The Arnold Independence Day celebration on June 26 at Arnold City Park was not washed out, despite numerous downpours throughout the event.
About 1,000 people showed up and endured at least 15 rain showers during the approximately five-hour event, which returned after a two-year absence, said Teresa Kohut, recreation supervisor with the Arnold Parks and Recreation Department.
The city did not hold a Fourth of July celebration in 2019 because of flooding, and it was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even with the rainy weather, Kohut said those who attended the event last weekend enjoyed it.
“They said it would be something they would talk about years from now,” she said.
The event included a hot dog-eating contest for adults, a children’s cupcake-eating contest, a three-legged race, a balloon-toss competition and a parade before the evening was capped off with a fireworks display.
The event also included a performance by the band Wildfire, which played on the main stage sponsored by Arsenal Credit Union.
In addition, the celebration included train rides for children and their parents. Balloon animals were handed out, and a bubble bus was at the event.
“Participation in the events was very high,” Kohut said. “I would say about 70 percent of the people participated. That was great.”
VIP tents were added to the event, which also were a hit, Kohut said.
The 16 tents previously were used to provide covering for vendors at the Farmers Market before a pavilion was constructed, and for the Independence Day event, they were rented and set up along a fence line near Bradley Beach Road and a tree line behind where most people watch the fireworks show.
It cost $190 to rent a tent, which included two reserved parking passes, 10 tickets for the Jaycees’ beer booth and a table.
Tent renters could pay an additional $100 to have a private portable restroom set up near their tent.
Kohut said the Parks Department is looking into making the tents available at other city events, like Arnold Days.
More Fourth of July celebrations slated throughout Jefferson County this week, including one starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at St. Pius X High School, 1030 St. Pius Drive, in Crystal City, a fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Arnold, 2012 Missouri State Road; and a celebration starting at 3 p.m. at the Meramec Arnold Elks, 1515 Miller Road, in Imperial.