Friday June 19, 2026
WATERFEST SET FOR SATURDAY AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE
The Redman Creek Beach at Wappapello Lake will be the site for a free day of activities this weekend.
The Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting Ranger Willie’s Waterfest from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday.
Park Rangers will be on hand to play games, teach visitors how to stay safe around the water, and give away prizes to participating beachgoers.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-7500.
BACON PARK TO HOST JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Bacon Park in Poplar Bluff has been chosen as the location for the 2026 Juneteenth celebration.
The event will begin at 10 am on Saturday, June 20th.
There will be multiple events and vendors as a part of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, including a car show, a basketball tournament, talent show, arts and crafts, and a fireworks show.
For more information, contact Harvey Heard at 573-712-0719.
MULTIPLE BANDS TO PERFORM THIS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT THE ANIMAL WELFARE ALLIANCE
Multiple bands will be taking the stage this weekend to raise money for the Animal Welfare Alliance No-Kill Shelter.
The Animal Welfare Alliance’s Band-A-Palooza will begin at 6:30 pm on Saturday at The Camp at Lake Wappapello.
Tickets are $10 at the gate and will allow you to see performances by Upland South Trio, Just Enough, Rio and the Only Dads, and more. Kids age 10 and under get in for free.
There will also be multiple raffles during the event.
More information is available on the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri’s Facebook page.
DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO BE TODAY FOR JUNETEENTH
Missouri state officials are reminding motorists that driver examinations will not be available today.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed today in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Officials say that normal operations will resume on Monday.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
If you are going to be shooting off fireworks at home during the summer season, officials are reminding you to do so in a safe manner.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has released some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.
The CPSC advises parents to never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and always have adult supervision when kids of any age are playing with fireworks, including sparklers.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Also, never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel.
Also remember to check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.
11TH ANNUAL ST. JUDE VIP BANQUET SET FOR AUGUST 7TH
The 11th Annual St. Jude VIP Banquet in Poplar Bluff is coming in August.
The event, put on annually by Poplar Bluff Heroes, is scheduled for Friday, August 7th at the Black River Coliseum.
Officials say that doors will open for the event at 5 pm and in addition to dinner, there will also be Live and Silent Auctions, Games, Raffles, and more.
Tickets can be purchased for $50 each or $575 to reserve a table for 10 people.
For more information, call 573-718-2875.