Picnic in the Park returns Saturday for 20th year, celebrating America's 250th

TUPELO – The All-America City will celebrate the country's 250th anniversary in style this weekend with an afternoon of food, music, fun and fireworks.

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In this file photo taken July 4, 2021, fireworks reflect off the lake at Ballard Park during the fireworks display to close their city Fourth of July celebration.

The 40th annual Picnic in the Park will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ballard Park. The event will feature a kids' parade, multiple musical performances and fireworks display to cap off the night.

"It is something fun for everyone," Melonie Kight, marketing and social media director for the Tupelo Parks and Recreation Department, said. "Get here early and get some good parking."

The day starts at 4 p.m. with Mayor Todd Jordan lighting candles for America's 250th birthday cake at the Oren Dunn Museum and the children's parade in which participants ride bicycles and walk around the park. There will also be inflatables and plenty of refreshments, including free cookies. The Blind Eye DJ will also perform during the kids' hour.

Performances from Silas Caldwell, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and the Mighty McFly Band, from 7:45 to 9 p.m., will follow. Kight encouraged eventgoers to bring sunscreen, bug repellent and something to sit on, be it a blanket or lawn chairs.

"We're going to have a lot of vendors with plenty to drink, so stay hydrated because it is going to be hot," she said. "The playground is going to be open, and that is going to be fun."

Not only will there be free cookies, but several veterans organizations will also be giving out American flags while supplies last.

Parents will be asked to stop at the Tupelo Police Department's tent to get wristbands for their children, which will include their parents' information in case they get lost, an issue that Kight said has happened in the past. She also asked individuals to leave their pets at home, especially those that fear fireworks, as dogs can get off leash and run away in a moment of fear.

"We do have some kids that get turned around and can't find mom and dad," Kight said. "Most of them will go to police officers, but we want to make sure we head that off."

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