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But honestly, it’s all about the fireworks.

Here are 50 (it’s really 49, but who’s counting?) ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, from June 27 through July 12:

Lemay: Jefferson Barracks Blast

• When: 5-9:30 p.m. June 27
• Where: Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, Jefferson Barracks Park, 345 North Road W, Lemay
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Food trucks will begin serving at 5 p.m., but this annual event at Jefferson Barracks County Park (not Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery) kicks into high gear at 7 p.m., with a musical performance by Mirage. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: Red, White and Bluey

• When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 27, 9-11 a.m. June 29
• Where: Wild Sprouts Play Place, 3010 N. 3rd St., ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
• How much: $25 (admits one child and two adults)
• More info: 

Kids' favorite blue dog will be on hand (6:15-7:15 p.m. June 27 and 9:30-10:30 a.m. June 29) to meet and take pictures with his fans. Also, there will be themed crafts, a playroom (wear socks) and what they are calling "interactive fun."

Wright City

• When: 5-9:30 p.m. June 27
• Where: Lions Club, 678 Westwoods Rd., Wright City
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Because of Independence Day, the First Friday event is being moved to the Fourth Friday of June, with food, drink, vendors, etc., plus fireworks.

Festus/Crystal City Firecracker Festival

• When: 4-11 p.m. June 27, 3-11 p.m. June 28
• Where: Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 2232-2292 Old State Highway A, Festus
• How much: Free (carnival rides are $2.50-$5)
• More info: 

Along with fishing derbies for kids and seniors, there will be carnival rides, a car show, music by headliner Collin Raye (8:30 p.m. June 28), SuperJam (7 p.m. June 27) and the Johnathan Braddy Band (6 p.m. June 28). Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. June 28.

Arnold

• When: 5-11 p.m. June 28
• Where: Arnold City Park, 2800 Bradley Beach Rd., Arnold
• How much: Free
• More info: 

It just isn't Independence Day without a pie-eating contest. Arnold has one, thankfully, along with a sack race (almost as important), food vendors, lawn games, a glow parade, music by Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys, and fireworks beginning around 9:30 p.m.

South Roxana: Fun Family Festival

• When: 5-10 p.m. June 28
• Where:  South Roxana Dad's Club, 417 Roxana Ave., South Roxana
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Food trucks will serve everything from Tex-Mex to sno-cones, plus there will be bingo, games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and vendor before a fireworks display.

Arnold: First Baptist Church

• When: 9:30 p.m. June 29
• Where: First Baptist Church of Arnold, 2012 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Rd., Arnold
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only, with music simulcast over the radio.

Sunset Hills: Faith Church Night of Freedom

• When: 7:30-10 p.m. July 1
• Where: Faith Church Sunset Hills, 13001 Gravois Rd., Sunset Hills
• How much: Free
• More info: 

The evening begins with prayer, and then moves to bounce houses, food trucks and fireworks.

Webster Groves 

• When: 5-11 p.m. July 2-3, 2-9 p.m. July 4, 1-11 p.m. July 5
• Where: Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves
• How much: Free (tickets required for rides)
• More info: 

The Webster Groves Lions Club is throwing a carnival and barbecue, complete with rides, live music (After Midnight, Mindbenders, Bluestone Roots, Off Topic) and a drone show at 9 p.m. July 5. Meanwhile, the City of Webster Groves will present a community parade beginning at 10 a.m. July 4 and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 at Memorial Field, 33 E. Glendale Rd.

Granite City

• When: July 2-6
• Where: Wilson Park, 2900 Benton St., Granite City
• How much:  Free
• More info: 

In Granite City, the Fourth of July is a four-day affair. It starts on July 2 with a drive-in movie to be announced. July 4, live music will begin at 6:30 p.m., topped off at 9:15 p.m. by fireworks. July 5 is the busiest day, with a 5K Dash and Splash, a vendor fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and a car show from 12-2 p.m. On July 6, a co-ed softball tournament will be held.

Alton

• When: 5-9:30 p.m. July 3
• Where: Alton Amphitheatre, 1 Riverfront Dr., Alton
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Food trucks and live entertainment begin at 5 p.m., with the 399th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood playing at 8 p.m. Fireworks over the Mississippi River begin at 9:30 p.m.

