, near the dam. The display will be at dark.

It will be preceded by a full day of activities, starting at 10 a.m. when entries will begin building cardboard boats. The cardboard boat race will be at 3 p.m. at Redman Creek Beach. It is all part of Willie's West 'n Wild Waterfest. The event is sponsored by he SEMO Regional Water Safety Council.

Other events during the day include a PFD fashion show at 10:30 a.m., a canoe race at 11:30 a.m. and sand sculpture contact beginning at 12:30 p.m. A special event is the Optical Hydra Illusion Obstacle challenge at 11 a.m. There will be dunking booth, tug-o-war, water balloon toss and watermelon eating contest throughout the afternoon. All events are at Redman Creek Beach.

For those coming later for the fireworks, Bo Bo the Clown (Irene Settle) will be doing a special performance for kids and the "young at heart" beginning at 7 p.m. at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center.

For more information about this event call 573-222-8139 or toll free at 1-877-LAKE INFO.