Cedar Hill Elks Lodge No. 2678 celebrated Independence Day with live music, BBQ and a 47-minute fireworks display.
The free event took place on July 4 at the lodge, 8430 Industrial Drive, in Cedar Hill.
Organizer Debbie Bennett, who is chairwoman of the Elks’ veterans committee, said this was the first time the lodge has hosted a fireworks show on the Fourth of July. The day included music from Close Enough to Country and Midwest’s Most Wanted, karaoke, a 40-foot obstacle course and water slide, games for children and a small local vendor’s market.
Bennett said at least a few hundred people came to the event, held from noon until after dark.
The lodge’s lengthy fireworks show drew national attention, with a representative from Phantom Fireworks interviewing members about the display, Bennett said.
“The fireworks were great,” she said. “This was our first time doing (the show) on the Fourth of July, and we didn’t know what to expect, but were hoping for the best. We’re all grateful that so many people showed up.”
Bennett said one of the highlights of the evening was when Penny Froud sang the national anthem.
“That was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Right after that, the band members went around and asked people why they were celebrating the 250th. They were talking about our freedoms because of the men and women who have fought and died for us. I got teary-eyed over that.”
Crystal Murray of House Springs agreed with Bennett, saying the rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner was fantastic. Her husband, Gil, is a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge but is in the process of transferring to the Cedar Hill lodge.
Murray said she loves the Cedar Hill community and said the Elks is a great organization.
“I’m meeting new people, new friends, and the kids are having a great time,” she said.
Genevieve Wycoff, a local mail carrier, came to the celebration with her family. Her son, Hunter, 12, was chowing down on corn on the cob prepared by the Elks Riders. The members also grilled brats, hot dogs and hamburgers, but they sold out earlier in the day, Bennett said.
“We’re having a great time,” Wycoff said. “I love the live music, and the atmosphere is so great. My son’s having a great time; he’s covered in corn. He’s addicted to it. If I would let him sit down for dinner and just have corn on the cob, he’d be in heaven.”
Katie Marshall of House Springs had a booth set up to sell her handcrafted items inside the lodge. Her business, Thistle & Hearth Mercantile, sells home goods such as hanging kitchen towels, bowl cozies and can koozies. She said the koozies were a hit at the event.
“(The business) actually started with making feed tote bags,” Marshall said. “I have a homestead, and so I reuse our feed bags to make tote bags. It just evolved from there.
“My newest additions are hanging towels and zipper pouches. I quilt, too, so a lot of stuff is made from pieces that I can’t use for quilting, but I can use them for something else. Everything gets a second life.”
Michelle Miller, along with her husband, Jeremy, were making cotton candy and selling popcorn and protein ice cream at the event with their business, Miller Sweets & The Traveling Hobbygirls.
Miller said cotton candy was a big hit for kids and adults alike. The couple makes their ice cream at the Elks’ commissary.
“This (event) has been really good for us,” Miller said. “We would definitely do it again if they ask us to.”
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