O'Fallon, Illinois

• When: Dusk, July 3
• Where: O'Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Rd., O'Fallon, Illinois
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only.

O'Fallon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: Heritage & Freedom Fest 

• When: 4-10 p.m. July 3; noon-10 p.m. July 4; 4-11 p.m. July 5; 4-10 p.m. July 6
• Where: Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O'Fallon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
• How much: Free
• More info: 

This one has it all: Concerts (headliners are Neon Trees and Gabby Barrett), a carnival with a midway (rides have a fee), vendors, games, side shows, artist demonstrations, a family night (July 3), and a parade (beginning 9:30 a.m. July 4 at Main Street and Civic Drive, then marching to the parade grounds). Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4 and 10:15 p.m. July 5.

Sauget: Gateway Grizzlies

• When: After the games July 3-5; games begin at 7:05 p.m.
• Where: 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget
• How much: $14.50-$35
• More info: 

With the Gateway Grizzlies, you don't just get to see fireworks, you first get to watch high-scoring Frontier League baseball, as the Grizzlies take on the Washington Wild Things (July 3) and the Lake Erie Crushers (July 4-5).

St. Louis: Celebrate St. Louis

• When: 4-10 p.m. July 3, 2-10 p.m. July 4
• Where: St. Louis Riverfront, Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., at and around the Gateway Arch
• How much: Free
• More info: 

The annual parade has been moved to the fall and the annual air show doesn't seem to be on the schedule this year, but with the festival returning to two days this year, there will be twice as much fun. There will be live music all day long, highlighted by Russell Dickerson (8:25 p.m. July 3) and Gavin DeGraw (8:10 p.m. July 4), a drone show at 9:25 July 4 and, of course, the can't-miss  fireworks beginning at 9:40 p.m. both nights.

St. Louis: Fireworks Riverboat Cruise 

• When: 7:30 p.m. July 3-4
• Where: St. Louis Riverfront, 50 Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd.
• How much: $32, $26 ages 3-12, not recommended for children under 3. Reservations required.
• More info: 

The closest you can get to the fireworks is on a riverboat docked on the Mississippi River. These cruises promise that, as well as an evening cruise, Dixieland music and food and drink available on board.

Twin Oaks

• When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 3
• Where: Pavilion at Twin Oaks Park, 1 Twin Oaks Ct., Twin Oaks
• How much: Free
• More info: 

If you don't know Twin Oaks, it is a village with just over 600 residents located around the intersection of Route 141 and Big Bend Road. The Laytham and Holmes Duo will perform, followed by the fireworks display at around 9:15 p.m.

Union

• When: 6:30-10 p.m. July 3
• Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 600 Progress Parkway, Union
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Food and drink will be available for purchase, or bring your own. Expect a beer garden, barrel rides and balloon sculpting. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. or thereabouts.

Affton: Oakland House

• When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4
• Where: Oakland House Museum, 7801 Genesta St., Affton
• How much: $22, $8 under 12
• More info: 

They have been celebrating Independence Day at the Oakland House since 1853. This year, the celebration will involve barbecue, along with house tours, music, games and raffles, but no fireworks because the event ends at 2 p.m.

Bridgeton

• When: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex, 13161 Taussig Rd., Bridgeton
• How much: Free
• More info: 

A 10 a.m. parade begins on Lockport Drive and ends at the Machinists Hall, with food and drink along the way and awards issued after it is over. A festival, with live music, begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks expected at dark, around 9 p.m.

Central West End

• When: 10 a.m.-noon July 4
• Where: 399 N. Euclid Ave.
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Festive attire and flags are encouraged at this family-friendly neighborhood celebration. A brass band-led parade (with songs!) starts everything at 10 a.m., followed by free hot dogs and Sno Cones, plus face painters and balloon twisters.

Chesterfield

• When: 6:30 p.m. to dark, July 4
• Where: Chesterfield Athletic Valley Complex, 17925 N. Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield
• How  Free 
• More info: 

Vote for Pedro will be the featured band, beginning at 7 p.m., with fireworks starting around 9 p.m. But there will also be a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable bounce things in the Kids Zone and performers from Circus Kaput, plus food trucks with tempting things to eat and drink. A 5K run ($35) begins at 8:30 a.m. and a Kids Fun Run ($15) starts at 9:30 a.m. 

