An estimated 18,000 people attended the 36th annual Twin City Firecracker Festival held last weekend, Festus recreation and tourism director Barb Lowry reported.
The two-day festival took place June 27-28 at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus and offered carnival rides, vendors, a car show, live music and a variety of other entertainment.
Lowry said the lion’s share of the attendees came the evening of June 28, when country music star Collin Raye performed.
“Attendance was very good,” she said. “We estimated we had 15,000 on (June 28). That was just on the field in front of the stage where Collin Raye performed. I don’t have an estimate of how many more were at the carnival area. On (June 27), we had 2,000 to 3,000.”
Lowry said she the festival dodged the rain that popped up around Festus and Crystal City both days.
“We got little sprinkles,” she said. “But, no rain showers.”
In addition to Raye, the Superjam band performed the evening of June 27 and the Johnathan Braddy Band opened for Raye on June 28.
“The performers all did great,” Lowry said.
A Kids’ Fishing Derby and a Seniors’ Fishing Derby, both held the morning of June 28 at Brown Lake in the park, drew good participation, she said.
Throughout both days, attendees could visit about 60 craft and food vendor booths.
“That’s about what we normally get, as far as vendors,” Lowry said.
A petting zoo and pony rides also were offered both days.
The Firecracker Festival Car Show, held June 28 on the south side of Crites Park and sponsored by the Festus R-6 Foundation, once again was popular, Lowry said.
The Starfire Corporation put on the fireworks show the night of June 28 and wowed the crowd, she said.
“Everything went well,” Lowry said. “It’s like we’ve done this before. We are very pleased.”
Fair organizers received a $30,000 grant from the Festus Tourism Commission to help cover expenses. Other festival sponsors included the cities of Festus and Crystal City, the Festus Park Board, Leader Publications and KTJJ/KJFF.
Lowry said organizers are already thinking about the 2026 Twin City Firecracker Festival.
“Next year’s will be June 26-27,” she said.
Other area celebrations
July Fourth celebrations will be held in Hillsboro and De Soto on Friday. At 6 p.m. that day, a fireworks show will be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro. At 10 a.m. on Friday, a parade will be held along Main Street in De Soto, starting near Mahn Funeral Home. Then around dusk, a fireworks show will be held at the baseball field behind De Soto High School.
Then, on Saturday, Big River VFW Post 5331, at 1 Lynn Lane in Cedar Hill, will hold an Independence Day celebration starting at noon, with food and music. Fireworks will start at dusk.
St. Pius X Catholic High School in Crystal City already held an Independence Day celebration on June 26. The city of Arnold held one on June 28, and the First Baptist Church of Arnold held one on June 29.
Click to see more pictures from the event:
