It may be the event of the year for the city of Miami, which is preparing for its pre-July 4 celebration this Saturday, culminating with a large fireworks display.
Events will kick off with a baby contest at 3 p.m. in the Miami Community Building, with all parents required to register their children for judging by 2:30 p.m.
Next, residents and visitors will watch the Independence Day parade which kicks off at 4 p.m. and anyone is welcome to join.
“It’s for anybody that has a float and wants to put it in. There will be floats, pull-carts and horses,” said organizing committee member Rita Taylor.
The popular hog roast supper, an all-you-can-eat meal of pork, baked beans, scalloped potatoes, desserts and drinks, begins at 4:30 and goes to 7:30 p.m. Meal tickets cost $6.50 for adults ($6 in advance), $3.50 for children ages 6 to 12 ($3 advance) and free for children under 6.
Another highlight of Miami’s annual celebration growing in popularity is the Redneck Olympics, which features a variety of unique “athletic” events.
“It’s just a silliness thing they’ve kind of started, but it has drawn many men and women,” said Taylor. “I guess it draws really good. They have a lot of fun.”
Some past events in the Saline County version of the Olympics have included the hay toss and a shot glass water relay.
“It seems like it gets a little better every year,” laughed Taylor.
A number of children’s games will also be held around the community building including a duck pond and dunking booth, which open at 5:30 p.m. There will be also drawings throughout the day with numerous prizes including a television and DVD.
The evening will be capped off by fireworks after dark and a dance from 8 p.m. to midnight featuring the band Full House.
Miami’s pre-July 4 celebration has been running, and growing for over a decade with all proceeds going to support and maintain the community’s buildings and attracts visitors from across Carroll and Saline counties.
“My family, who don’t live around here, they usually come so I have a lot of fun with it,” said Taylor.