City Museum: Electric Sky

• When: 7-11 p.m. July 4
• Where: City Museum, 750 N. 16th St.
• How much: $35, $25 members (includes all-day access to the City Museum)
• More info: 

Held on the City Museum's roof (or in the Architecture Hall in case of rain), this party features all of the City Museum's craziness plus face painting, balloon artists, a Ready Go Dog show, a DJ and all of the fireworks displays you can see from the top of the building.

Columbia, Illinois

• When:  11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4
• Where: American Legion Park, 375 E. Locust St., Columbia, Illinois
• How much: Free
• More info:  

A washers tournament, a bingo game and a kloepper tournament (it's a card game; if you have to ask, you probably won't win) are the competitive highlights of the day that also includes barbecue, beer, fish, hamburgers, live music by Brian McKelvey and fireworks at dusk.

Ellisville

• When: 7-9:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer Creek Road, Ellisville
• How much: Free
• More info: 

The music will be by Griffin and the Gargoyles, the food will be barbecue, the drinks will be flowing and the fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Eureka

• When: 6-10 p.m. July 4 (rain date is July 5)
• Where: Central Avenue Spur, 394 S. Central Ave., Eureka
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Eureka is getting fancy for its Independence Day celebration. The fireworks (beginning at 9:15 p.m.) will be coordinated with music from the stage. Music by the Count of Monte Carlo band, food by various vendors. Please leave glass bottles at home.

Ferguson

• When: 6-10 p.m., parade begins at 10 a.m., July 4
• Where: January-Wabash Memorial Park, 501 N. Florissant Rd., Ferguson
• How much: Free
• More info: 

This year's parade theme is Ferguson, Fireworks, Firefighters & Fun. The festival begins at 6 p.m., with Fatpocket starting to play at 7. There will also be a Kids Zone and food before fireworks start around 9:15 or 9:30 p.m.

Godfrey: Family Fun Festival 

• When: 5-9:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Along with a cow train (a slightly train-like ride pulled by a tractor and decorated vaguely like cows), Godfrey will also offer face painting, balloon art, inflatables, a watermelon-eating contest, inflatables and vendors, all topped off by fireworks.

Grafton: Fireworks Sunset Cruise

• When: 6:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: 215 W. Water St., Grafton
• How much: $36
• More info: 

The Hakuna Matata tour boat will do its usual thing, cruising up and down the Mississippi River until it docks at 8:30 p.m. with a great view of fireworks. The boat's tiki bar will be open and serving, but bring your own dinner.

Hazelwood

• When: Dusk, July 4
• Where: White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Rd., Hazelwood
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only.

Highland

• When: Around 9 p.m. July 4
• Where: Korte Recreation Center in Glik Park, 1 Nagel Dr., Highland
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only.

Hillsboro: Jefferson County Fairgrounds

• When: 5-10:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, Hillsboro
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Concessions, pony rides and fireworks.

Kirkwood Freedom Festival

• When: 5 p.m.-dark July 4
• Where: Kirkwood Park, 111 S. Geyer Rd., Kirkwood
• How much: Free
• More info: 

In Kirkwood, they're celebrating the Fourth with food trucks, live music, family fun and fireworks. If it rains, it will all happen on July 5.

Manchester

• When: 6-9:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: Schroeder Park, 359 Old Meramec Station Rd., Manchester
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Enjoy the concessions, drink the beer and listen to the musical stylings of Butchwax and the Hollywoods before what they are calling Manchester's only fireworks display. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, but do not bring any outside alcohol.

Mascoutah

• When: 12-10 p.m. July 4
• Where: Scheve Park, Harnett Street and Harper Road, Mascoutah
• How much:  Free
• More info: 

It's a carnival in Mascoutah, with rides, bounce houses, food, drink, live entertainment and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. If it rains, the fireworks will be shot off at 9:30 p.m. July 5.

O'Fallon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: 41st Annual Firecracker Run

• When: 7-8 a.m. July 4
• Where: O'Fallon Hoots' CarShield Field, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O'Fallon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
• How much: $36-$46
• More info: 

They get more than 1,000 racers for this annual event, which offers three races: a 10K, a 5K and a 1-mile fun run. 

Six Flags

• When: 9:05 p.m. July 4
• Where: Six Flags St. Louis, 4900 Six Flags Rd., Eureka
• How much: Free with regular admission of $35, $30 military or first responders
• More info: 

Fireworks set to patriotic music.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: New Town July 4 Parade

• When: 10 a.m. July 4
• Where: 3420 Civic Circle, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
• How much: Free
• More info: 

The planned community of New Town celebrates the Fourth every year with a parade featuring everything from golf carts to firetrucks.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Riverfest Celebration

• When: 12-10 p.m. July 4-5, 12-5 p.m. July 6
• Where: Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Dr., ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
• How much: Free
• More info: 

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ does its celebrations right. There will be a carnival each day of this festival, with a balloon artist, face painter and magic show. Ten different bands will perform in a variety of styles. The Fourth of July kicks off with a 10 a.m. parade from Blanchette Park to Boone's Lick, and ends with fireworks (on the Fourth only) beginning at 9:20 p.m., with music simulcast on the radio.

Troy

• When: After sunset, July 4
• Where: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Road, Troy
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only, sponsored by the Troy Rotary club.

Washington: Star-Spangled 4th

• When: 6-10 p.m. July 4
• Where: Washington Fairgrounds, 6 Fairground St., Washington
• How much: Free
• More info: 

This is the 101st year that American Legion Post 218 has been celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington. Along with the fairgrounds food stands, there will be at least six food trucks, a Kids Zone with face painting and Frisbee golf. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Weldon Spring

• When: 4-9:30 p.m. July 4
• Where: 5401 Independence Rd., Weldon Spring
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Weldon Spring's event is held on the perfectly named Independence Road. Sometimes a Fantasy provides the music, the food comes from a bunch of food trucks. With fireworks, naturally.

Wentzville

• When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., off and on, July 4
• Where: Wentzville
• How much: Free
• More info: 

Wentzville's Fourth of July Celebration begins with a 10 a.m. parade starting at the Wentzville Ice Arena, then heading down Luetkenhaus Boulevard, turning on Pearce Boulevard and ending at Allen Street. The pool at Progress Park will be free to residents only from noon to 5 p.m., and fireworks will be visible from Progress Park beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Winfield: Redemption Ranch

• When: 6-10 p.m. July 4
• Where: Redemption Ranch, Winfield
• How much: $10 (free 12 and under)
• More info: 

The nonprofit Redemption Ranch hosts its third annual July 4 event, with food trucks, bounce houses, a bubble bus, a petting zoo, face painting and fireworks.

Edwardsville

• When: 4-9:30 p.m. July 5
• Where: American Legion Post 199, 58 State Route 157, Edwardsville
• How much: Free
• More info: 

An Air Force band will play at 4:30 p.m., the Edwardsville Municipal Band at 7:30 p.m., and there will also be food trucks, drink specials and family games, followed, unsurprisingly, by fireworks, which will begin at dusk.

Grafton

• When: Around 9:30 p.m., July 5
• Where: Grafton Riverfront, Water Street, Grafton
• How much:  Free
• More info: 

Fireworks only.

Innsbrook

• When: 9:15 p.m. July 5
• Where: Aspen Center, 993 Aspen Lake Circle Drive, Innsbrook
• How much: Free (funded by corporate and resident donations)
• More info: 

Fireworks only, but they're calling it the largest private fireworks show in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

Maryland Heights: Westport Plaza Have a Blast Bash

• When: 4-10 p.m. July 5
• Where: Westport Plaza, 111 West Port Plaza Dr., Maryland Heights
• How much: Free
• More info: 

The Westport Plaza folks promise family-oriented activities, including a pie-eating contest at 7 p.m. Live music will be by Jam and DJ Dawson, with Dee Dee James, of the Dirty Muggs, performing the National Anthem. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Sublette Park

• When: Dusk, July 12
• Where: Sublette Park, 5701 Arsenal Street
• How much: Free
• More info: 

It's never too late for fireworks. The Hill celebrates Independence Day this year with a fireworks display on July 12, so you can celebrate Bastille Day at the same time.